How do you tell the difference between leather and leatherette?

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Jan 10, 2008 | 06:37 AM

#21

calpalmer

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: Western Washington

My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Hull' post='515752' date='Jan 9 2008, 06:40 PM

Leather burnishes and cracks; vinyl sweats.

Ray Hull

Certainly true.... but I for one appreciate the gracefulness of leather as it ages if taken care of.

I should take some shots of the interior of my '84 with 200K on it, owned since new and we've applied a couple times each years some Connelly's Hide Food, and while it shows it's been used it looks richer in some ways. And, no cracks or similar irreparable defects.

Cal

Jan 10, 2008 | 09:44 AM

#22

GT Premi

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From: Charlotte, NC, USA

My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Sport Carbon Black Metallic/Cream Beige Manny tranny and other stuff Recently gone, but never forgotten: 2005 Ford Mustang GT (hence the name) Torch Red/Crimson Manny tranny and every option available for that year 2002 Chrysler 300M Special Brilliant Black/Light Taupe/Dark Slate Autostick and goo-gobs of neat features that I will sorely miss

Kudos to Allen on how well he keeps his interiors. There seems to be few of us out here who keep the interior as nice looking as the exterior. I've seen pictures (and in person) of immaculate exteriors and the interior is beat all to heck.

But on topic, I think leatherette doesn't age well. After a few years, it starts looking like an old vinyl couch or something. It's not worn, just old looking. Leather, when taken care of, gains character with age and still looks good.