Trim removal

For all your questions, problems and DIY stories
Post Reply
Aus323i
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2013 3:00 am
My E21(s): 1981 EU 323i Auto
Location: Sydney, Australia

Trim removal

Post by Aus323i »

Picking up new interior today, swapping out my worn down blue for a nice beige one
Question: how easy is it to remove interior trim i.e. everything apart from dash and carpet


User avatar
Thegs
E21 VIP
E21 VIP
Posts: 2419
Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2007 7:05 pm
My E21(s): '78 320/6 4-sp
'80 323i 5-sp
Location: Wezep (Gld, The Netherlands)
Contact:

Re: Trim removal

Post by Thegs »

Very easy tbh.

Seats, 4 bolts to the floor and 1 for the seatbelt.
Rear seat, 2 bolts for the seating area, 2 for the rear.
Door cards, 3 screws for the armrest, 1 bolt for the window opener and then ready to pull of.
Rear door cards, i'm not sure, but if I'm correct you can pull them straigt of with the rear seat removed.

Just look closely, when you have to pull it off because of platic retainers, try to use some plactic spatula:

Image
Regards, Gerwin

1980 BMW E21 323i in Hennarot
1985 BMW E23 735i EXE in Zobelbraun
1988 BMW E34 535iA in Lachssilber
2004 BMW E53 X5 4.8iS in LeMansblau
2007 Mini R56 Cooper in Chilired
Aus323i
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2013 3:00 am
My E21(s): 1981 EU 323i Auto
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Trim removal

Post by Aus323i »

Thegs wrote:Very easy tbh.

Seats, 4 bolts to the floor and 1 for the seatbelt.
Rear seat, 2 bolts for the seating area, 2 for the rear.
Door cards, 3 screws for the armrest, 1 bolt for the window opener and then ready to pull of.
Rear door cards, i'm not sure, but if I'm correct you can pull them straigt of with the rear seat removed.

Just look closely, when you have to pull it off because of platic retainers, try to use some plactic spatula:
Thanks Thegs. Something came up so I was able to go get it today. So, tomorrow it is

Max
Reck
E21 Pro
Posts: 823
Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2010 12:26 am
My E21(s): 83 316, 1.8 M10, RHD
Location: Manchester, UK

Re: Trim removal

Post by Reck »

Think this was the first job I ever attempted on an E21. Very easy indeed. No funny torx screws holding everything down like you get on modern cars! Buy some spare plastic clips for the door cards off ebay or from the dealer as they get brittle with age and you'll probably snap some taking them off.
Aus323i
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2013 3:00 am
My E21(s): 1981 EU 323i Auto
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Trim removal

Post by Aus323i »

The interior had been sitting around for years and had mould all over some parts of the material.
The guy said it was an easy fix but for the money he wanted I just couldn't take the risk.
I still have a chance to get it. I should of taken pictures but it was just too dark at the time.
Does anybody have an idea of fitting e36/e46 front seats to an E21?
I understand there would be modification to where the rails sit but do you reckon it would be possible?
User avatar
Thegs
E21 VIP
E21 VIP
Posts: 2419
Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2007 7:05 pm
My E21(s): '78 320/6 4-sp
'80 323i 5-sp
Location: Wezep (Gld, The Netherlands)
Contact:

Re: Trim removal

Post by Thegs »

If you modify probalby everything is possible. But keep in mind that the E21 body is not to big, so fitting the big E36/E46 seats would be a big hassle (if they even fit). Go and find some period Recaro's, sit down for once and you are in love...
Regards, Gerwin

1980 BMW E21 323i in Hennarot
1985 BMW E23 735i EXE in Zobelbraun
1988 BMW E34 535iA in Lachssilber
2004 BMW E53 X5 4.8iS in LeMansblau
2007 Mini R56 Cooper in Chilired
Aus323i
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2013 3:00 am
My E21(s): 1981 EU 323i Auto
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Trim removal

Post by Aus323i »

I've looked everywhere for period Recaro's and just can't seem to find any. :(
Any suggestions on where to look?

Max
denis9
Upcoming E21 fanatic
Posts: 72
Joined: Sun May 13, 2012 10:11 pm
Location: emsworth

Re: Trim removal

Post by denis9 »

Mobster was selling some front ones in need of repair
http://www.bmwe21.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19316
if that helps
Post Reply