Leather Scratch Repair?

MDLFCS · 06-25-2010, 02:05 AM

When I was applying the BMW leather care on my seat, I had the rag and the bottle cap in one hand and the bottle on the other. As I was wiping the seat, I dragged the bottom of the cap on to it. So, I have a surface scratch and attempted to rub it with the leather lotion, making it worse.

My local dealer says that I need to replace the seatback cover at $3500, I checked on BMWFans.Info and it was around $600. I asked the another dealer out of state to check out the pricing, but no response yet after I gave them the VIN.

What other options can you suggest? It doesn't seems to be too bad, but I would like to keep it looking nice. I have seen a couple of leather repair kits, but I could not find the one that matches the color and if the sun reflective coating is added with the repair.

Thanks!

Rafale · 06-25-2010, 02:14 AM

I'd say try a local detailer and see if they can repair it. It is risky to use the repair kit if you are no familiar with it and not mess it up.

Alext · 06-25-2010, 02:52 AM

IS it the nappa leather?

Dr Stig 2 · 06-25-2010, 04:56 AM

Over here we have specialist leather repairers who do a great job for a small price (relatively).
They melt and match the leather surface with chemicals and heat, then match the grain.
I had it done to a couch and you could never tell they repaired it.
I'm sure you will have the same type of service in the land of the free and the brave...

BTW delivery expected on the 5 or 6th of July... and counting.

mrboon · 06-25-2010, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alext

IS it the nappa leather?

looks like it...

i heard you can do it with an iron and a towel.

MDLFCS · 06-25-2010, 05:52 AM

Yes, Ivory White Nappa leather.

Alaska is way out in the boonies

But, there is a Dr. Vinyl place and bits of upholstery shops I can try. I don't have experiences with them though.

I thought this is something I could do myself, but from the recommendations here, I need to take it to the pros.

Better than torching or burning my Z4 to the ground

Thanks!

lux good · 06-25-2010, 06:04 AM

Tipp-Ex!!

MDLFCS · 06-25-2010, 06:12 AM

Tipp-Ex = Wite-Out or liquid paper or white out

Alext · 06-25-2010, 06:53 AM

Yeah a specialist should be able to fix it. Nappa has a smoother finish.

I had 'Carbon Leather' (carbon fibre pattern and slight texture) in a car that eventually got worn...that was impossible to fix.

msimon18 · 06-25-2010, 11:05 AM

The issue is that you are scraping the bolster on the seat with your butt or hip as you enter the car. very typical - has happened to me on EVERY car I have had with similar leather seating surfaces. The last time I was able to get BMW to replace it at their cost after about 18 months of owning the car but it happened again. hat was on a 335i cab.

You can definitely have a leather repair shop fix it but be advised it WILL happen again. Best bet is to just try to be a bit more careful when entering the car....

Dr Stig 2 · 06-25-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msimon18

The issue is that you are scraping the bolster on the seat with your butt or hip as you enter the car. very typical - has happened to me on EVERY car I have had with similar leather seating surfaces. The last time I was able to get BMW to replace it at their cost after about 18 months of owning the car but it happened again. hat was on a 335i cab.

You can definitely have a leather repair shop fix it but be advised it WILL happen again. Best bet is to just try to be a bit more careful when entering the car....

MSIMIM18:

It was the bottle cap of the leather cleaner...

PS Liked yoru work on the iPhone thread as well.

CDT: 9 days to go...

MDLFCS · 06-25-2010, 06:19 PM

Thank you for the advice about entering in the car. I am trying to be careful getting inside and out of the car, performing acrobatics while at it. Opening the top helps things easier, though.

BMW needs to smooth out the sharp underside of the bottle cap!

msimon18 · 06-25-2010, 07:07 PM

Wow... bottle cap !! Really have to be careful here. The seats are very good quality but it only takes one really harsh skid into the car or something sticking out of your back pocket to do a number on the bolster.

Roadstergal · 06-26-2010, 07:13 AM

[QUOTE=MDLFCS;7563721]Thank you for the advice about entering in the car. I am trying to be careful getting inside and out of the car, performing acrobatics while at it. Opening the top helps things easier, though.

I have the nappa leather, too. I am also careful about taking care of the leather. What I do upon entering and exiting the car to avoid the slide and the rub of the side bolster, is slide my seat back. I find that there is a lot less contact with the side bolster.

msimon18 · 06-26-2010, 09:24 AM

Good idea, but generally women are a bit smaller than men and I am sure find it a bit easier to 'install' themselves intot he seat without contacting the bolster...... Good idea anyway..

