Recaro's

General E30 related discussions -
Please put technical questions in E30 Tech Help forum below

Moderator: martauto

User avatar
Daryll
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1996
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Essex
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:31 pm

....well they've arrived but I'm gutted.

Image

The plan is to fit my 7" screens, fit new heated elements from BMW and then retrim in grey leather.

But I didn't realise the standard headrests I built my 7" tv's into are different to the recaros. So a lot of wasted time. :(

Image

Image

But this now means I can fit the 8" HD Volvo XC90 screens I've got but I'm poopng it I'm going to trash the irreplaceable recaro headrests.
Last edited by Daryll on Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
@e30_daryll
ImysE30
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 22486
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Derby Massive!!

Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:35 pm

They look nice Sarah, have you test fitted the headrests to see what they look like?
Current Fleet:

E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
Bob_S
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 5412
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: chester, cheshire

Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:35 pm

when you use terms like irriplaceable.. is it really worth it?

p.s they are recaro's not highbacks ;)
Bollocks to this 24v scrap!
StuBeeDoo
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6756
Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Up My Own Arse

Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:38 pm

Daryll, if you do get unlucky and trash the Recaro headrests, you ought to be able to find a pair either on eBay, the RSOC forum, or PassionFord. I managed to get a pair about a year ago off RSOC for about £25.
They are the same 'rests as the RSTurdo and Sierra Cosworths (all flavours).
HTH
Stuart.
This is why I no longer drive an E30......

Image
User avatar
Daryll
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1996
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Essex
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:46 pm

Imy, the poles are indifferent positions so they won't fit unfortunately.

Bob, yes fella, especially with journeys like Santapod ahead of me this year with tinies in the back asking are we there yet? every 3 minutes.

ps.... what are highbacks then if these aren't them?

Stuart, thanks for that. It's good to know.
@e30_daryll
ImysE30
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 22486
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Derby Massive!!

Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:48 pm

You could get a professional company to do it for you? Might be a bit costly though.
Current Fleet:

E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
StuBeeDoo
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6756
Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Up My Own Arse

Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:52 pm

Daryll wrote:ps.... what are highbacks then if these aren't them?
"Highbacks" are the ones fitted to the likes of Porsche 911s where the headrest is an integral part of the seat back.
This is why I no longer drive an E30......

Image
User avatar
Daryll
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1996
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Essex
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:58 pm

Ah my bed, I stand corrected! I was always right before I became Sarah :D

Imy...maybe....I'll look into what it's going to cost me tomorrow.
@e30_daryll
ImysE30
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 22486
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Derby Massive!!

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:00 pm

Might cost you a bit but might be worth it, just imagine wrecking those lovely headrests trying to do it yourself, although the job on the other headrests is really neat :wink: :cool:
Current Fleet:

E30 335i Turbo M3 Convertible Replica
DanThe
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 28641
Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Staffs
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:01 pm

Yep, as above Recaro's are just Recaro's :)

That fake leather is nasty, I would just have the outers re-trimmed in Anthracite cloth same as the headrests, cant beat that colour on these :cool:
User avatar
Daryll
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1996
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Essex
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:04 pm

Luckily I got these relatively cheap Dan so a retrim is on the cards the cloth inserts are wrecked where someone has had a go at repairing them. As the foam is all being replace at the same time it'll all be wrapped in grey moo skin and then covered in mechanic style seat protectors to keep them fresh for the summer. 8)
@e30_daryll
Bob_S
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 5412
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: chester, cheshire

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:04 pm

I agree with dan! anthracite cloth!

highbacks...

Image
Bollocks to this 24v scrap!
beemerbird
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 8620
Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Suffolk

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:04 pm

DanThe wrote:Yep, as above Recaro's are just Recaro's :)
Has the earth just tilted oddly or something,; I'm sure that when I first started mooching round the zone, Recaros were made of rocking horse poo and the lucky ones of us had sports seats in our cars....

Now recaros are JUST recaros?????????

