DIY Wrapping Review for the Interior of an Old BMW F-Body
Goodbye to Grandpa Wood, Hello to Matrix Black
Hello, today I’d like to share a DIY project I worked on over the weekend. It’s about wrapping the interior of an old BMW F-Body. Many of you might have been annoyed by the glossy “grandpa wood” (wood-patterned trim), right? I felt the same way. So, I decided to completely transform the interior with 3M 2080 Matrix Black. At first, I wondered, “Can I really do this myself?” But it turned out to be easier than I expected.
I ordered five sheets of 3M 2080 Matrix Black wrapping film (152cm x 50cm), and it was just enough for the job. The total cost was around 50,000 KRW. If you’re not confident in your skills, I recommend getting six sheets to be safe. After finishing the project, I felt it was worth every penny. Once you try this yourself, you’ll think, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Disassembly Tips: Even Beginners Can Do It!
The project took less time than expected—about 30 minutes for disassembly, 2 hours for wrapping, and 15 minutes for reassembly. Here are some disassembly tips based on my experience. Although I was nervous at first, it turned out to be simpler than I thought.
1. Left Air Vent: Simply pull it out by hand. Removing the vent unit afterward makes the process much easier. This part is straightforward as long as you apply enough force.
2. Center Air Vent: Use a plastic pry tool to create a gap and then pull it out by hand. Disconnect two connectors and remove the unit for easier wrapping. Some YouTube videos show people working without removing the unit, but I found it much easier to remove it.
3. iDrive Controller: Use a pry tool to create a gap and detach it, then disconnect the connector. It’s more convenient to leave the controller in place and only wrap the cover. If the connector is hard to remove, try using a Torx screwdriver.
4. Door Handles: This was one of the trickiest parts—you need to pull hard! If you pull gently, you might break the pins, so don’t hesitate to use force. None of my pins broke during this process.
Use Reference Videos for Easier Work!
Before starting this project, I watched several YouTube tutorials. There are plenty of beginner-friendly videos available, so make sure to check them out. Thanks to these videos, I gained confidence and completed the work much faster.
Wrapping Is Easier Than You Think!
With just a hairdryer and your hands, you can complete this project without much difficulty. The quality of the film is excellent—it stretches well and can be reapplied without damage if needed. The Matrix Black color gives off a factory-like finish, making the results look incredibly clean.
During the process, there were moments when I doubted myself—“Am I doing this right?”—but since the film stretched well and could be reapplied without issues, I was able to proceed without stress. It’s been three days since completing the project, and there are no signs of peeling or other problems so far. Don’t hesitate—give this DIY a try!
In Conclusion...
It feels great not having to look at that glossy grandpa wood anymore! The Matrix Black color gives off such a factory-like vibe that my satisfaction is through the roof. The atmosphere inside my car has completely changed. If you have some free time over the weekend, give interior wrapping a try—it’s easier than you think and incredibly rewarding! Have a great day!
