Help me figure out how to restore my leather

[Piachnp]

Hello,

I apologize in advance for not attaching photos here, but the car is parked in a garage and can't get any right now (perks of living in manhattan ). It also means it is very hard for me to work on the car since I have to find a place to park and work there, and usually without access to outlets, water, etc.

I've been thinking of putting some love into my e92 leather seats and other leather surfaces. The car has 86K miles right now and a lot of the leather looks pretty shiny and polished (as opposed to the matte factory look). There are also some minor scuffs and wear in the bolsters that will likely need a fresh coat of leather dye.

I'm here to ask for your suggestions in terms of how the process should be, and what products you recommend.
It seems like a lot of people here swear by leatherique although the process is a PITA. Some people also mentioned Swissvax products producing similar results with a simpler process (big plus for me here in Manhattan). I am ok paying more for convenience if results are similar.

- Should I clean the seats first with Swissvax for example, and then tackle the dyeing process with something like ColourLock ?
- Or should I dye first and then go onto the leather conditioning?
- I also have some cracks and heavy wear on top of the steering wheel that I might also try to fix...

Thanks!

[Denny347]

Leather Master 3 step restoration/protection is likely the best there is. I've used it for years. They really know leather care.
https://leatherworldtech.com/leather...r-care-bundle/

I use these brushes on my seats with the leather cleaner. The combo really pulls the dirt out of the leather.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Paniaguaa]

Originally Posted by Denny347

Leather Master 3 step restoration/protection is likely the best there is. I've used it for years. They really know leather care.
https://leatherworldtech.com/leather...r-care-bundle/

I use these brushes on my seats with the leather cleaner. The combo really pulls the dirt out of the leather.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Does that restoration fix cracks/light scratches already in the seats? or is it more of a preventative step.

I have some lights scratches/ cracks in my fox red interior and I've been looking to see if there are good products that can "color in" or fill in these cracks.

[Denny347]

Originally Posted by Paniaguaa

Does that restoration fix cracks/light scratches already in the seats? or is it more of a preventative step.

I have some lights scratches/ cracks in my fox red interior and I've been looking to see if there are good products that can "color in" or fill in these cracks.

No, well not cracks at least. Marks on the leather CAN come out when you clean and condition the leather. That is what this kit does, cleans and conditions the leather to keep it from cracking in the future.

[RelaxIN2]

I dont want to hijack the thread, but my question is along those lines.

My M3 is a convertible, what do you guys suggest or recommend to treat or restore the leather seats when its always out in the sun with the top down. And before you say "Put the top up".. I would agree however, I'm in and out of the car multiple times a day.. I dont want to keep having to hit the button constantly.

I guess a better question would be, not only what product would you suggest, but also the what procedure to clean the seat and steering wheel properly and how frequently should the leather be treated when its out in direct sun 50% of the time...

[Piachnp]

Well, seems like given the lack of activity here, I've decided to go with ColourLock to clean the seats first, then dye and then use their leather conditioner. Hopefully it turns out good, might post pictures after doing this

[SoCalRPM]

Originally Posted by Piachnp

Well, seems like given the lack of activity here, I've decided to go with ColourLock to clean the seats first, then dye and then use their leather conditioner. Hopefully it turns out good, might post pictures after doing this

Been curious about this system. How'd it go?

[BGBF18]

Leatherique will do nothing for worn leather. Hands down, it's the best "moisturizer" for dry leather. It needs heat, however, to reliably penetrate the urethane coating on automotive leather. It's not a wipe on wipe off product - you'll have to do a bit of work for solid results.

For the steering wheel; buy new one. Not hard to replace at all and totally worth it.

I can't speak to dying leather; never did it. If you have un-damaged leather pieces that are just dirty or shiny, magic eraser does wonders. It will make it matte and ridiculously clean.

I've used it on Novillo, Napa, Merino, Bridge of Weir and generic top grain leather for years with great results. With excessive use it may reduce the urethane coating somewhat, but it's impossible to tell.

[jradon]

I think the only way to fix cracks is to use leather filler and dye.

[Scrippy]

You can buy new OE leather. Then give them to an upholstery shop for installation. The price is kinda high and about half a good race seat cost but cheaper than a new OE seat for sure.

[c.riedinger]

Originally Posted by RelaxIN2

I dont want to hijack the thread, but my question is along those lines.

My M3 is a convertible, what do you guys suggest or recommend to treat or restore the leather seats when its always out in the sun with the top down. And before you say "Put the top up".. I would agree however, I'm in and out of the car multiple times a day.. I dont want to keep having to hit the button constantly.

I guess a better question would be, not only what product would you suggest, but also the what procedure to clean the seat and steering wheel properly and how frequently should the leather be treated when its out in direct sun 50% of the time...

As a professional detailer, for something like this, you might want to invest in a product like CarPro Leather coating that last for up to 2 years.

https://www.carsupplieswarehouse.com...quartz-leather

[ToddinTN]

E93 M3 here, and I recently tried the Gyeon leather cleaner and leather shield products. The cleaner was the first I’ve found that truly restores the finish to the matte look. The leather shield goes on very easy and leaves a matte finish when dry as well, but months after applying the leather still has a “slick” (but not in a bad way) feel to it and looks fantastic.

[beehmer101]

Originally Posted by jradon

I think the only way to fix cracks is to use leather filler and dye.

Filler and dye worked wonders for my leather seats and wheel. My M series was out in the sun for quite some time before I took it over and got a little damaged from it.. was happy with the results after giving it some TLC.