How do leatherette seats compare to leather seats?
01-22-2005, 07:11 PM
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My Ride: 11 550i Sophisto Gray/Oyster Black/Anthracite, Sprt Trns, DHP, IAS, SP, PP1, PP2, CWP, HUD, DAP, AVSP, SF RS, CA, ACC - Euro Del
How does leatherette compare to leather? I know that it is inferior to leather, but just how inferior is it? Thanks.
01-22-2005, 07:26 PM
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i have leatherette in my 2000 323Ci and it is indistinguishable cosmetically from leather. in fact, i have been complemented often on my "leather" seats - to which i then have to correct the complementer.
the leatherette seats may also last longer than real leather. i had real leather on my previous 1989 acura legend and the leather aged poorly in the sun - cracking and drying out. BMW probably has superior grade leather but i am sure that it still can wear with time. leatherette possesses tremendous longevity.
for the $2000 or so difference, i would go with leatherette every time. too bad BMWNA did not allow for this option with the sports package.
323Ci
the leatherette seats may also last longer than real leather. i had real leather on my previous 1989 acura legend and the leather aged poorly in the sun - cracking and drying out. BMW probably has superior grade leather but i am sure that it still can wear with time. leatherette possesses tremendous longevity.
for the $2000 or so difference, i would go with leatherette every time. too bad BMWNA did not allow for this option with the sports package.
323Ci
01-22-2005, 07:37 PM
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my salesperson and i compared that two before i ordered the car. if you take a close look, you can tell the different. also, leather is softer than leatherette. if you want to pamper your son, get leather. if not, forget it. but one thing you have to remember is a lot of cars offered different packages and it's already included leather seats. or as 323ci said, certain packages require leather seats.
01-22-2005, 09:59 PM
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I had them on my last car, they were pretty good and hard to tell from leather - I was pleasantly surprised actually as I had reservations. The one thing I did notice is that I had a habit of sliding down the side of the seat as I got in the car in tight spots (coupe) and I started noticing wear on the piping on the side of the seat. Once I noticed, I was much more careful though and it didn't get any worse.
01-22-2005, 10:13 PM
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You can always get a decent seat covers so the seats will not wear out.
I had a one car for 9 years and another for 10 years both with the best sheepskin covers available and the seats showed no wear at all.
I had a one car for 9 years and another for 10 years both with the best sheepskin covers available and the seats showed no wear at all.
