I am about to order my replacement car, a company leased car like my current E61. I need to contain the lease cost and have decided *not* to order leather seats. They've fine on my current car but I can't justify the extra cost this time (as a lease car then I get no benefit for residuals and do not need to worry about resale value). So my choice is between the fusion artificial leather and standard cloth. I've seen artificial leather briefly in a BMW showroom on a couple of cars and it looks fine to me, and I'm sure it is the more practical option in many ways (I have a 5 year old son who is used to having snacks on long journeys). Having said that, I haven't got anything strongly against cloth, either from an image point of view or comfort.

I've seen several posts on the forum from new owners which say the artificial leather seems great, doesn't smell plasticky etc, but these posts have usually been within a few months of delivery. My question is, after several months or year plus, how does artificial leather seem, and is there any problem with it not 'breathing' in hot weather (is it sticky and uncomfortable in hot weather in a way real leather or cloth would not be)? Any candid views from long-time artificial leather owners?

 

You will find cloth more comfortable on hot days.

 

I had the fake leather on my 325i, it was great. I'd recommend it. Frankly it held up better than the real dakota leather in my 545i. I had no issues with heat and I live in California. If it wasn't for sheer vanity all BMWs should come with it. Compare a 6 year old BMW with real leather versus fake leather, the fake looks much better ie. handles wear and tear much better.

 

Hi,I have beige artificial leather sine 1-7-08.I never had leather so I cant compare,but so far I've found it ideal,immediate use of a 'baby wipe' cleans up any marks or spills.No problem with the sun but maybe black seats would get hot,there hasn't been much sun this summer anyway.
I was afraid that they might be cold in the winter so I opted for heated front seats, so if that was a concern for you then the added cost over cloth plus the heated seats might upset your budget.

 

I've never had the artificial leather on any of of BMW's but my neighbor has it on his E90 and I have to say it's very good. It's held up well since he bought his car in 2005, and to the untrained eye it really does look and feel like leather. Personally, I found BMW's genuine leather to be a little disappointing. I had the Dakota leather on my 545 and 550 and whilst it was immaculately fitted and durable, it was tough to the touch, lacking some of the quality feel I'd expect in a premium leather interior. Based on my neighbor's car, I wouldn't worry about the artificial leather. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

I had the fake leather on an E46 325i. Didn't like it, hard as a rock in the winter. May have improved since then... Holds up fine I just didn't find very it comfortable

 

My sister has the leatherette in her Mini. I think it's better than the leather they offer in that car - it has held up incredibly well (3.5 years old) and it feels nice. No ugly creases and cracks and it is highly resistant to scratches and tearing. Weatherproof/spillproof too.

 

I?ve never owned the leatherette, but I have ridden in several BMWs in Asia that had it installed. I don?t think you?ll be disappointed. Its was very hot there (Malaysia and Singapore) and there was no plastic smell or stickiness. Frankly, the Dakota leather in my car is no great shakes compared to other leathers I?ve seen in cars.

 

I have it and like it.