Merino Leather Care: BMW leather products or Leather Masters?

[VDBimmer]

We have never had a Merino leather interior (until now with the SilverStone in the M4). I was wondering based on experience do any of you know if one is 'better' than the other in any way or form?

To me it makes sense that when you want to maintain something then it would be safest to use products specifically made for them ie by BMW because well they probably know best about the leather they put in their cars


On the other hand, I noticed tons of you guys mention you use other products such as Leather Masters in your cars

I am torn inbetween which one do I get

[Wah]

When it comes to something like this, BMW probably uses the product with the highest profit margin that works well enough. It doesn't mean its the best choice. That said, I use BMW leather cleaner/conditioner because I saw it in the parts dept. and whenever I'm there, I feel like I have to buy something. It works fine.

[VDBimmer]

Originally Posted by Wah

When it comes to something like this, BMW probably uses the product with the highest profit margin that works well enough. It doesn't mean its the best choice. That said, I use BMW leather cleaner/conditioner because I saw it in the parts dept. and whenever I'm there, I feel like I have to buy something. It works fine.

Do you happen to know if in the long run it might not work as fine?

[Arcoril]

Give Leatherique a try every 6 months or so. It's a bit of a pain since you need to slather it on and let it soak in for a few hours, but I haven't found anything else that works as well. I've brought dress shoes that were as dry and hard as cardboard back to life with this stuff. Can't recommend it enough.

[Sassicaia]

This stuff is the best leather care you can get IMO. I have been using it for years, and recently noticed even my BMW dealer started selling it.

http://www.lexol.com/

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by Arcoril

Give Leatherique a try every 6 months or so. It's a bit of a pain since you need to slather it on and let it soak in for a few hours, but I haven't found anything else that works as well. I've brought dress shoes that were as dry and hard as cardboard back to life with this stuff. