thinking about swaping out for leather seats.
I am thinking about going OEM...

what parts are needed?

has anyone done this before?

thanks.

 

Try looking at realoem.com for part numbers and parts needed. Haven't done it- didn't want the Panther Leather but wanted the ENGLISH Panther Leather- not offered in the 'realoem' parts list. After much research and agony found out the EPL numbers and, by the way, they're waaay expensive.

 

how much was the damage?
Difference between English and Panther leather?

 

PM sent

 

INTERESTED IN THE cool black leather seats is that EPL? Will they fit in an 06MCS? is it my backside or are the seats in the 07's a little wider and better padded?

 

Don't know what "...cool black leather seats..." are but doesn't sound like EPLs. There seems to be some debate in other threads if '07 seats will fit MCS and/or MCS JCW '06. Some say they just fit the fronts. I've never seen a definitive answer (might be out there in those threads somewhere!).

Some of the '07 seats are desirable and would be nice to put in an '06 in lieu of the English Panther Leathers that are virtually prohibitively expensive purchased new.

I've never sat on '07 seats so couldn't answer that question.

 

I know you've been looking for the EPL for some time now. Have you not found a set yet???

 

good news is I only have front seats , removed the back to put in a full sized spare . I saw the EPL seat picture last night on a thread , is that what you ended up with or are still lokking for ? How much for new from MINI?

 

Yes, it has been some time and no, I haven't found a set of EPLs yet. Can't afford new so am looking for excellent condition used but haven't seen any anywhere. A little discouraging so I haven't been trying very hard lately.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-06...spagenameZWDVW

 

RE: Seats on the above web site (e-bay)... These look like nice panther leather seats at a fair price and would be good for someone to swap out for "leatherette". But they're not English panther leather. EPLs have the really nice quality soft leather, parallel stitching, and white contrasting piping.

 

Has anybody considered going with somebody that makes replacement seat covers, like katzskin?

I have been wanting to switch my leatherette out for real lether, especially with contrasting piping around the edge, and I do believe it would be more cost effective to order a set of katzkin covers, and to take the seats to an upholstery shop to be re-covered.

Now, if you are dying to have lumbar support, then I totally understand wanting to purchase an entire OEM seat, just like I mentioned, it could get mighty costly, especially if you have something in particular that you want.

-Chase

 

Keep an eye on ebay, there was a set that I was considering, however, didn't quite have the funds together to purchase. They were in amazing shape. The company LKQ online was selling them, I purchased an '05 locking glovebox and a set of anthracite/leather door cards. They are quick, and very honest. If I were you, I would consider contacting them, maybe if they know that they have a buyer for a full set of English Panther seats for a MINI, they would take your name and contact you if/when they got a set in...

Just a thought!

-Chase

 

The factory EPL's are gooooorgeous!! The piping is awesome and the quality and style of leather looks top notch. You probably still get the stretched leather bubble under your ****, but still....such a beautiful set of leather. LKQ had a set awhile back and they ended the auction early because someone purchased the set in their store. EPL shows up....just not too often.

 

I've been the routes all have mentioned above. "Oh, you should've called us last week because we had a set of those..." is a common conversation I've had. I've also gone through the parts companies that "search the country" for you- one even claiming they had a set in stock. When asked to send a photo they didn't without explanation, without a return call and kept my search fee. I've talked to the folks at Katzkin and was told they do not replicate the EPLs- it's more than just a recover job unfortunately. Custom made seats are expensive and do not have the airbags (but neither do aftermarket seats for the most part). I have not dealt with LKQ and will follow that lead- thanks for the tip. And, yes, I've spoken to those whose "imprint" is left on the seat and say the seats are still worth it. Keep sending in those tips and I'll keep looking.