Leather wrapped center console - what do you think?

[ciaranob]

Well finally got around to getting the center console wrapped in the nearest approximation to Amaro Brown leather I could get - not perfect by any means but not bad either. Apologies for less than great pics - late evening and garage lighting through closed roof but you get the gist!

Background: I managed to get a center console piece for near half price and decided to attempt getting a local upholstery pro shop to custom wrap in leather. First attempt was a bit of a cock-up with way too thick thread but they did not charge me anything for that - +1! My rationale for changing was that I found that the piano black trim I had previously was very easily micro-scratched, as it is such a 'busy' area - just hard to keep looking new/fresh.

The leather replacement is much more durable in that respect and was aiming for a 6 series look - not quite but close enough for the price ($300 all in). Kicking myself to have not intervening at the shop on the day (got distracted) and would have told the guy to try and perfectly match the OEM stitch spacing (final result is a little wide) but otherwise I think they did a fine job. Retained my Piano Black piece should I want to change out at any point but liking this for now!

Cheers, C.

PS: Don't be fooled by the apparent color changes between the front dash and the center console in the pics - it is all about the lighting and the slightest shading creates a bigger contrast making it appear a very different color!

[///Machiavelli]

That looks very lux, I like it!

I think it goes particularly well in a vert with the more plush looking seats. Having the full individual leather that wraps around the stereo helps too.

My only criticism is the little bit of alcantara and cf around the shifter look out of place. Are you going to tie those in anywhere else?

[BwoodBMW]

Wow that makes a big difference! Looks great

[Needsdecaf]

Very nice Sir!

[ciaranob]

Well I changed out the cheap looking (to me) aluminum wrap on the shifter for the CF piece as it really was an upgrade imo but agree that maybe a piano black matching trim on this would look a lot better but unfortunately that does not appear to be an option right now.

Originally Posted by ///Machiavelli

That looks very lux, I like it!

I think it goes particularly well in a vert with the more plush looking seats. Having the full individual leather that wraps around the stereo helps too.

My only criticism is the little bit of alcantara and cf around the shifter look out of place. Are you going to tie those in anywhere else?

[idocm4]

Surprisingly that looks pretty good!

[ciaranob]

Thanks guys - always fun to tinker!

Originally Posted by BwoodBMW

Wow that makes a big difference! Looks great

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Very nice Sir!

Originally Posted by idocm4

Surprisingly that looks pretty good!

[///Machiavelli]

Originally Posted by ciaranob

Well I changed out the cheap looking (to me) aluminum wrap on the shifter for the CF piece as it really was an upgrade imo but agree that maybe a piano black matching trim on this would look a lot better but unfortunately that does not appear to be an option right now.

How about adding the cf/alcantara hand brake and maybe the cf insert for stock wheel that i think is made by autotechnik or something? Or just spraying the original piece gloss black?

Just some unsolicited advice

[ciaranob]

I hear ye but holy cow I have to pause for a moment on upgrades Definitely considered both and had looked at offerings from BMW on getbmwparts.com and on IND's site with some variants. No doubt I'll be suckered into more stuff soon enough!!

Originally Posted by ///Machiavelli

How about adding the cf/alcantara hand brake and maybe the cf insert for stock wheel that i think is made by autotechnik or something?

[///Machiavelli]

There is no pausing once you've started! Only mods done, doing and about to do.

[ciaranob]

Well since you mentioned it, here is what I have done so far :

1. Eisenmann Black Heritage exhaust from IND
2. BMW Performance tips (IND custom modded to fit Eisenmann)
3. IND Painted side and rear reflectors
4. CF trim around DCT
5. LightWeight front lip (first in the US!)
6. BMW Perf sills
7. Xpel (whole front half of car)
8. CQuartz whole exterior; CQuartz leather fabric protection
9. SMartop plug-in for one touch roof operation and more
10. CF license plate holder (free with purchase)
11. Custom IND front and rear M4 logo'd carpet mats
12. BMW Perf rear difuser
13. Huper Optik tinted windows
14. Escort laser wire tapped to mirror
15. Have dynaplug kit but decided to get the BMW emergency space saver tire/wheel/jack combo also from Bimmerzone
16. Retrofitted the holder for the Safety Triangle from ED
17. Had painted the OEM cans with matt black VHT paint whilst waiting on Eisenmann
18, Retrofitted the Pass Through Door courtesy of BMWNA (finally!)
19. Coded numerous functions including all the nannies off in car, ASD off etc etc courtesy of Shawn Sheridan himself!
20. Removed the ugly 'safety' warning logos/stickers from the sun visors
21. iPhone 6 cradle
22. BMW rear cargo mat insert for convertible
23. Custom leather center console in Amaro brown leather

And indeed no doubt more to come!

