bmwe21.net forums

I wonder if there is anyone out there who might be able to advise me. I am in the process of restoring my 1982 E21 316. The existing interior seats are a beige colour with the driving seat in it's usual usual poor condition. I have purchased a second hand complete interior in a different colour. However, I also need the carpets in the same or very similar colour. I have never fitted a carpet myself so I asked my local upholsterer in the Kent area who quoted me £600 to supply and fit the carpet as well as to re-fit the interior. This strikes me as a bit steep especially as I am more than capable of swopping the seats myself.

So my questions are....

How difficult is is to obtain and re fit a carpet.
Is it something an amateur like myself could do without it looking rubbish.
If so, where would I buy it.
Should I leave it to the experts and pay the cash.

Any thoughts, advice or experiences would be appreciated.

John123

Hi John & welcome!

There are a few forum members either in, or close to, Kent so plenty of help on hand.

The seats are only held in with 4 bolts ( 2x17mm & 2x13mm I think?) and the carpet is a moulded one.

If you look at the thread about by orange car, in the gallery, you'll see where I removed my own carpet and dyed it black. If I can do it anyone can.

Whilst being a moulded carpet, replacing it can be awkward, but £600 certainly seems a bit pricey to me. Is your original carpet really that bad? Is having the original colour important to you?

You could always hunt down a good used replacement here?

We love photos here too!

My retrimmer made my carpet in three pieces out of deep pile fuzz and piped around the edges in leather. I thi k he only charged me 300 but I was having my recaros done at the same time.

I don't think there is anywhere you can get carpet in the original box weave apart from the states. I would personally dye the carpet. You can get black carpet dye for 20 quid on ebay.

Hi John

Welcome to the forum. Iv'e got a beige coloured carpet in very good condition taken from a car last year, just needs a clean, Your welcome to it. Give me a bell, iv'e pmd my number.

Gentleman,

Many thanks for your advice and assistance and the kind offer from D.Farrell.

I think that the dye idea sounds favourite and will hopefully be doing this soon(ish)...

As for photo's, can't oblige yet but hope to soon. I have some 20 spoke alloys to fit as well as the interior.

I also need to get the 6 foot long scratch re-sprayed along one side.

Some kind person decided to show their artistic ability by decorating my car with one.

When it's all finished I will post the picture.

John 123

Welcome! Oh and yeah we NEED photos!