Sports seats and non sports seats

[Kenhayes247]

Hello all,

Does anyone know whether the metal frames inside the sports and non sports seats are the same?

I ask because i was considering having my non sports seats re-upholstered as a sports seat. I appreciate that the adaption would require extra padding etc if its possible.

If the frames are the same, apart from the re-upholstering/padding what other differences might/are there that prevents the conversion?

Many thanks

 

[Brian4]

just looking on realOEM there are parts diagrams for the foam for sports seats and standard seats but only one parts diagram for the seat and back bases, so looks as if they are the same.

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

BMW parts Z3 E36 Z3 3.0i Diagram Selection

www.realoem.com

 

[Brian4]

Link for the seat pan which fits all Z3's

RealOEM.com - Part Search

 

[Kenhayes247]

Link for the seat pan which fits all Z3's

RealOEM.com - Part Search

Thanks that is really useful. Having looked at a BMW site in Germany they are listing the seat bases as the same but the backrest frames have a different number.

I need to explore this a bit more to be sure

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

The tops are definately different they have little wings on the side to add the 'bucket' feel.

SOLD - Z3 sport seat skeletons free to collector (Woking)

As title free to anyone who wants them, collection only from Woking, Surrey. will be stored outside for a few days until being scrapped if there is no interest If someone wants them a donation to my dad’s charity fundraiser would be appreciated https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-leane

zroadster.org

 

[IainP]

Hello all,

Does anyone know whether the metal frames inside the sports and non sports seats are the same?

I ask because i was considering having my non sports seats re-upholstered as a sports seat. I appreciate that the adaption would require extra padding etc if its possible.

If the frames are the same, apart from the re-upholstering/padding what other differences might/are there that prevents the conversion?

Many thanks

The frame is thick enough steel you can add any extra frame you want. I added harness reinforcement to mine but never used it after a chat with a motorsport scrutineer.
Not on a Z3, but in the past I’ve made a couple of deeper bolsters, or shoulder wings, for people using 10mm bar. It’s easy enough to bend round something to form, but sturdy enough not to bend in use. I add little gussets just because I have small dimple dies.

 

[Fender2004]

I thought I'd post this not sure if it will help? As you can see it is a standard seat.

 

[Kenhayes247]

Thanks to all for your input. I t looks as though the seat bases are common across all models but the backrests are not. The pictures you all provided were really useful. I will look to source some sports seat back rests as they are different.
Many thanks again.

 

[t-tony]

Modifying some standard seats could end up being an option Ken, 1) because sport seats are silly money and 2) it could certainly be the cheaper more available option.

Tony.

 

[Kenhayes247]

Hi Tony, agreed, that's the route I am heading down.

Sports seats are selling for silly money and may also need re-upholstering as well.

I will keep a lookout for some backrests I think and modify my standard seats to sports

 

[t-tony]

Good luck Ken I hope you find a pair to copy.

Tony.

 

[IainP]

Hi Tony, agreed, that's the route I am heading down.

Sports seats are selling for silly money and may also need re-upholstering as well.

I will keep a lookout for some backrests I think and modify my standard seats to sports

There’s this new one on eBay

BMW Frame for Seat Back 52108407420 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BMW Frame for Seat Back 52108407420 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

I’ll try and find the pics of the shoulder wings/bolsters I made in the past, they’re on a computer . . Somewhere.
I could quite easily bend and dimple the gussets for you, similar to the the ones on the bolsters above, I’d just need some dimensions or a drawing. And speaking of bolsters, just remembered I ‘tightened’ mine by bending them carefully inwards about 15-20mm with a big bar.