Ya it would be this key...

 

I'd be careful about buying artificial leather or "leatherette" seats. I had a 325 with leatherette to save money, and the seats were hot (they didn't "breathe") and the seats would "grab" at your clothes when you sat, instead of leather which is smoother. The seats looked good but it felt like you were sitting on rubber. Particularly uncomfortable during the summer.

 

is that key for comfort access iguess it must be, are all keys diffrent now

 

I think all keys are like this now... besides the 7. THis one is from a 325 non-comfort access

 

yup thats right. I knew somthing was different when I drove the E90 loaner... they dont breathe!!! And yes thats what I've been trying to say... they are rubbery feeling and yes are sticky and grabby too.

 

Probably more of an issue in California than in cold wet England!

 

I had the BMW fake leather in my E46. It looks and wears great. It's a good option. I prefer the leather in my 545 but I wouldn't scoff at the fake stuff. As others have said, 5 years down the road the fake leather will look more like nice leather than your nice leather seats with big folds and wear marks in it.

 

If you're chosing between cloth or leatherette go with leatherette

If you're chosing between real cow skin and leatherette go with real. I think its worth the extra for the real skin.

 

I still havent read a definative answer as to what the fusion leather is made up of. I thought it likely to be the same as the MBlex Mercedes offering which gives a genuine leather (i was told) to the seat facings but leatherette everywhere else.

I cant imagine what it would be like sat on a plastic seat that doesnt breathe for any length of time.

To add my pennith i think the mix of nappa and cloth on the sports models is the best mix of seating. The cloth is grippier than full leather especially for the kids in the back but the nappa bolsters add a touch of class and wont wear too much.

Regular BMW leather starts to look shoddy after only 3 years and by 5-6 is looks a mess in most of the cars i've owned/sat in. Maybe they should consider buying Japanese (Lexus) hides.

I for one could not tell the difference in the Merc (neither could the baffled salesman lol) but i have yet to see a fusion equipped car.