From digest.v6.n290 Thu Feb 27 18:19:48 1997
From: "Ron Milliet" <milliet_at_telapex.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Feb 1997 12:22:52 -0600
Subject: RE: Recaro tear-down

Ryan wrote:

I'm currently in the process of refinishing the Cardinal leather = interior in my '87 325is. I am actually REMOVING the color finish from = the all of the leather seats, oil-conditioning the leather and = refinishing them with a custom mixed Cardinal Red. The back seat turned = out GREAT. Looks and feels brand new! =20 I need to rip out the front seats now, but I have a few questions:

1. What is the easiest way to remove the sport seats from the car? DO I = have to remove the rails??
2. How do I get the seat backs OFF once I have taken the bottom screws = out?
3. Is there a source for the "shocks" in the seats, since mine are shot?
4. Is anybody interested in me putting together a web page detailing the = refinishing process?

Sincerely,=20
Ryan A. Branstetter rbranste_at_rinfoinc.com=20 RINFO, Inc. "The INFO People"
(417)883-7373
http://www.rinfoinc.com
BMWCCA, '87 325is=20

I replaced the cardinal leather in my 87 325is about 2 years ago. I chose to replace leather rather than repair. I do not know of ANY process to restore: dried, cracked, shrunken, and torn leather. I found a auto leather specialist in NY that stocked the factory hides. He bought directly from the tanner that supplies the BMW hides. He had about 30+ of the Cardinal "Bison" hides. I bought three hides WAY cheap. I found an upholster in Birmingham, AL to do the work. Leather and Labor was under $1500.00 for all 3 seats including the seat backs, which ARE leather and a black leather shift boot. The answer to your questions:

1. Yes, the rails are attached to seat, just 4 bolts per seat, VERY easy
2. 2 screws on bottom, then remove the plastic handle on seat back lever

   it just pulls off, remove the head rest to get it out of the way, then the trick is to get the lever under the seat back panel, then just lift up on the panel

3. I went to the dealer for the shocks (4/seat- 2/seat back and 2/seat height)

   These were VERY expensive and if I had to do it again I would not replace them (BTW, the upholster did these for me/ they said it was a bitch)

Hope this helps,

Ron Milliet
McComb, MS
87 325is (Alpine/Cardinal) 150k miles