[KingsXman]

Hello all,

Quick question. I have a 2016 BMW 428i XDrive Gran Coupe. I’ve noticed recently that the leather, it’s white leather, is worn on the thigh support right where it meets the seat. Does anyone know from experience or word of mouth if that’s something I can get repaired or is it easier for me to order a new thigh support? Is it something someone that doesn’t have much knowledge of cars can swap out myself?

Any and all info is appreciated. Thank you!

Scott

[im_an_alien]

Pics would help...

[KingsXman]

Sorry. Here’s some pics.

[toxik]

looks like dirt to me more than wear, have you already used strong leather cleaners with a brush?

[KingsXman]

I’m fairly new to BMW ownership and a vehicle with leather seats, so I apologize. I have a Meguiars leather cleaner-spray. I don’t have a brush. Is there a leather cleaner-brush you could recommend? The leather isn’t ripped or anything like that. If I rough the area up, so to speak with even my fingernail scratching it, the white color returns better. Is that what I need is a brush to use on it?

I appreciate any help.

[Tommy D]

a good leather cleaner and a rag.

[toxik]

^ yeah try with a rag first, but you need a strong leather cleaner.

as far as brushes, just need a bristle brush that's leather safe. i personally use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Z88BRBH

[KingsXman]

Originally Posted by Tommy D

a good leather cleaner and a rag.

What would you consider a good leather cleaner? More of a cream than a spray? Right now I just have a spray, Meguiars, and a microfiber towel.

[KingsXman]

Originally Posted by toxik

^ yeah try with a rag first, but you need a strong leather cleaner.

as far as brushes, just need a bristle brush that's leather safe. i personally use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Z88BRBH

I don’t think this is just dirt. The brush and rag aren’t doing anything but making it more noticeable.

[toxik]

Originally Posted by KingsXman

I don’t think this is just dirt. The brush and rag aren’t doing anything but making it more noticeable.

if you’re 100% sure that the leathers color is not restorable, like if you’ve tried the strongest leather cleaners. you can look into leather repair kits, some kits come with exact color dyes to match oem bmw interior colors. the cleaning products i use are by colourlock, this is the link to their kit: https://www.colourlock.com/BMW-Leath...006-en-BM-001/


before you go to this route, since you mentioned you’re not used to leather cleaning, maybe stop by a car detail shop and have them look at it to make sure it can’t be cleaned. i wouldn’t want you throwing money at a problem that you’re not 100% sure about.

[richardodn]

I'd go to an upholstery shop and get an opinion and estimate. If the leather doesn't actually need to be replaced, it may be cheaper than you think to have it fixed professionally.

[KingsXman]

Originally Posted by richardodn

I'd go to an upholstery shop and get an opinion and estimate. If the leather doesn't actually need to be replaced, it may be cheaper than you think to have it fixed professionally.

Yeah I think that’s what I may do. I’m looking at detail-upholstery shops in my area right now. Thanks.

[KingsXman]

Originally Posted by toxik

if you’re 100% sure that the leathers color is not restorable, like if you’ve tried the strongest leather cleaners. you can look into leather repair kits, some kits come with exact color dyes to match oem bmw interior colors. the cleaning products i use are by colourlock, this is the link to their kit: https://www.colourlock.com/BMW-Leath...006-en-BM-001/


before you go to this route, since you mentioned you’re not used to leather cleaning, maybe stop by a car detail shop and have them look at it to make sure it can’t be cleaned. i wouldn’t want you throwing money at a problem that you’re not 100% sure about.

I appreciate all the help. Appreciate all the help from everyone. I know it can be fixed, just frustrated. You know how we can be about our cars lol.

[ggrcrash]

It's worn away, I had the same problem with the center armrest. In your case it can probably be fixed, however it was actually cheaper to replace leather on the center armrest for my case. In your case, the result will be subjective, a light colored leather most likely won't show impfections as much. I had black leather, and the specialist said it would depend on just how adhd I am, as to how much I would notice. I, personally would, and it would bother me incessantly. I decided to just have the leather on the armrest replaced. Used ebay, and found a replacement leather piece, all done for less than $50.00 bucks, because sometimes I can be a cheap son of bitch...

[MidtownMike]

That's a weird spot to get dirt or wear & tear. Do you fumble your crotch area a lot while driving? Or do you make a habit of keeping something dirty between your legs? Maybe a turd?
Could also be a vape, I believe the fluid can be quite aggressive if you spill some.

[eff32fl]

Originally Posted by MidtownMike

That's a weird spot to get dirt or wear & tear. Do you fumble your crotch area a lot while driving? Or do you make a habit of keeping something dirty between your legs? Maybe a turd?
Could also be a vape, I believe the fluid can be quite aggressive if you spill some.

😂😂😂 that's one big turd to rub off the leather dye like that!

[KingsXman]

Originally Posted by MidtownMike

That's a weird spot to get dirt or wear & tear. Do you fumble your crotch area a lot while driving? Or do you make a habit of keeping something dirty between your legs? Maybe a turd?
Could also be a vape, I believe the fluid can be quite aggressive if you spill some.

Actually to be honest I’m a chef and wear my uniform to work and home. So I’m just wondering if between sweating all day and having different food-grease on my uniform could be the reason.

I don’t vape and I don’t believe I’ve sh*t my pants since I was a toddler lol.

[KingsXman]

Originally Posted by ggrcrash

It's worn away, I had the same problem with the center armrest. In your case it can probably be fixed, however it was actually cheaper to replace leather on the center armrest for my case. In your case, the result will be subjective, a light colored leather most likely won't show impfections as much. I had black leather, and the specialist said it would depend on just how adhd I am, as to how much I would notice. I, personally would, and it would bother me incessantly. I decided to just have the leather on the armrest replaced. Used ebay, and found a replacement leather piece, all done for less than $50.00 bucks, because sometimes I can be a cheap son of bitch...

I think that’s the only thing, if there is any positive about it, is that it’s the thigh rest. So I’m sure that part can be removed and repaired. The fact that it’s worn like it is now already bothers me incessantly…I have OCD.

Should I try to find a piece of leather, a new thigh rest or I’ve seen the leather repair-paint you can get?

[ggrcrash]

Originally Posted by KingsXman

I think that’s the only thing, if there is any positive about it, is that it’s the thigh rest. So I’m sure that part can be removed and repaired. The fact that it’s worn like it is now already bothers me incessantly…I have OCD.

Should I try to find a piece of leather, a new thigh rest or I’ve seen the leather repair-paint you can get?

Personally, I would take it to a specialist. If you are as OCD as I am, doing it yourself will be noticeable...you can try taking the same route that I went, but be advised, you most likely will still need a specialist because, in your case, some sewing will be necessary. Other option, full seat replacement from a junkyard, a plus, color will match, will be perfect after its cleaned..con, won't be cheap, even though it will be a used part.

[visionaut]

Why not just replace the thigh support cover. It’s available new from BMW, separately, alongside the bottoms and backs, in all the leather colors.

Dakota Oyster thigh support cover - part #: 52107369311
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...&q=52107369311

Looks to be $116…
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...er-52107369311

The thigh support foam is available separately as well.