Memphis1 · 06-26-2010, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadstergal

I have the nappa leather, too. I am also careful about taking care of the leather. What I do upon entering and exiting the car to avoid the slide and the rub of the side bolster, is slide my seat back. I find that there is a lot less contact with the side bolster.

i go in sideways, butt facing the center console, and contorting into position as i slide in, i never touch the side bolster.

Roadstergal · 06-26-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis1

i go in sideways, butt facing the center console, and contorting into position as i slide in, i never touch the side bolster.

Good idea. I'll have to add step to the sliding back of the seat.

richard in NC · 06-26-2010, 12:33 PM

My friend always complains about getting in the Z4. I have no problems but he is bigger than me. It did make me think through how I do it.
I put my right foot on the floor board and using a hand on the door and/or my right hand on the wheel, I simply drop into the seat. I then swing around and get my left foot in. I don't really drag over either the back or the thigh bolster. Getting in the passenger side might be a bit more effort, not having the steering wheel as a hand hold. When exiting I swing my left foot out and use my left hand on the door sill to get up out of the car.

BlueZ4AZ · 06-26-2010, 04:35 PM

A good leather repair specialist should be able repair that and match the color. Labor should not cost more than $75.

$3500 for a new surface!!!??? Dealers really crack me up.

Here's the dealer's thought process 95% of the time.................Customer needs help = give answer that makes us the most money

Dr Stig 2 · 06-26-2010, 05:41 PM

[QUOTE=Roadstergal;7565603]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDLFCS

Thank you for the advice about entering in the car. I am trying to be careful getting inside and out of the car, performing acrobatics while at it. Opening the top helps things easier, though.

I have the nappa leather, too. I am also careful about taking care of the leather. What I do upon entering and exiting the car to avoid the slide and the rub of the side bolster, is slide my seat back. I find that there is a lot less contact with the side bolster.

YOU OPEN THE DOORS?!?

I thought the standard Z4 entry was to run at the car, leap in the air, and land safely behind the wheel.
I've seen it on American TV, it must be true.

Memphis1 · 06-26-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadstergal

Good idea. I'll have to add step to the sliding back of the seat.

