Just to put this to bed. Went to the dealer where mats were bought.
Got a stonewall " 'no' we can't take them back. They're the correct mats."
I even brought my 14 year old genuine, original e39 mats in to show the parts guy. To show the gulf in quality.
Nope. Wouldn't budge.
Can't get over the low quality of mat that were sold to me as genuine.
Honestly you'd get better in Halfords.

Last time I presume the OEM way is the best way to go.
€155 quid well spent. (Not).