Side Bolster Wear/Cracking
#1
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2003 C32 & 2012 C63 P31 Sedan
Side Bolster Wear/Cracking
I know this is a common issue with the sedans, especially the drivers side. I have the Two-tone red/black interior and I believe the previous owner tried to fix the cracking by covering up a lot of it by painting the outer portion black. I believe the entire side bolsters is supposed to be red from the factory (can anyone confirm?)
The pictures below better show what I'm talking about. I've given it the leatherique rejuvinator and pristine clean treatment. But the side bolster will need some more detailed work.
Have any of you had success in restoring these, or have any advice on how you would tackle this?
The car is a 2012 with about 57k miles so it seems the previous owner was very rough getting in and out of the car.
The pictures below better show what I'm talking about. I've given it the leatherique rejuvinator and pristine clean treatment. But the side bolster will need some more detailed work.
Have any of you had success in restoring these, or have any advice on how you would tackle this?
The car is a 2012 with about 57k miles so it seems the previous owner was very rough getting in and out of the car.
#2
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every c63 i seen has bolster problem like that. Unless it is non leather car.
Best way is to set 3 memory to move the seat back further so you can get in and out of the car without rubbing against the bolsters.
Best way is to set 3 memory to move the seat back further so you can get in and out of the car without rubbing against the bolsters.
#3
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12 C63BS Magno Alanite Grey, 22 X3M Brooklyn Grey, 08 BMW E93, 22 Ducati Desert Sled, John Deere 3R
Read through the leatherique website, you are going to need to fill the cracks, sand it and then reapply matching die - leatherique sells it all and has some good instructions and examples.
The leather used is a top coated leather (not really dyed) so think of it as painted leather, they basically spray a topcoat on the leather to color it and that is what cracks and wears off, not the leather itself, so you need to basically fill it like you would paint scratches and chips and then repaint. You can either wipe on or spray the dye.
http://www.leatherique.com/do_it_your_self_instruction/
If you google, lots of DIY's that people have made on how to do it, it is not too difficult (will take a weekend though to get through the steps and let a couple coats dry and deal with the 2 colors), take your time and it will look like new again.
The leather used is a top coated leather (not really dyed) so think of it as painted leather, they basically spray a topcoat on the leather to color it and that is what cracks and wears off, not the leather itself, so you need to basically fill it like you would paint scratches and chips and then repaint. You can either wipe on or spray the dye.
http://www.leatherique.com/do_it_your_self_instruction/
If you google, lots of DIY's that people have made on how to do it, it is not too difficult (will take a weekend though to get through the steps and let a couple coats dry and deal with the 2 colors), take your time and it will look like new again.
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#4
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2003 C32 & 2012 C63 P31 Sedan
Thanks, I saw some DIY's and I'll most likely go with the Leatherique fill and re-dye process. I might wait until it warms up a bit before attempting it.
Now I have to fret about finding the matching dye...
Now I have to fret about finding the matching dye...
#5
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I know this is a common issue with the sedans, especially the drivers side. I have the Two-tone red/black interior and I believe the previous owner tried to fix the cracking by covering up a lot of it by painting the outer portion black. I believe the entire side bolsters is supposed to be red from the factory (can anyone confirm?)
The pictures below better show what I'm talking about. I've given it the leatherique rejuvinator and pristine clean treatment. But the side bolster will need some more detailed work.
Have any of you had success in restoring these, or have any advice on how you would tackle this?
The car is a 2012 with about 57k miles so it seems the previous owner was very rough getting in and out of the car.
The pictures below better show what I'm talking about. I've given it the leatherique rejuvinator and pristine clean treatment. But the side bolster will need some more detailed work.
Have any of you had success in restoring these, or have any advice on how you would tackle this?
The car is a 2012 with about 57k miles so it seems the previous owner was very rough getting in and out of the car.
I have the same interior and only the centre panels are black.
#6
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Have you investigate a quality body shop or interior specialist who might do it for you?
#7
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12 C63BS Magno Alanite Grey, 22 X3M Brooklyn Grey, 08 BMW E93, 22 Ducati Desert Sled, John Deere 3R
You could try
https://www.fibrenew.com/colorado_sp...lstery-repair/
or
http://www.renewmyauto.com/
Both are in Colorado Springs and do leather renewal work - these places will usually mix die and match .
https://www.fibrenew.com/colorado_sp...lstery-repair/
or
http://www.renewmyauto.com/
Both are in Colorado Springs and do leather renewal work - these places will usually mix die and match .
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#9
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I agree. Call your local guy. Just keep in mind these are franchises and the skill of the individual may determine the outcome.
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2003 C32 & 2012 C63 P31 Sedan
I think sanding, filling in the cracks and re-dying is the way to properly do this. I'll get quotes from fibrenew and renewmyauto though before deciding.
Thanks for providing those links!
Thanks for providing those links!
#11
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
I use Lexol leather cleaner and protectant. I'm at 30,000 km and almost 2 years - and my car is kept outside year round (-20C to +30C), and I have zero cracking or creasing.
I apply the leather conditioner every 6 months.
I have the nappa leather which is probably even more sensitive to cracking because it's quite soft?
I apply the leather conditioner every 6 months.
I have the nappa leather which is probably even more sensitive to cracking because it's quite soft?