Is the panel actually damaged, or is it just dirty and grimy? Start by cleaning it with a soft brush, soap, and water to see what you're actually dealing with. If there are no scrapes or cuts it should clean up pretty well. Mr. Clean Magic Erasers also help get some of the toughest stains and grime off the surface.

If the panels are damaged you're probably better off replacing the entire door panel than attempting to wrap it. E46's are plentiful in the junk yard and you can get door panels for cheap. I pulled a set of four black door panels with speakers and trim for $100 for the set.

The panels are constructed in such a way that you can't really remove the outer surface to recover it. If you cover what is there with existing material it's going to look bulky and not fit correctly.

If the handle is worn and sticky feeling hit it with a Mr. Clean magic eraser to get rid of surface grime and that will help give it a more matte finish. The handle feels sticky as it ages due to the textured surface wearing off. The material below has more of a rubberized feel to it, but as long as you keep it clean it shouldn't be a big deal.

 

Where did you find a pick-n-pull in Wisconsin with an e46?

 

Thanks for the tips mjdehlin ***x1f609;

100$ isn't that expensive and would be preferable than doing it myself, it's truth. The thing is that it's not easy to find quarters in mint condition that are cheap.

I've tried cleaning it with magic sponge but it only makes worst, it acts like sandpaper really. The thing is that the vinyl with age tends to desegregate, the more you touch the more it disappears.. I clean it, it becomes clean but with no texture and really sticky.

If I knew the right vinyl at least I knew it would last alot longer than a replaced door panel. And its easy to apply vinyl, with a heat gun. As for removing the old one you just have to peel off.

 

Greetings,

It appears that the material used is called leatherette, or faux leather. Its a vinyl with leather texture and it can be stretched. I think I'll give it a try since it's not that expensive, beleive that with $40 I can get away with it.

Later on I can post somes updates if anyone is interested.

Cheers

 

Just buy some used M3 panels on ebay. It will cost you about the same as repairing them.

 

Cheaper than $40? I know that this repair involves a great deal of work but a single door panel can cost alot more than $40, meaning that its in good condition.

If the door panel is black and only the handle is damaged, this is a very cheap and easy repair to do. If its, for example, grey it may be more difficult to find the matching color. You may need to replace all the fabric ***x1f615; But at least it will last another life... for $40.

In conclusion:

If you like to diy, for cheap, and have the time wrap the damn thing. If not just replace the panel for another one.

 

Hi, have you done wrapping? I’d like to do the same to mine