it's kinda like doing the hokey pokey

06-25-2010, 02:05 AM	#1
MDLFCS Private First Class 14 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 2009 Zee Four 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	Leather Scratch Repair? When I was applying the BMW leather care on my seat, I had the rag and the bottle cap in one hand and the bottle on the other. As I was wiping the seat, I dragged the bottom of the cap on to it. So, I have a surface scratch and attempted to rub it with the leather lotion, making it worse. My local dealer says that I need to replace the seatback cover at $3500, I checked on BMWFans.Info and it was around $600. I asked the another dealer out of state to check out the pricing, but no response yet after I gave them the VIN. What other options can you suggest? It doesn't seems to be too bad, but I would like to keep it looking nice. I have seen a couple of leather repair kits, but I could not find the one that matches the color and if the sun reflective coating is added with the repair. Thanks! Attached Images Last edited by MDLFCS; 06-25-2010 at 02:13 AM..
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06-25-2010, 02:14 AM	#2
Rafale Zed Quatre 24 Rep 410 Posts Drives: '11 Z4 35is & '11 535xi GT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR. USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 535i GT xDrive [0.00] 2011 Z4 35is [7.00]	I'd say try a local detailer and see if they can repair it. It is risky to use the repair kit if you are no familiar with it and not mess it up.
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06-25-2010, 02:52 AM	#3
Alext Banned 139 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	IS it the nappa leather?
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06-25-2010, 04:56 AM	#4
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane 53 Rep 1,464 Posts Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW Z4 35is [10.00] 2013 BMW X5 30d [0.00]	Over here we have specialist leather repairers who do a great job for a small price (relatively). They melt and match the leather surface with chemicals and heat, then match the grain. I had it done to a couch and you could never tell they repaired it. I'm sure you will have the same type of service in the land of the free and the brave... BTW delivery expected on the 5 or 6th of July... and counting. __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia
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06-25-2010, 05:52 AM	#6
MDLFCS Private First Class 14 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 2009 Zee Four 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	Yes, Ivory White Nappa leather. Alaska is way out in the boonies But, there is a Dr. Vinyl place and bits of upholstery shops I can try. I don't have experiences with them though. I thought this is something I could do myself, but from the recommendations here, I need to take it to the pros. Better than torching or burning my Z4 to the ground Thanks!
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06-25-2010, 06:04 AM	#7
lux good Banned 24 Rep 291 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive 23i & Q5 2.0 TSFI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: England iTrader: (0)	Tipp-Ex!!
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06-25-2010, 06:12 AM	#8
MDLFCS Private First Class 14 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 2009 Zee Four 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	Tipp-Ex = Wite-Out or liquid paper or white out
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06-25-2010, 06:53 AM	#9
Alext Banned 139 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	Yeah a specialist should be able to fix it. Nappa has a smoother finish. I had 'Carbon Leather' (carbon fibre pattern and slight texture) in a car that eventually got worn...that was impossible to fix.
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06-25-2010, 11:05 AM	#10
msimon18 Retired 19 Rep 868 Posts Drives: Z4 s30i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: The Villages, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 Isetta 300 [0.00] 2004 1/5 Scale M3 GTR [10.00]	The issue is that you are scraping the bolster on the seat with your butt or hip as you enter the car. very typical - has happened to me on EVERY car I have had with similar leather seating surfaces. The last time I was able to get BMW to replace it at their cost after about 18 months of owning the car but it happened again. hat was on a 335i cab. You can definitely have a leather repair shop fix it but be advised it WILL happen again. Best bet is to just try to be a bit more careful when entering the car.... __________________ M3 GTR - 1/5 scale - 4.2 HP w/ Collari hydraulic brakes - would you believe ~80 MPH on straightaway !!
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06-25-2010, 06:19 PM	#12
MDLFCS Private First Class 14 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 2009 Zee Four 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	Thank you for the advice about entering in the car. I am trying to be careful getting inside and out of the car, performing acrobatics while at it. Opening the top helps things easier, though. BMW needs to smooth out the sharp underside of the bottle cap! Last edited by MDLFCS; 06-25-2010 at 06:34 PM..
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06-25-2010, 07:07 PM	#13
msimon18 Retired 19 Rep 868 Posts Drives: Z4 s30i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: The Villages, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 Isetta 300 [0.00] 2004 1/5 Scale M3 GTR [10.00]	Wow... bottle cap !! Really have to be careful here. The seats are very good quality but it only takes one really harsh skid into the car or something sticking out of your back pocket to do a number on the bolster. __________________ M3 GTR - 1/5 scale - 4.2 HP w/ Collari hydraulic brakes - would you believe ~80 MPH on straightaway !!
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06-26-2010, 07:13 AM	#14
Roadstergal First Lieutenant 27 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA - East Coast iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=MDLFCS;7563721]Thank you for the advice about entering in the car. I am trying to be careful getting inside and out of the car, performing acrobatics while at it. Opening the top helps things easier, though. I have the nappa leather, too. I am also careful about taking care of the leather. What I do upon entering and exiting the car to avoid the slide and the rub of the side bolster, is slide my seat back. I find that there is a lot less contact with the side bolster. __________________ E89 - 2010 Z4 35i (Orion Silver, Ivory White extended, anthracite trim) E85 - 2006 Z4 3.0i (Monaco Blue, beige leather, Dark Poplar wood trim) E85 - 2003 Z4 2.5 (Sterling Gray, black leather, Sycamore wood trim) E36 - 1998 Z3 2.8 (Red, black leather, wood trim)
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06-26-2010, 09:24 AM	#15
msimon18 Retired 19 Rep 868 Posts Drives: Z4 s30i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: The Villages, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 Isetta 300 [0.00] 2004 1/5 Scale M3 GTR [10.00]	Good idea, but generally women are a bit smaller than men and I am sure find it a bit easier to 'install' themselves intot he seat without contacting the bolster...... Good idea anyway.. __________________ M3 GTR - 1/5 scale - 4.2 HP w/ Collari hydraulic brakes - would you believe ~80 MPH on straightaway !!
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06-26-2010, 12:33 PM	#18
richard in NC Colonel 1231 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	My friend always complains about getting in the Z4. I have no problems but he is bigger than me. It did make me think through how I do it. I put my right foot on the floor board and using a hand on the door and/or my right hand on the wheel, I simply drop into the seat. I then swing around and get my left foot in. I don't really drag over either the back or the thigh bolster. Getting in the passenger side might be a bit more effort, not having the steering wheel as a hand hold. When exiting I swing my left foot out and use my left hand on the door sill to get up out of the car. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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06-26-2010, 04:35 PM	#19
BlueZ4AZ Go SU 33 Rep 902 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	A good leather repair specialist should be able repair that and match the color. Labor should not cost more than $75. $3500 for a new surface!!!??? Dealers really crack me up. Here's the dealer's thought process 95% of the time.................Customer needs help = give answer that makes us the most money
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