How Much for an Opal Merino Interior?

340313 · 08-26-2021, 04:54 PM

I'm in the market for a 330d and have found a car in the ideal spec 3 miles from me - other than the fact that it has the extended Opal Merino interior. Some might think I'm crazy but I'd happily purchase black Dakota seats/door cards/arm rest and swap the interior out. The question is, is there a market for the Opal interior on eBay or such like? I can't currently find one for sale anywhere.

The lower dash might be more problematic, as I understand I'd have to remove the entire dash to swap it out. Alternatively I'd look at dyeing it black, or even leaving it as is.

Thoughts and suggestions very much welcome!

t5pilot · 08-26-2021, 05:32 PM

If the lower dash is also opal, it's got full leather, not extended.
I'd forget it if I were you, more trouble than it's worth.
Move on & find another car.

SantaEugence · 08-26-2021, 06:47 PM

If it's the one I think you mean, it's certainly tidy although for me the rarity is in the full leather (leather door cards and top/bottom merino dash) which is what you actually want to swap out? The rest of the spec doesn't seem particularly rare albeit it's still decent, which bit were you attracted to?

To answer your question though, Opal white is hit and miss, many don't like it for obvious reasons but personally I think it's great.
I'd buy some/most of the interior off you if you did buy it though

Also from looking at eBay, the entire dash comes as one I believe (including what you'd describe as upper and lower) only bit that's often separate is the glovebox

340313 · 08-27-2021, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SantaEugence

If it's the one I think you mean, it's certainly tidy although for me the rarity is in the full leather (leather door cards and top/bottom merino dash) which is what you actually want to swap out? The rest of the spec doesn't seem particularly rare albeit it's still decent, which bit were you attracted to?

To answer your question though, Opal white is hit and miss, many don't like it for obvious reasons but personally I think it's great.
I'd buy some/most of the interior off you if you did buy it though

Also from looking at eBay, the entire dash comes as one I believe (including what you'd describe as upper and lower) only bit that's often separate is the glovebox

Primarily the fact that it's an LCI car, Tanzanite Blue, heated seats, and Pro Nav. I've not found another car in that spec.

I'm hoping to view the car this afternoon, so will report back.

Swapping out seats, whilst not ideal, shouldn't be a massive job should it?

NotGotABimmer23 · 08-27-2021, 03:30 AM

Opal merino is stunning and 1000x better than the rhino hide the came with as standard. Swapping it out is madness.

340313 · 08-27-2021, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kylemacca01

Opal merino is stunning and 1000x better than the rhino hide the came with as standard. Swapping it out is madness.

That's the reaction I was expecting.

I just like an all-black interior. Black Merino would be the absolute ideal but that seems even rarer. Maybe I'll fall in love with Opal once I see it in the flesh (here's hoping).

Steve_M_Sport · 08-27-2021, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 340313

That's the reaction I was expecting.

I just like an all-black interior. Black Merino would be the absolute ideal but that seems even rarer. Maybe I'll fall in love with Opal once I see it in the flesh (here's hoping).

I have Tanzanite blue and Opal Merino extended leather on my F31 and it looks stunning. Admittedly it needs regular cleaning if you wear jeans a lot but a quick wipe over with a leather wipe removes the blue dye quite easily.

My car has a sunroof too and the interior is extremely bright and airy.

You will love it when you see it in the flesh.

SantaEugence · 08-27-2021, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 340313

Quote:

Originally Posted by SantaEugence

If it's the one I think you mean, it's certainly tidy although for me the rarity is in the full leather (leather door cards and top/bottom merino dash) which is what you actually want to swap out? The rest of the spec doesn't seem particularly rare albeit it's still decent, which bit were you attracted to?

To answer your question though, Opal white is hit and miss, many don't like it for obvious reasons but personally I think it's great.
I'd buy some/most of the interior off you if you did buy it though

Also from looking at eBay, the entire dash comes as one I believe (including what you'd describe as upper and lower) only bit that's often separate is the glovebox

Primarily the fact that it's an LCI car, Tanzanite Blue, heated seats, and Pro Nav. I've not found another car in that spec.

I'm hoping to view the car this afternoon, so will report back.

Swapping out seats, whilst not ideal, shouldn't be a massive job should it?

