So, I have had my R53 for 6 years... I have done some mods to it in the past, then got busy with life, but now am back at it again.

Anyway, I got a line on an option I wanted from the factory... but it was too expensive at the time. Leather front seats.

The vehicle they are coming from was own by BMW NA for a track team, they were stripped virtually at a dealership, and all the OEM Stock components were put into crates. 6 years later said crates were bought by the new owner, and he is selling the component

Long story short, I can get both the front seats in AAA+++ shape for $500 total (shipping included via grey hound) Now my question is... is it worth it?

I currently have leatherette, and while I have always wanted leather seats, I am wondering if the same cash should be tossed at some other mod.

Looking for opinions

 

Leather seats are nice but do require more care than the leatherette.
Something to think about also, summer heat.
Price is good and swap out is easy.
Is it really worth it?

 

its a good price... It would add resale value (a bit) if I ever sell.

I'm on the fence, I told the guy I would call him back Friday, so I can think about it.

I was think instead of the seats a rear sway bar... and I don't have a pulley yet, I could get both for together for the same money.

 

Nate are those seats from the same year MINI as yours? If not you may have issues with the airbag light & your MINIs computer not seeing them or not liking what it sees.

As far as price goes I think $500 is high. If you want them I'd offer less & see how it goes.

Good luck....

 

they are from an '05 or '06... I was thinking about pulling the upholstery and slapping them on my frames.... "back in the day" I used to do that on my BMWs

I am to be honest leaning more towards the "go fast" option + sway bar and strut brace. For the money it seems like I would get more.

My interior is in clean shape anyway... it was to simply satisfy my craving for the option I didnt have.

 

I think 500 is actually pretty inexpensive for seats in like new condition, if you car needs no other work, and your current seats are in need of care sounds like a good deal to me

 

For me sway bars or go fast bits win out over dead cow anytime. Your mileage may vary.

 

If I remember correctly, the Leather seats have lumbar adjustment while the leatherette does not, so that may be snag when trying to swap uphosltery due to the hole left from the ****.

 

Pulley and sway bar vs dead cows? I know where I would go but this is totally up to you. Pulley and sway bar will make your MINI a whole different beast. Dead cows are dead cows.

 

$500 for 2 seats that are "like new" and in leather is a good price.

 

I'd say jump on it. You say that you've wanted leather seats and now a like brand-new pair is staring you in the face at an EXTREMELY affordable price. Imagine what you would have to pay for those seats if you ordered them directly from MINI? Definitely more than that 500.00; you'd probably have to triple that amount.

I say go for 'em.

BTW, are they the regular black leather, or are they the English panther leather with the contrast piping? If they are the English panther, you'd be crazy to pass them up.

-Chase

 

What, you only eat chicken?

These are my first leather seats. Nice, but other than that, I'm with Crashton if it's either/or.