[Tanzanian Devil]

I didn't see a recent post on tips for caring for Ivory or Silverstone interiors so thought I would start one here.

I have full ivory, which looks amazing with my TBII exterior but it is a LOT of leather and a LOT of white! I also have two children, including a 4-year old in a car seat. I mention that because I should be a good test subject for how full ivory can hold up against less-than ideal circumstances. This is a NO food car for adults or kids and my 4-year old already knows to take his shoes off as soon as he gets in. Still, kids are dirty and I have already cleaned an uncounted number of smudges and stains from the leather. My black/dark jeans definitely darken the seats as well.

Good news is that everything comes off, bad news is that every little mark shows up pretty clearly. I'm not OCD and this is my daily driver but I want to care for it and keep it for many years.

So far I am using Zaino Z-9 and Z-10 + Adam's Cockpit Brush and some small car towels to clean and care for the leather. I'm wiping down the plastics with very neutral and chemical free baby wipes. That seems to be working so far but the fumes from the Zaino are pretty smelly, even outside with windows down.

I took delivery on 5/1 so it's too soon to tell how things will look in the long run. I will post 6 and 12 month updates. Would love to hear more from others who have owned light colored interiors for longer, RE: care-tips.

Here are pics taken a few days ago as a starting reference point.

[chicagofan00]

I use Griot's interior detailer to clean up an dirt on my Silverstone interior. Works well and had zero issues so far. In fact had to clean up several dirt spots on both sides of the rear seats due to the kids this morning. Can't even tell they were dirty now.

[Tanzanian Devil]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

I use Griot's interior detailer to clean up an dirt on my Silverstone interior. Works well and had zero issues so far. In fact had to clean up several dirt spots on both sides of the rear seats due to the kids this morning. Can't even tell they were dirty now.

Cool, thanks for the reply. Will try out that product next. How often do you find you need to clean the interior? And how long have you had the car? Thanks!

[RockinPA]

Griot's leather specific spray works well over the years. I used it on my previous Sakhir orange M3 interior and our current X3M Sakhir orange interior. I also have very light silverstone-esque synthetic leather on my commuter, Prius Prime and it works well. My G80 has a black interior so it hides everything but still gets the Griot's treatment.

There are two- the "Leather Care Spray" is the one I've use for years. On quick search- they also have a "Leather 3-in-1 Spray" that I haven't tried yet but may have to order next.

We even use the leather care spray from griot's on our leather couch inside the house. Pleasant leather smell, too.

Enjoy it!

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by 22G80M3

Cool, thanks for the reply. Will try out that product next. How often do you find you need to clean the interior? And how long have you had the car? Thanks!

I haven't ever had to do a full clean of the interior so far and only been spot cleaning it.

I try to wash the car every other week and will do the interior then if I see any spots where it is needed.

I've had the car since last November and the Silverstone has held up really well considering it is my daily driver and I do a bulk of the daily kid drop off and pickup. I do have seat protectors under the booster and car seat though so I'm sure that helps slightly as there is a little less area for them to mess up.

[xmanpro]

This is my 3rd silverstone interior. A few years ago, some take out Indian food accidentally spilled on one of my seats. I couldn't get the stain out and was pretty bummed - scoured the web for a solution and found a a hack using sunscreen and have been using sunscreen for years to keep my seats clean. Spray a little sunscreen on the leather, wait a minute or so and wipe off.

I work in sections and have been happy with this hack forever on various rides. (m4,m3,m8)

Attached is a pic of the brand I use.

Good luck!

P.S. - if you go this route please test on a small hidden section to make sure things are cool.

[luckylingy]

I'm OCD on spotless interiors, and I have Silverstone full leather on my G82. First things first, apply ceramic coating to all leather surfaces; I typically use CarPro products, but there are others. That will protect from stains and easily restore the original matte finish whenever cleaned. Speaking of which, I switched from Leatherique to Colourlock and have been very satisfied with results (and ease of use). I generally clean weekly the areas where dye transfers from my jeans, then give the entire seat a once-over every couple months. I don't eat in this car; that makes a huge difference. I seldom carry a passenger, so the other seats haven't needed any attention yet.

[xmanpro]

Saw someone eating full on max and cheese in their 5 series crossing the bay bridge a few weeks ago. I was like "damn, you gonna get dirty!"

[luckylingy]

I drove a customer's year-old 7 Series last month (twice). Her three St. Bernards had full run of the interior, so you can only imagine the amount of dog hair and droll on every surface. Not to mention the detritus filling every cavity large and small. The 'highlight' was 8" of unidentifiable white froth dripping down the front passenger door card.

I couldn't wait to wash my hands and change clothes after getting out of that thing.

[DBV]

I have full Ivory interior on my X5, and I was hesitant about care. Not only is the Ivory fairly forgiving for "white" leather but it cleans up easily, provided you keep up with occasional maintenance.

I had Ivory on my F01 750i and did the whole leather cleaner and conditioner routine on that. IMHO not necessary more than once a year.

Given, I don't have kids wrecking my interior, but I also don't take special precautions like some people do with the interior. I never understood why people put down towels to drive their car. I bought leather seats, I want to sit on them.

For occasional or bi-weekly maintenance on the X5 I keep Sonax Leather Wipes in the door pocket. Use a couple of those on the leather surfaces and see the dirt they pick up. Plus they condition as well, so I do that before parking the car for the night to let it absorb, and then the interior is nice and fresh in the morning.

Here's the product I'm talking about (not sure where to get it in the US, but I order it off Amazon over here in Germany):

[KANdaddy]

I am planning to treat my silverstone with the Gyeon Leather Shield. I have heard good things about it. My CS has silverstone too and I have had good luck cleaning it with Chemical Bros products.

[BrooklynGreyM3]

I got XPEL FUSION PLUS UPHOLSTERY applied to my Silverstone leather. Holds up well and everything just wipes off using a damp cloth. It' supposed to last about 3-5 years which depends on how much wear it gets along with sun exposure.

[skyscraper_g80]

I applied Gyeon Leather Shield as soon as I took delivery of the car. Any subsequent marks will be cleaned with Gyeon Leather Cleaner Mild.