Fair enough didn't realise it was a rare combination, Tanzanite blue is a lovely colour.

Very straight forward job to remove the seats, let me know when you want me to come do it

Len_Beach · 08-27-2021, 05:57 AM

Find a black interior, store the Opal then refit at sale so as not to devalue the car.

Wills2 · 08-27-2021, 09:36 AM

Paying top money for a car (in the current market) then ripping out what many consider to be a sought after option (full merino leather) to replace it with dakota pleather, is madness.

I get not liking the leather colour (as it's subjective) but just buy another car, these are not rare cars.

340313 · 08-27-2021, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills2

Paying top money for a car (in the current market) then ripping out what many consider to be a sought after option (full merino leather) to replace it with dakota pleather, is madness.

I get not liking the leather colour (as it's subjective) but just buy another car, these are not rare cars.

Madness it may be but if you can point me in the direction of an LCI, Tanzanite Blue 330d with a black interior and Pro Nav for sub £20k, I am all ears!

Steve_M_Sport · 08-27-2021, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 340313

Madness it may be but if you can point me in the direction of an LCI, Tanzanite Blue 330d with a black interior and Pro Nav for sub £20k, I am all ears!

That seems very cheap for an LCI in the current market - how many miles has it done ? Is it AUC or from an Independent dealer ?

Found it

https://www.lhkperformance.co.uk/car...es/3.0/531012/

Leather dashboard too

Wills2 · 08-27-2021, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 340313

Madness it may be but if you can point me in the direction of an LCI, Tanzanite Blue 330d with a black interior and Pro Nav for sub £20k, I am all ears!

Spend 23k and get this one in the right colour with a big spec, certainly a better idea than spending 20k on one to then rip out the interior and ruin the resale of car when someone checks the VIN when you want to sell it.

https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...f-e6aea51b084e

JNW1 · 08-27-2021, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills2

Quote:

Originally Posted by 340313

Madness it may be but if you can point me in the direction of an LCI, Tanzanite Blue 330d with a black interior and Pro Nav for sub £20k, I am all ears!

Spend 23k and get this one in the right colour with a big spec, certainly a better idea than spending 20k on one to then rip out the interior and ruin the resale of car when someone checks the VIN when you want to sell it.

https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...f-e6aea51b084e

+1

That looks a much better bet for the OP!

t5pilot · 08-27-2021, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNW1

+1

That looks a much better bet for the OP!

+2 Over a year newer & a lovely looking motor.

BMW Fanboy · 08-28-2021, 03:54 AM

The latter car will come with full BMW warranty as well having gone through their AUC system. Peace of mind over a none franchise dealer.

Armaan · 08-28-2021, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t5pilot

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNW1

+1

That looks a much better bet for the OP!

+2 Over a year newer & a lovely looking motor.

+3 just to add that under 40k mileage versus 66k

Armaan

Steve_M_Sport · 08-28-2021, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills2

Spend 23k and get this one in the right colour with a big spec, certainly a better idea than spending 20k on one to then rip out the interior and ruin the resale of car when someone checks the VIN when you want to sell it.

https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...f-e6aea51b084e

That's all well and good saying that but if his budget is £20k then the other F30 still looks a decent deal for the money.

I wouldn't buy it though if I planned to rip out the Opal white interior - wait for another car to come along or love the opal white !

Wills2 · 08-28-2021, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve_M_Sport

That's all well and good saying that but if his budget is £20k then the other F30 still looks a decent deal for the money.

I wouldn't buy it though if I planned to rip out the Opal white interior - wait for another car to come along or love the opal white !

I wasn't saying it was better value per se just better than what he was proposing plus we have no idea what the other car is mileage/AUC/full spec etc...to be able to compare.

Not quite sure where you get the "that's all well and good saying that" from if I'm honest because if you've the 20k you've the other 3k to make a decent purchasing decision faced with the alternative as proposed.

Ennoch · 08-29-2021, 04:48 PM

Opal Merino looks really special in the car, black Dakota looks (and feels) like it belongs in a greek Taxi! I'd honestly rather have mid nineties vauxhall velour trimming my seats than the boggo leather that BMW use.

340313 · 08-31-2021, 10:10 AM

Thanks for the replies all.