What's the part number for an OEM brain gasket?
If it ain't broke, fix it till it is
Bob_S
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 5412
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: chester, cheshire

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:05 pm

beemerbird wrote:
DanThe wrote:Yep, as above Recaro's are just Recaro's :)
Has the earth just tilted oddly or something,; I'm sure that when I first started mooching round the zone, Recaros were made of rocking horse poo and the lucky ones of us had sports seats in our cars....

Now recaros are JUST recaros?????????

What's the part number for an OEM brain gasket?
Because those of us who have Recaro's, realise they are just recaro's :)
Bollocks to this 24v scrap!
DanThe
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 28641
Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Staffs
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:08 pm

Daryll wrote:Luckily I got these relatively cheap Dan so a retrim is on the cards the cloth inserts are wrecked where someone has had a go at repairing them. As the foam is all being replace at the same time it'll all be wrapped in grey moo skin and then covered in mechanic style seat protectors to keep them fresh for the summer. 8)
You wont be replacing the foam mate :)
Bob_S
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 5412
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: chester, cheshire

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:10 pm

replace the foam? hehehehehe!! as if!
Bollocks to this 24v scrap!
User avatar
Daryll
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1996
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Essex
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:10 pm

I'm heating them up Dan. So I'll be having the BMW heated foam inserts built into them when they go away for trimming. :D
@e30_daryll
DanThe
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 28641
Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Staffs
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:15 pm

Dont the elements just fit under the foam?
Foam for these is NLA, you cant get it from anywhere AFAIK, ive been looking for the best part of 2 years
User avatar
Daryll
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1996
Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Essex
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:19 pm

DanThe wrote:Dont the elements just fit under the foam?
Foam for these is NLA, you cant get it from anywhere AFAIK, ive been looking for the best part of 2 years
I know a man who can. Rang and asked today and they've definitely got one complete set and are 87% sure they have a 2nd. If they have would you like me to get in touch?
@e30_daryll
SUMPCRACKER
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2040
Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Milton Keynes

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:19 pm

Recaros are just recaros if they are the ones used in fords ect..

The BMW ones used in sports and cabbys are BMW sports seats and are special - and a lot more expensive. (they are not actualy racaros)

Bmw also did "high back" seats which were similar to the ford ones, thease are in some alpinas also jhonno has a set and barry had a set - they are vv special, and the head rests are seperate.
beemerbird
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 8620
Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Suffolk

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:26 pm

SUMPCRACKER wrote:Recaros are just recaros if they are the ones used in fords ect..

The BMW ones used in sports and cabbys are BMW sports seats and are special - and a lot more expensive. (they are not actualy racaros)

Bmw also did "high back" seats which were similar to the ford ones, thease are in some alpinas also jhonno has a set and barry had a set - they are vv special, and the head rests are seperate.
Thanks for that Mr Cracker. Much appreciated :wink:
If it ain't broke, fix it till it is
DanThe
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 28641
Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Staffs
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:34 pm

Sumpcracker your wrong. They are not highbacks, they are Recaro sports seats http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=52&fg=25

If they were cheaper than sports seats then why are there more sports seats out there than Recaro's?

Mine came from a 4 door 325i

Image
SUMPCRACKER
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2040
Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Milton Keynes

Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:43 pm

Now Dan, I also thought that the seats you have are an expensive Recaro sports seat option.

And are in the brochure as "Recaro sports seat option" but since ive been on here a lot of people have refered to them as highbacks, BSS had a similar set and refered to them as highbacks?

Also - I said
Ford type recaros - not special
Bmw sports seats - Special
Yours -BMW sports seats/ or highbacks? vv special.
StuBeeDoo
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6756
Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Up My Own Arse

Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:00 pm

SUMPCRACKER wrote:Ford type recaros - not special
:cry: They're far more special than BMW sports seats. :(
This is why I no longer drive an E30......

Image
oze30
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4133
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Sydney

Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:08 pm

Hmm should I post pics of my Black leather Recaro's from the 635???

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

Rare?
DanThe
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 28641
Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Staffs
Contact:

Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:11 pm

SUMPCRACKER wrote: Also - I said
Ford type recaros - not special
Bmw sports seats - Special
Yours -BMW sports seats/ or highbacks? vv special.
Recaro sports seats :wink:

Highbacks is just a slang definition for them, most people refer to sports seats as Recaro's, so you can see where the confusion can come in if they are just called Recaro's.

