Cloth comfort seat preservation?

[325e '87]

My ‘89 has the blue cloth seats and they’re all pristine.

The driver seat does look shiny, like the fabric is breaking down and there is a 1” portion of a seam that looks to be beginning its decline.

My question is, what can I do to preserve the fabric? Not driving the car isn’t an option.

Back in the ‘90’s I had an e30 and the driver seat was worn away pretty badly (grey cloth). I used the sheepskin covers from bavauto and at the time they were a perfect fit and I REALLY liked the sheepskin, both in summer and winter, so does anyone have an opinion here?

Will a seat cover give me more time with the original fabric? Make it worse? Are there covers out there that are proven to help preserve the seats?

[jeffnhiscars]

A cover will add life to the fabric by limiting abrasion and UV exposure.

[monty23psk]

I know you said you can't stop driving the car, so how about swapping the seats with something else and preserve the fabric in a climate controlled location. The best, as stated, would be car cover, tints and front windshield visor to prevent heat, UV, and physical contact. Not sure if there is a scotch-guard type product that is UV aware. Try to source fabric that is OEM or near of it so you can always replace it in the future if you go without seat covers.

[brutus]

,,,,, yes and I have many good oem seat covers available, !!

please inquire

[OldManJames]

303 Fabric Guard works the best for me. It's a little bit expensive but I apply a full 16 oz bottle every year for the last 5 years on my Volkswagen's interior. My car sits in the SoCal sun with no cover. Many people put this stuff on their convertible tops and outside patio cloth canvas and it does wonders for them.

[325e '87]

Thanks for the tips. Brutus has my seat fabric so I’m trying to decide how I will proceed. I didn’t know 303 had a fabric product and I think I will check it out.