Leather vs. Leatherette

USAF BMW · 03-20-2006, 07:46 AM

If you are going to get black interior, is leather really worth $1400.

jjbirch · 03-20-2006, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USAF BMW

If you are going to get black interior, is leather really worth $1400.

i have black leather and love it, but once u have leather u will allways order it

Oz · 03-20-2006, 07:51 AM

Leather is worth it if you like leather..I don't know what else to say since this has been discussed sooo many times here before

jjbirch · 03-20-2006, 07:52 AM

yeah true the other theads the us do like cloth seats leather in the uk is a good seller and u do get it back but i dont know about the us

KL2DC · 03-20-2006, 08:15 AM

One of the most talked/debated about topic...I went with leatherette (aside from obvious $1400 savings) I expect it to be more durable and less maintenance (just a wipe every now and then) i.e. no need for cleaner and conditioner...if you're anal about it you can order 303 aerospace protectant for add protection. Having said that I am missing that wonderful aroma of leather...same reason why leather lined e90s should retain their new car smell longer. As it is, if I don't tell folks its not leather, they wouldn't have guessed...it feels pretty good.

england1987 · 03-20-2006, 08:21 AM

There is no comparison in my mind, leather is the way to go.

Mr. BMW · 03-20-2006, 08:31 AM

No question, leather is a must have in a 40K car.

BeemMeUp · 03-20-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USAF BMW

is leather really worth $1400.

Yes...

NJjustin · 03-20-2006, 09:06 AM

sat in both and I feel no its not. I ordered a 330i with sport package and leatherette.

ward · 03-20-2006, 09:09 AM

I had leather in my M3 I traded in, I also have leather in my Z4

but leather in the 3,,,,, not worth it to me..........

petesamprs · 03-20-2006, 09:22 AM

Not worth it on a standalone basis but premium package (which comes with leather) is worth it for all the other goodies. I wish I would have gotten it because I find myself missing the auto-dim mirror (with compass and homelink buttons), bluetooth, and lumbar support in the seats. The other stuff (leather, BMW assist) would be nice too.

gscone · 03-20-2006, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. BMW

No question, leather is a must have in a 40K car.

Ditto!

Geneb2450 · 03-20-2006, 09:30 AM

I ordered a 325i with the sport package and leatherette. I think it depends on your lifestyle to some degree. Do you carry children who 'oops' in their carseat?

How about a slobbering dog? Drunken golfing buddies who soft spike the front seats when sitting in back? The leatherette is a better choice if you answer yes to anything like the questions above... and it's a nice soft, supportive vinyl. The only downside is the car smells like leatherette.

Sp82 · 03-20-2006, 09:44 AM

and what does leatherette smell like?

Frank@work · 03-20-2006, 09:50 AM

If I were BUYING the car to keep long-term (over 3 years), I'd opt for the leather. On a lease I'd go with the L-ette, as long as you didn't want the other stuff that comes with the PP (which I didn't). For my 24 month lease I was prepared to do the same, until I saw Terra in the flesh. I opted for it for purely aesthetic reasons. As a plus, the leatherette cleans with Windex!

Geneb2450 · 03-20-2006, 09:52 AM

and what does leatherette smell like?

German vinyl ......

Xphstos · 03-20-2006, 11:14 AM

I would say go with the leatherette. I have the black interior and went with leatherette. Can honestly say that everyone that sits in may car thinks its leather anyways, must people can't really tell the difference. Also, leatherette holds up better and is easier to maintian.

ksfrogman · 03-20-2006, 11:16 AM

Pros and cons. Remember leatherette doesn't breathe (sp?) as well as leather does. You might sweat more in the summer with a t-shirt and shorts.

no1sportz · 03-20-2006, 11:42 AM

I would have to give a nod to the leatherette. It looks just as good and will definitely last longer. The leather BMW is currently using in the e90 is not quality leather. It wears fast and shows it's age in no time at all. I do not believe it is worth the price. I only have it because I didn't order the car and it had every other option I wanted. Plus I am impatient and hate waiting for my car to come in!

ksfrogman · 03-20-2006, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no1sportz

The leather BMW is currently using in the e90 is not quality leather. It wears fast and shows it's age in no time at all. I do not believe it is worth the price.

What are you basing this statement on? I don't believe anyone has had an e90 long enough to see it wear.

BellasBmw · 03-20-2006, 11:46 AM

My CA had leatherette in his car for the past 4 yrs, and he said its still in great condition after 3 kids.

He also had 3 e90's lined up and asked me to pick out the one without leather. I couldnt tell. So that made up my mind.

Romulus · 03-20-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

My CA had leatherette in his car for the past 4 yrs, and he said its still in great condition after 3 kids.

He also had 3 e90's lined up and asked me to pick out the one without leather. I couldnt tell. So that made up my mind.

same here..

two salesmen I went on test drives with couldn't tell me if the cars we were in had leather or leatherette.. they had to get out and look at the sticker. that sold me on leatherette.

And you know what? I'd bet money that well over 95% of people would never know the difference if you asked them.. Only the most picky folks who know how the grain looks could tell you which is which.