Originally Posted by ///Machiavelli

There is no pausing once you've started! Only mods done, doing and about to do.

[W///]

That looks really great

[metrickid]

I would have wrapped the sides of the center console instead. That would have added to the premium feeling.

[ciaranob]

I get that but starts getting pretty expensive for a quick experiment and the way it is now at least follows the other lines in the car i.e. the cutoff of the brown leather on the doors. But who knows, might take up that suggestion later!

Originally Posted by Rossifumi

I would have wrapped the sides of the center console instead. That would have added to the premium feeling.

[metrickid]

Originally Posted by ciaranob

I get that but starts getting pretty expensive for a quick experiment and the way it is now at least follows the other lines in the car i.e. the cutoff of the brown leather on the doors. But who knows, might take up that suggestion later!

True, I guess you have to take apart a lot in the car too. Cool experiment though!

[dstrick]

Originally Posted by ciaranob

Well since you mentioned it, here is what I have done so far :

1. Eisenmann Black Heritage exhaust from IND
2. BMW Performance tips (IND custom modded to fit Eisenmann)
3. IND Painted side and rear reflectors
4. CF trim around DCT
5. LightWeight front lip (first in the US!)
6. BMW Perf sills
7. Xpel (whole front half of car)
8. CQuartz whole exterior; CQuartz leather fabric protection
9. SMartop plug-in for one touch roof operation and more
10. CF license plate holder (free with purchase)
11. Custom IND front and rear M4 logo'd carpet mats
12. BMW Perf rear difuser
13. Huper Optik tinted windows
14. Escort laser wire tapped to mirror
15. Have dynaplug kit but decided to get the BMW emergency space saver tire/wheel/jack combo also from Bimmerzone
16. Retrofitted the holder for the Safety Triangle from ED
17. Had painted the OEM cans with matt black VHT paint whilst waiting on Eisenmann
18, Retrofitted the Pass Through Door courtesy of BMWNA (finally!)
19. Coded numerous functions including all the nannies off in car, ASD off etc etc courtesy of Shawn Sheridan himself!
20. Removed the ugly 'safety' warning logos/stickers from the sun visors
21. iPhone 6 cradle
22. BMW rear cargo mat insert for convertible
23. Custom leather center console in Amaro brown leather

And indeed no doubt more to come!

Any sag from the Lightweight lip? I've had mine on since May and it has a pretty good sag that rubs frequently at the front and center portion. I also have the H&R Super Sports so it's pretty low. It sags worse on really hot days. I'm tossing around ideas to support the forward center more like the MPE lip.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by ///Machiavelli

That looks very lux, I like it!

I think it goes particularly well in a vert with the more plush looking seats. Having the full individual leather that wraps around the stereo helps too.

My only criticism is the little bit of alcantara and cf around the shifter look out of place. Are you going to tie those in anywhere else?

Is that area under the HVAC and stop/start button always finished in leather if you order Full Leather? I ordered Full, but have yet to see it in real life, and can never determine from pics.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by SamS

Is that area under the HVAC and stop/start button always finished in leather if you order Full Leather? I ordered Full, but have yet to see it in real life, and can never determine from pics.

Yes, the whole dash from top to bottom.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by ciaranob

Well finally got around to getting the center console wrapped in the nearest approximation to Amaro Brown leather I could get - not perfect by any means but not bad either. Apologies for less than great pics - late evening and garage lighting through closed roof but you get the gist!

Background: I managed to get a center console piece for near half price and decided to attempt getting a local upholstery pro shop to custom wrap in leather. First attempt was a bit of a cock-up with way too thick thread but they did not charge me anything for that - +1! My rationale for changing was that I found that the piano black trim I had previously was very easily micro-scratched, as it is such a 'busy' area - just hard to keep looking new/fresh.

The leather replacement is much more durable in that respect and was aiming for a 6 series look - not quite but close enough for the price ($300 all in). Kicking myself to have not intervening at the shop on the day (got distracted) and would have told the guy to try and perfectly match the OEM stitch spacing (final result is a little wide) but otherwise I think they did a fine job. Retained my Piano Black piece should I want to change out at any point but liking this for now!

Cheers, C.

PS: Don't be fooled by the apparent color changes between the front dash and the center console in the pics - it is all about the lighting and the slightest shading creates a bigger contrast making it appear a very different color!

Well played, sir... well played.

[Law]

Looks great and makes the interior flow better. Should be like that from the factory.

[jballs16]

Looks good, man. 👍🏼 nice idea.

[STooK]

Wow I thought I was looking at an M6 until I re-read it. Came out very nice and makes it look like a $80k+ car!