New non-BMW shift boot...
 

Hello everyone.

I am a pretty strict genuine BMW parts guy only, but I have a problem.

My original shifter boot (black leather with red stitching) is a bit dry and 'stretched tight' in places and I wanted to get a new one. (I will consider a MINT used one if you have one...)

Checking realOEM I see it has been discontinued (but other color stitcing is still available iif you were interested).

Anyway, I started looking around and found a seller on ebay (topgaiters) in the UK with what appear to be decent quality leather boots, with more-or-less the same style as the original one.

Has anyone had any experience with this seller to comment on fit, finish and quality?

LINK=> http://www.ebay.com/itm/350464468549...WAX:IT&vxp=mtr

It has two red-stiched seams in the rear instead of one, but looks pretty decent in the pictures.

Any insight appreciated!:biggrin:

check these guys out. i was looking at them when i swapped in my sport interior.

http://www.redlinegoods.com/E36shiftboot.php

~john

Thanks for that link! Those do look quite good, and I imagine a custom version (replica of original sport boot) would not be a problem for them at all either.

In the mean time, I pulled my boot out to see what I could do with it. I scrubbed it clean (it really wasn't very dirty) with Lexol cleaner, rinsed it, dried it and began with the lexol treatment. But, I applied it to the INSIDE (suede) and it drank it up. I kept it moist until it started to come out the top (finished side) and I have to say it is a million times better. Much more flexible (it really wasn't flexible at all in the rear corners) and looks good too.

I am letting it 'soak' now, and will keep it moist into tomorrow. I think its gonna live, but it has the beginnings of some serious cracks that would have torn for sure if I didn't do this.

Restoration tip!:wink:

Now I'm thinking of doing this with the seat covers... Pull them off and saturate the suede side to soften the leather... PITA but cheaper than new covers!