Restoring the E39 M5 CARAMEL leather with LEATHERIQUE

My 2001 BMW M5 remains in excellent condition for a car that is well over 20 years old. However, time and infrequent use are starting to take their toll on the leather interior. Since my E39 is equipped with the optional Extended Leather package I have a lot of it! Although the visual condition of the leather in my M5 is still above average, with little cracking and fading, the issue that I am encountering is that the leather is starting to get hard, and tight.
This happens with age as the oils evaporate out of the leather. It is also compounded, or accelerated by the lack of use. Yup…. Not sitting in the seats is making the leather worse. Frequent use of the seats would keep the leather moving, rubbing on itself. This causes those oils to move around and circulate in the leather keeping it soft and supple.
I see a lot of noise on this Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil and Cleaner online. Some say that it’s the end all be all. Some say that it is unable to penetrate treated, or dyed leather. I decided that I would buy a small batch of it and see if it gives the results that are promised. Now keep in mind that my only goal with this product was to soften and moisturize the oil. I was not attempting, or expecting to see any real visual improvements.
I made this video specifically to show those who also own an E39 M5 with the Caramel Extended leather how this product affects the leather, esp in the higher wear areas.
If you have used this product before, jump into the comments and share your experience and thoughts with us!
Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more E39 and E28 M5 Content.
~ Nick
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📸 ~ IG: / _autotechnick_
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Take a peek at some of my additional projects & content that you may enjoy:
1988 BMW M5 (E28) Full Restoration:
🔥🔥Comming Soon!🔥🔥
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▶️ 2001 BMW M5:
• 2001 BMW M5
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▶️ Hot Rods & Domestic’s:
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▶️ Dinan E28 M5 (1988 BMW M5):
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• 2006 Subaru WRX STi
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About AutoTechNick:
Growing up in rural Oregon, I was always around Hot Rods & Race Cars. I imagine my early exposure to this culture ignited a spark of interest in cars, which remains my passion.
🎓 I am a proud Alumni of Wyoming Technical Institute, where I studied Automotive Technology, Performance Engine Building & Street Rod Fabrication. In addition to “WyoTech,” I graduated from the BMW Service Technician Education Program, more commonly known as BMW S.T.E.P.
🏎️ I spent nearly ten years working in various BMW dealerships as a Master Technician. After a move back home to the PNW, I found myself no longer servicing German-made machines but now working with Italians. I spent nearly another ten years as a Ferrari Master Technician & Shop Foreman at a local Ferrari dealership.
🏆 Ferrari selected me as one of 12 technicians worldwide to compete in the “Ferrari Testa Rossa Awards” for four years consecutively. Finishing in 3rd place in 2016, & in 2019 I was able to place in 1st, winning the competition & earning the title of the “Top Ferrari Technician in the World!”
🚀 As my time with Ferrari came to an end, a new career path awaited me…. Aerospace. I am currently working at Blue Origin, helping to build & develop the BE-3PM and BE-3U rocket engines.
With my new career path, I needed an outlet for my automotive passion, thus the reason for this channel…
#bmwm5 #m5 #e39 #e39m5 #leatherique #s62 #leatherrestoration #leatherrepair #bmw5series #bmwusa #e39mafia #bmwmotorsport #bmwm #bmwmotorsports #bmwmotor

[@AutoTechNick]

If you have used Leatherique, or a similar product to revitalize and rejuvenate your leather, I would like to hear what you used and your experience with it. ~ Nick

[@matthewkaiser358]

Looks great! Makes me smile every time I see Walter on the channel.

[@AutoTechNick]

It's a great car as you know. I will forever be grateful that you passed it on to me. ~ Nick

[@bryanfyler3921]

I’ve used this several times and love it. If the steering wheel is shiny and looking bad you can soak it in the oil and wrap it in plastic, then leave it in the sun for most of the day. The cleaner will bring it back to like new, which is crazy. Try a small area first but trust the process. If you can leave the oil on and doors closed for 24 hours it really does a great job. You will need a second pass with the pristine clean a few days to a week later, as you mentioned. It’s a great product, in my experience.

[@AutoTechNick]

I would agree with your assessment. I certainly plan to treat my interior a few more times with the product. But its a tough call. Drive the car and enjoy it, or park it and treat the leather.... ~ Nick

[@jamiesonsime9197]

Nothing wrong with a little patina showing it gets driven. Lookin’ good!

[@AutoTechNick]

My OCD has a hard time with any patina on this car. ~ Nick

[@donriedl3484]

Another very good video Nick, thanks! We have a 2005 Corvette that is low mileage and are thinking about what to do with the cashmere leather seats...

[@AutoTechNick]

Thank you Don. I would highly recommend giving this product a try on your Corvette. It's a bit messy, and time-consuming to apply and it definitely makes things look worse before they look better, but I was very pleased with the results. ~ Nick

[@RichRotorhead]

Get some dye on that next order as well.

[@AutoTechNick]

Eventually, I will redye the leather. But I think I will wait until I have the leather reconditioned a bit more before I make that jump.