Torn seat - question about swapping out seats on a 996

[Wusthof]

1999 996 C2, Savannah beige full leather (baseball stich dash), seats are manual except for the seat back, which is power.

My drivers seat recently tore along the center stich/seam. I have located a pair of seats in Savannah beige to match, but I am curious about the different design. Pictures 1 and 2 are of my current seat, and the 3rd picture is the seat I am considering replacing them with. The replacement seats are in relatively good shape with almost no wear on the bolsters - $600. Pretty good deal imo.

Can anyone tell me if the seat in picture 3 is essentially the same level of trim or higher? Just from a newer model 996? Believe it may be from a MY 2001, but not sure.

Also, if these were from a MY2001-04 would I run into any installation issues? Hardware or electrical connections different?

Thanks,

Brook

[msaif]

I had the same issue with 'comfort' spec seats in my 2002 3.6 carrera, have you not considered simply re-upholstering your existing seats? Porsche do still sell replacement leather coverings but it worked out out at $2.4k per seat so aftermarket was the most economically way forward.

[Dennis C]

I had my worn bolsters replaced. The leather shop charged me roughly $250 per panel for the replacement.

The seats in your photo look different because your seats are supple leather and the one your are considering as a replacement is the standard seat. It won't look exactly the same as the supple leather seat is an upgrade. Also, unless the new seat has EXACTLY the same options as far as electical connections, then it won't be "plug and play". You may have issues with the electrical connection.

[Wusthof]

I had the same issue with 'comfort' spec seats in my 2002 3.6 carrera, have you not considered simply re-upholstering your existing seats? Porsche do still sell replacement leather coverings but it worked out out at $2.4k per seat so aftermarket was the most economically way forward.

I did consider a re-upholster, however still more than I would like to spend.

The seats in your photo look different because your seats are supple leather and the one your are considering as a replacement is the standard seat. It won't look exactly the same as the supple leather seat is an upgrade.

Thank you. That was the information I was looking for. I may just look into taking the leather off and having a double stitch run on a patch that is fastened underneath the seam. Would do it to both seats so they match. We'll see.

[Dennis C]

You have lots of options at a leather shop. I had them add seat heaters to my two front seats while they had them apart. It all came together nicely...

[Interbay]

I replaced the front seats on my 2001 996 Cab with a set I bought off Ebay. Seems they were around $400 for 2 bottoms and 2 backs. Took them to an upholstery shop and for another $200, had them installed. Was not happy with the installation so I took tham to another shop and they did a much better job. Mine were not leather but I asked for and got white thread which is identical to what came on the car. It was the same people that I bought a replacement top from and they do nice work. If I ever do it again, I will unplug the seats and sent them to the people who make the upholstery and have them install them. Probably about the same money and you will get a perfect fit. Good luck.