Here you go. Some earlier threads on the topic. For those that dont know my background: I am a PCA concourse judge as well as multiple show winner at Hershey, etc... I have been competing and teaching club detailing clinics for the last 25 years.
I am also sponsored by several detailing product companies with my vehicles used in their advertising. I have seen almost everything and know my way around paint, leather, alcantara, plastic, glass and rubber. I will not promote products on the forums but will share what I "
like to use" for different applications.
There are many levels of detailing but most wont have the time or experience to go show level. You dont have to go crazy ocd to have the nicest looking vehicle in the parking lot. The detailing discussion has been brought up a time or two on the BMW forum so the search engine will be your friend.
example:
https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1570670
In short, Merino is a very high premium leather. Merino is a notch higher than Nappa leather. You DO need to clean and occasionally treat the leather if you want it to look and feel its best. Even mid grade and lower level finished leather will respond well to a cleaning and conditioning though only about 10% of the conditioner applied will soak in. Let it sit for a few hours and take a dry microfiber cloth and wipe off the conditioner. You will get that satin finish even on the lower level of top coated leather. Merino will feel like butter and will glow. Never ever use a silicon product on any hide that once was breathing. We treat organic materials different. Only plastic simulated leather requires no treatment but will need cleaned with a different product than actual leather care. Lexol Vinylex is what you use for this and anything rubber. Forget that tire dressing if you want to win a show or not look like a detailing rookie. Use only Vinylex on your tires for that perfect satin protective shine that doesnt sling off or gets brown. This is a particular weak area the novice gets points deducted at concourse events. Too shiny of a tire is not desirable.
Vinylex is what you use for any textured plastic like Jeep bumpers, classic 911 black bumpers, Targa tops, etc... This stuff is fantastic and can be used under the hood on engine covers, hoses, etc.. Throw your Armorall in the trash.
To keep this simple, for new leather the BMW leather products are respectable and I have tested and recommend them for Merino as does BMW. I also really like Sonax leather cleaner and conditioner. Great product at a reasonable price point.
Lexol cleaner will get out most stains and dye transfers from any color and leather including ivory. If you have ivory leather, spot clean as soon as you see the stain.
I sometimes use ceramic on my wheels and other parts of the car for durability but will get a higher paint shine with a quality wax. I have developed a wax system depending on the type of paint and color. Both Ceramic and Wax have their advantages and disadvantages.
Without sounding like I am endorsing any one product, if you really want your paint to "pop" at its highest level with a product that is easy to apply and not fussy.......P21 wax and P21 paint cleaner. I wont say anymore.
FYI....S100 is in the same family as P21 but marketed to the motorcycle industry but at a lower price point and can be found at any Harley Davidson dealer. Am I saying it might be the same product??? Lets just say S100 Detailing spray is in my show bag.