Author Topic: Removing Carpet...Who's Done It? (Read 4041 times)

bmwman91 · « **on:** February 26, 2008, 04:56:32 PM »

There are some stains on the carpet in my car that I want to wet-vac out. I also want to avoid having liquids sprayed all around inside the car, so I would like to just yank the whole thing out and clean it thoroughly outside the car.

What all is involved with this? Obviously, the center console and gas pedal need to come out, and I think the steering column needs to be disconnected. How much of the dashboard do i need to remove while I am at it? Thanks!

Wise Old Dog · « **Reply #1 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:04:05 PM »

Bear of a job. there are 4 bolts that hold the heat and air unit to the firewall. They need to be loosened up to allow the carpet to slide out from under. Seats, console, sill trim, all need to come out. IIRC, the dash and steering is OK.

strypt · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2008, 01:14:01 AM »

Yes no need to remove steering or dash. The hard job isn't to get it out, it's to get it in again

lindol · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2008, 12:35:35 AM »

Removed my carpet recently, trying to track down all the leaks. Anyway, once you remove the seats, kick panels, center console and the next piece of plastic that reaches forward to the foot wells all you need to do is make a few vertical cuts in the carpet to allow the carpet to come out without removing the pedals. If you are careful, these cuts will not be seen when the carpet is reinstalled as they are so high up in the foot well. I read on another site, http://www.e30zone.net there is a work around on re-installation and that is to cut away the carpet that was under the HVAC unit as you cannot reinstall easily otherwise. Here again, this is hidden completely by the plastic trim that fits around both sides of the transmission hump. That site also makes mention of how well made the carpets are and that they can be high pressure washed and will look brand new afterwards. The only drawback is that it may take a few days for the carpets to dry out.
Good Luck!

bmwman91 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2008, 10:58:45 AM »

Great replies everyone, thanks!

roadsterd · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2008, 11:10:46 AM »

I just used the Rug Doctor steam cleaner with the upholstery attachment the other week and it took out all of my stains. You can rent it for $20 at Lowes. No need to make an hour job a day long project.

My carpet was nasty from the previous owner. I had coffee stains, red stains from his kids juice, it took it all out. Look at my profile thread for the after pics.

bmwman91 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 29, 2008, 10:43:02 AM »

Quote from: roadsterd;43821

I just used the Rug Doctor steam cleaner with the upholstery attachment the other week and it took out all of my stains. You can rent it for $20 at Lowes. No need to make an hour job a day long project.

My carpet was nasty from the previous owner. I had coffee stains, red stains from his kids juice, it took it all out. Look at my profile thread for the after pics.

Haha but where's the fun in doing it the easy (possibly the right way)?! I want to yank it anyway and inspect for any rust. I might live in CA, but better safe than sorry. Anyone got hot leads on BMW floor mats? This car didn't have any when I bought it. I have seen them for sale for like $200, but forget that.

ScreamerBeemer · « **Reply #7 on:** February 29, 2008, 12:04:36 PM »

Bavauto has a whole set for $120

Wise Old Dog · « **Reply #8 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:26:15 PM »

cocomats.com / Best mat available. Doesn't slide, hides dirt, and contains water. Heavy duty. Several patterns available, custom made for your car.

D. Clay · « **Reply #9 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:48:36 PM »

I bought original floor mats from BMA for $125. I cut the carpet under the A/C heater box in the area that was hidden by the console. I also accidentally slit the rubber drain on the right side. Result was water under the carpet a few months later. That part of course is optional.

P. Kennedy · « **Reply #10 on:** February 29, 2008, 06:36:13 PM »

WeatherTech all season floor mats. Mats.com is the URL. I got a set for the front for like $60 and they are great when you're always tracking assorted crap into your car. These are custom fit and are easily cleaned.

In my humble opinion, nothing could be fuglier than coco mats.

roadsterd · « **Reply #11 on:** February 29, 2008, 07:05:06 PM »

Quote from: bmwman91;43875

Anyone got hot leads on BMW floor mats? This car didn't have any when I bought it. I have seen them for sale for like $200, but forget that.

KO Peformance is selling genuine BMW mats for $89.50 right now.

Incredible deal... http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=94359

bmwman91 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 29, 2008, 09:46:18 PM »

Roadstered, your avatar pic scares me. :p