Seat questions - material/construction

[ultramega]

Does anyone know 100% which seat panels are moo cow and which are fake cow? The backs are definitely fake cow, as are the outers of the thigh bolsters. Obviously the front facings are moo cow, but what about the sides and back of the headrest? And the outers of the upper bolsters (where the airbag is)?
In the photos I am pointing to panels which are definitely fake cow, based on being able to access the back side and confirm.

This one is pretty obvious: slightly different grain from the leather and still has a very 'new' looking colour.

Actually, looking at the following it's a bit more obvious in the photo than in real life.


Next question, is it possible to remove the headrests? Is there a secret button to extract them somehow?

Lastly, has anyone retrofitted lumbar support? I saw mentioned in another thread that all the seats are pre-wired for it, so would it just be a case of installing and connecting the 4 way control switch?

Thanks,
ultramega

 

[Silverstar]

As far as I know the headrests can't be extracted / removed as they form part of the seat. Also AFAIK the seats are all leather except for the side of the side thigh supports near the centre console areas which is fabric. It's what BMW call Kansas leather which is basically the cheapest basic leather that they used but it is still leather.

 

[ultramega]

As far as I know the headrests can't be extracted / removed as they form part of the seat.

Ah okay. I see now on RealOEM that the headrest frame is part of the seat back, just as you said.

Also AFAIK the seats are all leather except for the side of the side thigh supports near the centre console areas which is fabric. It's what BMW call Kansas leather which is basically the cheapest basic leather that they used but it is still leather.

The sections I'm pointing to in the photos are 100% pleather. Not just from the grain, but from being able to feel the back of the material - it's woven base rather than suede. It's very convincing pleather though, which is why I'm still unsure of a couple of panels!

 

[flybobbie]

I've just had my driver seat apart to fit heated mats.
It's hard to tell what it's made from. Seems like leather, has that furry back. Can see it's like 3 layers.
But being beige i scrubbed them with bleach and came up like new.
I'm not sure real leather would take that punishment. But being highly processed it probably has good protective layer.
Certainly doesn't smell of leather, father was in leather trade, so a smell i can't forget. But tanning now different.
https://www.leather-dictionary.com/index.php/Car_leather#BMW

Kansas leather, must be from those cows i saw being rendered on a US tv programme.

My seat only had what was needed for the bolster supports, pump and pipes, nothing extra from what i could see.
Thinking about it i could have possibly moved the bolster to be a lumbar support? Didn't really take that much notice.

 

[ultramega]

I've just had my driver seat apart to fit heated mats.

Ooh, interesting. Was removing the cover easy? Did you manage to remove the headrest?

EDIT: I just found your thread!