Seatbacks Repaired

[BumpyZ4]

My 2003 3.0 had the typical seatback falling off problem. Over the last few weeks when I had time I repaired the seatbacks with fiberglass and resin and recovered them in Alcantara. I also ditched the plastic pins at the bottom of the seatback and used spring nuts and screws for a more secure install.

The hardest part was removing and installing the net which wasn't meant to be removed! Heat gun and some pliers got it off then I had to make a tool to melt the pegs back in. Gotta love BMW!

 

[oldgitdave]

My 2003 3.0 had the typical seatback falling off problem. Over the last few weeks when I had time I repaired the seatbacks with fiberglass and resin and recovered them in Alcantara. I also ditched the plastic pins at the bottom of the seatback and used spring nuts and screws for a more secure install.

The hardest part was removing and installing the net which wasn't meant to be removed! Heat gun and some pliers got it off then I had to make a tool to melt the pegs back in. Gotta love BMW!

That looks like a really neat job. Well done .
Mine's been falling off ever since I bought the car. I keep bodging it but I think you've given me the inspiration to get a more permanent job done. Thanks!

 

[e85van]

Old thread I know - but I’m doing the same job. Wondering what you might have used to re-install the net on the seat-back. I was thinking of filing each of the hollow areas in the net mounts with epoxy then drilling out a small hole in each and securing from the back with screws/washers. I also thought about just using hot glue from the back side (or a combination of both).

Let me know what you used and how well it has worked.

 

[BumpyZ4]

What I did was take a small steel rod, ground a point on it, and attached a "T" nut (you could use a washer). I then heated it with a propane torch and then inserted into the net's plastic nubs that hold it on to the back. It worked great and they almost look factory.

 

[e85van]

Great idea!! Wish I would have take pics but I elected to fill the hollow areas of each drilled out plastic mount with a thickened epoxy. The I drilled and tapped the epoxy so it could accept a small screw. It all of the plastic attachments lent themselves to this approach. In those instances, I filed (and overfilled) the hollow attachment with contractor grade hot glue. I’ll take pics tomo and, if I can figure out how to post them, I will.

Best,
E85van

 

[SteatoLegato]

Was it difficult to re-upholster the seatbacks? There's fluffy orange stuff that makes alcantara stick poorly - any tips on how to make sure it lays flat and nice? thanks!

 

[e85van]

I used marine grade vinyl with a leather grain look. The fabric had a slight amount of stretch which helped with application. I used 3M spray adhesive for application and it all went together seamlessly. I did have to cut a number of slits in the back of the fabric to ensure there were no wrinkles exposed. All in all I took my time but it was fairly easy to do. Good luck!!

 

[BumpyZ4]

Was it difficult to re-upholster the seatbacks? There's fluffy orange stuff that makes alcantara stick poorly - any tips on how to make sure it lays flat and nice? thanks!

You have to make sure you remove all the old remaining foam and glue. I used a gel paint remover and after a few minutes just scraped it off. I installed the alcantara with 3M spray adhesive and 4 years later it still looks good.