Example -
I was offered an alfa last year, without seeing it, the guy said "its got Recaro's"
It didnt have Recaro's, it had cobra bucket seats :mad:
User avatar
Bavarian_Autotech
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 117
Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: Forest of Dean

Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:30 pm

SUMPCRACKER wrote: Also - I said
Ford type recaros - not special
Bmw sports seats - Special.
wrong way round.

most Recaros are pretty special - the ones in Ford RS's are great

E30 BMW sports seats arent that special at all, they dont grip as well as recaros and arent as comfortable. the best thing that can be said about them is they are nicer than comfort seats
User avatar
Bavarian_Autotech
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 117
Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: Forest of Dean

Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:32 pm

DanThe wrote:

Highbacks is just a slang definition for them, most people refer to sports seats as Recaro's, so you can see where the confusion can come in if they are just called Recaro's.
arent highbacks the ones as fitted to E30 M3 Sport Evo etc, with an incorporated headrest and (on this design but not all) harness slots
csl
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2117
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Lancaster

Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:47 pm

most Recaros are pretty special - the ones in Ford RS's are great
Agreed. :) Recaros have always been excellent and with the possible exception of Scheel seats,they are the best for any sporting saloon IMO 8)

BMW sport seats are great but they are not in the same league when compared with the above really.
Bob_S
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 5412
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: chester, cheshire

Sat Apr 04, 2009 12:24 am

as rare as an e24 635 matey :)
Bollocks to this 24v scrap!
oze30
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4133
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Sydney

Sat Apr 04, 2009 12:40 am

Bob, most came with the standard sport seats, like E30's Haven't seen ANY with these recaro's in. Not even an M6 from Dubai which I saw the other day came with them.
SUMPCRACKER
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2040
Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Milton Keynes

Sat Apr 04, 2009 6:28 am

When i say special, i dont mean how good they are, the ford ones win hands down!!

I meant value and rarity.
A set of ford/rover recaros go from about £60
A set of bmw sports seats from £200
And bmw recaro sports over 1 billion dollars.??

The seats oze has are the early type sports option for e21 323, e28, e24 ect...when bmw were using these the likes of ford were using simalr type fisnet recaro's and roll tops,
(quite a rare option in a bmw imo)

Not sure on the cut off dates, it seems to change with model rather than date.

Dans type are the late ones for e30/e34 ect..the later type design is pretty much as the ford rs turb/cosworth ones with thinner squabs.

Should have put this in my first post, :mad:

All the info is from 80's car mags and brochurs.
SUMPCRACKER
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2040
Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Milton Keynes

Sat Apr 04, 2009 6:30 am

DanThe wrote:
SUMPCRACKER wrote: Also - I said
Ford type recaros - not special
Bmw sports seats - Special
Yours -BMW sports seats/ or highbacks? vv special.
Recaro sports seats :wink:

:

Thats what i meant :o:
capri_rob
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 9681
Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: South Staffordshire

Sat Apr 04, 2009 8:55 am

Daryll wrote:....
But this now means I can fit the 8" HD Volvo XC90 screens I've got but I'm poopng it I'm going to trash the irreplaceable recaro headrests.
Probably not quite irreplaceable mate - they look the same headrests as fitted to any number of recaro fitted 80's cars - 2.8 Capri, Astra /Manta GTE, Various Ford RS models. Certainly the same shape and size anyway ! I don't think you'll have too much trouble getting replacements if you make a mess of them.
Image

e30topless said : Proper BMW's have 4 headlights, last of the run was the E30 and E34/E32 anything after that is just complete shite
User avatar
pnd
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1801
Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 11:00 pm

Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:45 am

i have a set of these recaros with the alpina green and blue stripes down them they are in good condition with the drivers side excellent i want to sell them but can't be bothered to get the pics up anyone who wants them can pm me though and save me the bother. I won't be giving them away though they are uber rare and not even in most alpinas.
Post Reply