I've passed on the car, as it isn't 100% right for me and I'm sure someone else will enjoy the Opal interior a lot more. I agree with that swapping Merino for Dakota just wouldn't be right!

The car with black Merino sold over the weekend (as well as being £3.5k over my budget).

So - back to the search.

maziatr · 08-31-2021, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 340313

Madness it may be but if you can point me in the direction of an LCI, Tanzanite Blue 330d with a black interior and Pro Nav for sub £20k, I am all ears!

Why don’t get it professionally repainted. It can be done

08-26-2021, 04:54 PM	#1
340313 Enlisted Member 14 Rep 38 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: May 2018 Location: West Midlands iTrader: (0)	How Much for an Opal Merino Interior? I'm in the market for a 330d and have found a car in the ideal spec 3 miles from me - other than the fact that it has the extended Opal Merino interior. Some might think I'm crazy but I'd happily purchase black Dakota seats/door cards/arm rest and swap the interior out. The question is, is there a market for the Opal interior on eBay or such like? I can't currently find one for sale anywhere. The lower dash might be more problematic, as I understand I'd have to remove the entire dash to swap it out. Alternatively I'd look at dyeing it black, or even leaving it as is. Thoughts and suggestions very much welcome!
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08-26-2021, 05:32 PM	#2
t5pilot Colonel 978 Rep 2,069 Posts Drives: M4 CP & S1000 XR Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Yorkshire - UK iTrader: (1)	If the lower dash is also opal, it's got full leather, not extended. I'd forget it if I were you, more trouble than it's worth. Move on & find another car. __________________ /// BM3 + M-Power ///
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08-26-2021, 06:47 PM	#3
SantaEugence Major 475 Rep 1,325 Posts Drives: F30 330d xDrive Auto Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	If it's the one I think you mean, it's certainly tidy although for me the rarity is in the full leather (leather door cards and top/bottom merino dash) which is what you actually want to swap out? The rest of the spec doesn't seem particularly rare albeit it's still decent, which bit were you attracted to? To answer your question though, Opal white is hit and miss, many don't like it for obvious reasons but personally I think it's great. I'd buy some/most of the interior off you if you did buy it though Also from looking at eBay, the entire dash comes as one I believe (including what you'd describe as upper and lower) only bit that's often separate is the glovebox
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08-27-2021, 03:30 AM	#5
NotGotABimmer23 Colonel 834 Rep 2,113 Posts Drives: 340i touring - incoming Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Leicestershire UK iTrader: (0)	Opal merino is stunning and 1000x better than the rhino hide the came with as standard. Swapping it out is madness.
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08-27-2021, 05:57 AM	#9
Len_Beach Major 186 Rep 1,247 Posts Drives: 435d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	Find a black interior, store the Opal then refit at sale so as not to devalue the car.
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08-27-2021, 09:36 AM	#10
Wills2 Barge driver 8656 Rep 12,425 Posts Drives: 730d Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Paying top money for a car (in the current market) then ripping out what many consider to be a sought after option (full merino leather) to replace it with dakota pleather, is madness. I get not liking the leather colour (as it's subjective) but just buy another car, these are not rare cars. __________________ 730d/Z4C
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08-28-2021, 03:54 AM	#16
BMW Fanboy Private 13 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 430iM Sport Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Liverpool UK iTrader: (0)	The latter car will come with full BMW warranty as well having gone through their AUC system. Peace of mind over a none franchise dealer.
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08-29-2021, 04:48 PM	#20
Ennoch Colonel 2257 Rep 2,048 Posts Drives: F31 335D XDrive Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Opal Merino looks really special in the car, black Dakota looks (and feels) like it belongs in a greek Taxi! I'd honestly rather have mid nineties vauxhall velour trimming my seats than the boggo leather that BMW use.
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08-31-2021, 10:10 AM	#21
340313 Enlisted Member 14 Rep 38 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: May 2018 Location: West Midlands iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies all. I've passed on the car, as it isn't 100% right for me and I'm sure someone else will enjoy the Opal interior a lot more. I agree with that swapping Merino for Dakota just wouldn't be right! The car with black Merino sold over the weekend (as well as being £3.5k over my budget). So - back to the search.
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