03-20-2006, 07:46 AM	#1
USAF BMW Private First Class 11 Rep 186 Posts Drives: hopefully... Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	Leather vs. Leatherette If you are going to get black interior, is leather really worth $1400.
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03-20-2006, 07:51 AM	#3
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Leather is worth it if you like leather..I don't know what else to say since this has been discussed sooo many times here before __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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03-20-2006, 07:52 AM	#4
jjbirch Banned 75 Rep 2,927 Posts Drives: E60 530D M SPORT Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: england iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 320d m sport [0.00]	yeah true the other theads the us do like cloth seats leather in the uk is a good seller and u do get it back but i dont know about the us
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03-20-2006, 08:15 AM	#5
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	One of the most talked/debated about topic...I went with leatherette (aside from obvious $1400 savings) I expect it to be more durable and less maintenance (just a wipe every now and then) i.e. no need for cleaner and conditioner...if you're anal about it you can order 303 aerospace protectant for add protection. Having said that I am missing that wonderful aroma of leather...same reason why leather lined e90s should retain their new car smell longer. As it is, if I don't tell folks its not leather, they wouldn't have guessed...it feels pretty good. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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03-20-2006, 08:21 AM	#6
england1987 Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 280 Posts Drives: Z4 M coupe Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NC, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Z4 M Coupe [7.50]	There is no comparison in my mind, leather is the way to go.
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03-20-2006, 08:31 AM	#7
Mr. BMW Major 262 Rep 1,389 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 M3 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2018 Jeep Grand Che ... [0.00]	No question, leather is a must have in a 40K car.
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03-20-2006, 09:06 AM	#9
NJjustin First Lieutenant 19 Rep 351 Posts Drives: AW 330i W/Sport Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Jersey iTrader: (1)	sat in both and I feel no its not. I ordered a 330i with sport package and leatherette.
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03-20-2006, 09:09 AM	#10
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	I had leather in my M3 I traded in, I also have leather in my Z4 but leather in the 3,,,,, not worth it to me..........
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03-20-2006, 09:22 AM	#11
petesamprs Lieutenant 34 Rep 519 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: northeast iTrader: (0)	Not worth it on a standalone basis but premium package (which comes with leather) is worth it for all the other goodies. I wish I would have gotten it because I find myself missing the auto-dim mirror (with compass and homelink buttons), bluetooth, and lumbar support in the seats. The other stuff (leather, BMW assist) would be nice too. __________________ '14 535i (ED) Retired: '08 M5, '08 550i (ED), '06 330i
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03-20-2006, 09:30 AM	#13
Geneb2450 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	I ordered a 325i with the sport package and leatherette. I think it depends on your lifestyle to some degree. Do you carry children who 'oops' in their carseat? How about a slobbering dog? Drunken golfing buddies who soft spike the front seats when sitting in back? The leatherette is a better choice if you answer yes to anything like the questions above... and it's a nice soft, supportive vinyl. The only downside is the car smells like leatherette. __________________ 325i Artic/Black Leatherette/Aluminum Trim/Sports Package
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03-20-2006, 09:44 AM	#14
Sp82 Colonel 166 Rep 2,000 Posts Drives: F15 X5/G30 5er Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: DFW, Tx iTrader: (1)	and what does leatherette smell like?
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03-20-2006, 09:50 AM	#15
Frank@work Enlisted Member 6 Rep 32 Posts Drives: '13 650i xDrive Coupe Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Fairfield County, CT iTrader: (0)	Depends... If I were BUYING the car to keep long-term (over 3 years), I'd opt for the leather. On a lease I'd go with the L-ette, as long as you didn't want the other stuff that comes with the PP (which I didn't). For my 24 month lease I was prepared to do the same, until I saw Terra in the flesh. I opted for it for purely aesthetic reasons. As a plus, the leatherette cleans with Windex!
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03-20-2006, 09:52 AM	#16
Geneb2450 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	and what does leatherette smell like? German vinyl ...... __________________ 325i Artic/Black Leatherette/Aluminum Trim/Sports Package
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03-20-2006, 11:14 AM	#17
Xphstos Enlisted Member 3 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 325xi Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I would say go with the leatherette. I have the black interior and went with leatherette. Can honestly say that everyone that sits in may car thinks its leather anyways, must people can't really tell the difference. Also, leatherette holds up better and is easier to maintian.
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03-20-2006, 11:16 AM	#18
ksfrogman Major General 576 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	Pros and cons. Remember leatherette doesn't breathe (sp?) as well as leather does. You might sweat more in the summer with a t-shirt and shorts. __________________
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03-20-2006, 11:42 AM	#19
no1sportz Private First Class 3 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	I would have to give a nod to the leatherette. It looks just as good and will definitely last longer. The leather BMW is currently using in the e90 is not quality leather. It wears fast and shows it's age in no time at all. I do not believe it is worth the price. I only have it because I didn't order the car and it had every other option I wanted. Plus I am impatient and hate waiting for my car to come in! __________________ 08 335i Black Sapphire...current 07 335i TiAg...gone 06 330i TiAg...gone 05 ///M3 Imola/Black...gone 04 ///M3 Carbon Black...gone
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03-20-2006, 11:46 AM	#21
BellasBmw If love is the answer,please rephrase the question 315 Rep 1,731 Posts Drives: Tit Silver 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	My CA had leatherette in his car for the past 4 yrs, and he said its still in great condition after 3 kids. He also had 3 e90's lined up and asked me to pick out the one without leather. I couldnt tell. So that made up my mind. __________________ ~~BellasBmw~~ Proud mama to 325i/TiAg/Black lette/Pwr seats/Sirius/Sport/Walnut/Step/Xenons/Chrome exhaust/20% tint
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