This product is handmade in Europe and can take up to eight weeks to arrive. No returns or exchanges accepted.
What This Is
A custom-sewn leather cover for your existing 1988-95 BMW 5-Series seatbelt. It is a cover for your factory part, not a replacement part.
What's Included
- Included: 1 custom-sewn cover, made to order.
- Not included: factory parts, adhesive, or tools.
Before You Order
- Fits 1988-95 BMW 5-Series.
- It's made to order, so it can take up to 8 weeks to arrive and can't be returned or exchanged. Please double-check your year, fitment, and colors before ordering.
- International shipping: every piece ships from Poland, so a $15 international shipping charge applies to each item at checkout.
Installation
Difficulty: Moderate | Tools: basic hand tools, contact adhesive for leather
You'll remove the factory part, fit the new cover, and reinstall. Contact us with any questions before you start.
Generally, all BMW vehicles use a very similar mounting system for both shift and brake boots. The boots are glued to a plastic frame which, in turn, is just clipped into the center console trim and all it takes is some carefuly prying to detach it.
▼ Click to Open / Close Step-by-Step Installation Guide (19 Steps)
Step 1. First remove the shift knob by pulling straight up on the knob.
Step 2. Carefully pry along the trim along the edges of the boot to take it off. It is best to just use your hands. If your existing boot is soft you may be able to reach through it and grab the edge of the boot frame and pull the middle of it towards the middle slightly to release it.
Step 3. Now that the shift boot and its trim are out, carefully remove the vinyl boot from the frame (an x-acto knife will work great for that purpose). Clean the frame carefully with sandpaper of any glue/vinyl residue.
Step 4. To install the shift boot you must glue the boot in the plastic frame. You can use epoxy-based glue (3M makes some great glues for that purpose). Contact cement also works and makes it easier to keep the boot in position on the frame as you stretch it on. If using contact cement coat the inside edge of the leather boot with glue and the outside of the frame (follow the instructions with the cement for how long to let it set before proceeding.).
Step 5. Make sure the shorter stitching is facing towards the front of the car. Next, stretch the boot over the frame slowly working your way around and lining up the stitching at the four corners of the frame. With contact cement you will have to press the leather to the frame several times to make sure it is set. After the glue has dried (immediately with contact cement), be sure to trim the leather around the clips on the frame to make sure they will seat correctly.
Step 6. Slip the frame and boot over the shift rod and carefully press the frame down until it snaps in place. You may have to squeeze slightly in on the sides of the frame where the clips are to make it go down easier.
Step 7. Press the shift knob back on to the shift rod until it snaps into place. You may have to turn it slightly to line up the slot in the top of the shaft with the knob.
Step 8. Pinch the boot and pull straight up. The boot is held in place by a snap-in plastic ring, which should come right out.
Step 9. Pull the boot over the handle to reveal a zip-tie.
Step 10. Cut the zip tie off.
Step 11. The boot should slide right off the handle now.
Step 12. Peel the boot off the plastic ring with your fingers.
Step 13. Sand down the surface of the plastic ring to remove any remaining fibers or glue.
Step 14. Apply contact cement to the rim of the ring, exactly where the old boot was attached.
Step 15. Turn the new boot inside out.
Step 16. Apply glue to the bottom edge of the boot. Be careful not to get glue on the finished side. Follow the directions supplied with your glue, which may include a waiting period before you attach the boot. Stretch the boot around the rim of the ring. Be sure to line up the side of the boot with two seams with the back of the ring, which has two tabs rather than one. Press the edge of the boot into the glue on the plastic ring, ensuring thorough contact.
Step 17. Allow the glue to dry; again, follow the directions supplied with your glue. When dry, pull the top of the boot down through the bottom, and slide it back over the brake handle.
Step 18. Pull it all the way to the end of the handle, then attach with a zip-tie.
Step 19. Cut off the excess zip-tie. Pull the boot down into the original position, then snap in the front first and the back second. DONE!
Leather care: apply a leather conditioner with UV protection every 4-6 weeks to keep it from drying out and cracking.
Options & Pricing
Choose your material, colors, and stitching color in the options above. Add-on prices are added in the cart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is my personal information kept private? Is it safe to use my credit card?
A: Yes, your personal information is kept private and it is safe to use your credit card.
Q: How much will shipping cost?
A: Unfortunately, the cost of shipping is a real expense. Our goal is to minimize your shipping costs. Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the items in your cart and will be displayed prior to you placing an order. Please note that oversized items may be subject to additional charges, which will be noted on the product page.
Q: How do I track my order?
A: Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking notification via email.
Q: Can someone outside of the United States place an order?
A: Yes, we are happy to provide worldwide service for our customers. Your shipping charges will be calculated during the checkout process. Customs and duty fees are the responsibility of the buyer.