"In this Special Series, I'm taking another step towards the M5 CSL conversion. I document the development, features and conversion process of the E60 M5 CSL carbon roof kit.

In this entry, we're back at the upholstery shop to recondition the rear shelf with new Anthracite Alcantara, in the process creating a new optional service for those looking to do the CSL carbon roof conversion."
- Matt

Alcantara > Cloth.

In my best impression of a condescending M5 owner, I expected my premium Alcantara E60 full Merino leather and Alcantara interior to have held up better than the medieval E46 M3 over the last 20 years.

Five is just better than three. For the most part, it is (!). 

My E46 M3 rear shelf suffered from every other interior decaying problems including the well known UV degradation of the rear shelf. A dark limo-tint couldn't save it,  the original black cloth faded to a blue color. 

To make it worse, it was an excruciating process to remove cloth prior to its Alcantara recovering. 

Alcantara is UV resistant*

Alcantara states its material is UV resistant and will not fade. Surely an E60's Alcantara could survive Canada's short Summers with its powered rear sunshade?

I digress: it didn't. 

The original Anthracite suede faded to a kaki green. It wasn't really noticeable while driving the car, it became evident with the rear window removed. Seeing is knowing - it had to be fixed. 

I removed the shelf and brought it up the upholstery shop

The M5's Alcantara had a redeeming factor over the E46's cloth: it was much easier to unglue from the rear shelf. It came off in two large sections, and a few smaller pieces.

The powered sunshade actually did protect from UV rays as seen below. The rear section left unprotected had degraded, whereas the front had not. 

Why did Black cloth fade to blue, and Anthracite Alcantara fade to green? I don't have the answer. If you do, let me know. 

The underlying foam and hardened shell was prepared. Glue applied to the shell and the Alcantara for superior adhesion. The matching Anthracite Alcantara was draped over the shelf and the recovery process begun. 

The Alcantara is 9002 as BMW uses most. It was the color used across the M5's interior. You can learn more about Alcantara x BMW here.

Alcantara is easier to use than leather: it stretches and contours. Heat is used to along with various plastic tools. 

Careful attention is paid to the seams and edges.

With the entire panel thoroughly recovered, the edges were cut as on the original shelf. This is fundamental to have the correct interior trim and panel gaps.

The sunshade cutout was opened from the underside.  

The audio system's speaker and tweeter cutouts required further heat and forming to the shelf. 

Heat and tools were helpful in stretching the Alcantara to contour and conform to the speaker cutout shapes. 

The cutouts were then performed, as original. The speaker cover cutouts would be performed by yours truly during final installation as they remained at the paint shop. 

The sunshade was re-installed. Its trims also stayed in the car and would be installed later on. 

The previously removed g-clips to screw the speakers were re-used. They were all in mint condition. 

The baby seat's seatbelt cap was clipped in.  

Lastly, the black plastic seat belt trims were refitted. This could have been recovered in Alcantara or Merino Black leather to match the seats. We were in a rush to complete the conversion and opted not to. 

The child seat's Isofix and folding seat trims would also be re-installed in the car.   

In the grand scheme of this conversion's cost, my recommendation is to do this while in there [...] and never do it again by ensuring you have UV protection from ceramic tint. 

You can spec your rear shelf here.

Up next: back to the paint shop to complete the final re-assembly process.