The cost of reupholstery

[e30nut]

I just purchased an '87 325is and the car is in great shape. Originally I had plans of replacing the seats with a set of Recaros or Sparcos, but after driving 3,000 to get it home I realized that the factory "is" seats are very nice.

The plan for this car is to make is a tasteful resto-mod. Stock except for engine work, suspension, wheels and exhaust. I would like to retain as much of the 80's BMW essence as possible so I am contemplating getting the seats reupholstered.

I know that the cost of reupholstery will vary from market to market (I live in Upstate, NY). What should I expect to pay for getting the front seats done? I'm thinking about Black Leather with Suede for the bolsters.

[e30nut]

I think I just found a good option:

http://www.creativeoptions.info/

[IRON-E]

I'll say easy $8-900.00 for stock stitching patterns, if you're lucky and have a hook up you can get them for about $700.00

[e30nut]

I'll say easy $8-900.00 for stock stitching patterns, if you're lucky and have a hook up you can get them for about $700.00

That's not too bad. I was budgeting more for aftermarket seats. Thanks.

[Scallywagon]

I'll say easy $8-900.00 for stock stitching patterns, if you're lucky and have a hook up you can get them for about $700.00

I'll back this up, but he maybe on the hi side compared to some quotes I've gotten;

800 was more of a wagon price range, but that was about a year before the recession was faced so again he's right on with that estimate.

[IRON-E]

That's not too bad. I was budgeting more for aftermarket seats. Thanks.

If you get your own sports or RECARO seats redone get net inner seat shox, that's an expense outside of the re-upholstery. A little on the steep side but well woth it.

[ak-]

Like you said, it varies extremely market to market.
Black leather for both seats including headrest, new foam/padding ~$550 with me.

[herbivor]

I just got quoted by 2 different reputable shops and prices for labor alone was $600 a seat with an additional $100 per headrest. I also wanted some rare fabric that would need to be custom made. The total bill for fronts and backs came out to nearly $3k. So, I'm talking with Kevin at creativeoptions for a much cheaper solution. I think he said $400 to $500 for front seats depending on fabric choice.

[ak-]

I just got quoted by 2 different reputable shops and prices for labor alone was $600 a seat with an additional $100 per headrest. I also wanted some rare fabric that would need to be custom made. The total bill for fronts and backs came out to nearly $3k. So, I'm talking with Kevin at creativeoptions for a much cheaper solution. I think he said $400 to $500 for front seats depending on fabric choice.

$100 per headrest Lol.

$400 - $500 for the pair is the best price you're going to get excluding hook-ups.

[thereisnoyun]

I think I just found a good option:

http://www.creativeoptions.info/

this is true, kevin does immaculate work, he is also a great installer as far as I can see.

BUT! the hardest part is installing it. Its hte most time consuming and sometimes if hte foam shrinks too much its necessary to boost it with some batting lightly to better fit the upholstery.

There is also a guy selling upholstery for steering wheel gunallen or something, but again same issue installing is 90% of the work.

Just saying results can vary dramatically, depending on yoru DIY skills.

[Tricked 323i]

this is true, kevin does immaculate work, he is also a great installer as far as I can see.

BUT! the hardest part is installing it. Its hte most time consuming and sometimes if hte foam shrinks too much its necessary to boost it with some batting lightly to better fit the upholstery.

There is also a guy selling upholstery for steering wheel gunallen or something, but again same issue installing is 90% of the work.

Just saying results can vary dramatically, depending on yoru DIY skills.

Thanks man, 90% of the pics you see on forums are customer installed. Here are just a few.
Also AK let me know where you can get leather that cheap My cost on leather alone is more then the price you sell 2 front seats installed for.
All these are first time installers no experience at all.

[EndreM]

I just got a quote for my 1988 320iC.
Front seats + back seat in half leather/alcantara $5000 dollars.

Kevin, you might have another customer soon ;)

[mrsleeve]

I traded an IX auto Drive line (Engine to Tcase and front diff) and got my seats done+300bucks

[IRON-E]

this is true, kevin does immaculate work, he is also a great installer as far as I can see.

BUT! the hardest part is installing it. Its hte most time consuming and sometimes if hte foam shrinks too much its necessary to boost it with some batting lightly to better fit the upholstery.

There is also a guy selling upholstery for steering wheel gunallen or something, but again same issue installing is 90% of the work.

Just saying results can vary dramatically, depending on yoru DIY skills.

This is probably the most realistic post, I've seen thus far. Upholstery is an art that needs to be left for the pros, let those guys eat and make works of art out of your seats.

[ZM Blue Devil]

Done a lot of things on an e30. My new interior from Kevin just arrived for Rita the current vert project.

I will tell you two things.

First it's a major pain to skin and then reskin with new.

Second, I couldn't be happier with the quality of the fitment, stiching and the material from Kevin.

Just look at all the wide range of interior options and end results posted on the forum. To name a few... Stiching not straight, mtech cloth pattern wrong direction, bulky/loose bolsters, non iv protected matrial that looks like ass after 3 months, etc etc.

Even if you go with a eBay skins it's going to be several 100s, save up and go with a true pro, pay the difference or stay with what you have or just buy better condition used seats. Don't spend 500, 16 hours to reskin to dread the results.