Passenger side airbag cover leather re-clamp help

Kriss

Newbie
Joined
Feb 22, 2026
Points
1
Hey all! :drinks:

New owner of a BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8 here and loving it thus far, other than dreading the issues with the extended leather (while appreciating the look where its has not slipped). The airbag cover on the passenger side is the worst offender, While the driver's side binnacle is still not too bad. I'm considering replacing or restretching the leather on the passenger side airbag cover.

I’m comfortable with the leather side of things (removing old glue, softening, re-stretching), but I’m unsure about the airbag cover construction itself. It looks like the cover is made of two parts, with the leather sandwiched/gripped between them.

I’ve removed the four screws underneath, which suggests the cover should split, but I haven’t had the confidence to pry it apart without risking damage. Before I go any further, I’m curious:
  • Does the cover actually split into two pieces?
  • Has anyone re-sandwiched the leather between those parts after re-stretching? Or how is it usually done?
  • Any other tips?

I’ll add a couple of photos for reference. Appreciate any help!
 

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Stevo7682

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
The M44 Massive
Scottish Zeds
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Points
218
Location
Maybole , South Ayrshire
Model of Z
Z3 Individual Dakar / Orinoco Individual
I have an airbag cover here somewhere off the car .
You can take the whole piece out the dash it pops in the dash from 2 tabs at the front as you know ( its designed to flip towards the windscreen on detonation) and a strap at the rear ( non airbag don't have strap ) beyond that i have never take one apart further but.
I bought an extended leather dash and doorcards to retrofit into my Orinoco
The dash wast in not too bad condition for the money i paid but the airbag cover ( mine is non airbag) was toast i still have it but its wrecked
So i ended up putting my original non extended leather one into it and got to say blends in well you dont even really notice it
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17722784864907382312354775273569.jpg


Both pictures literally taken now sitting in the car finishing writing this
Stephen.
 

Kriss

Newbie
Joined
Feb 22, 2026
Points
1
That looks surprisingly convincing honestly! That might certainly be a plan B, if sorting the leather becomes too challenging.
 
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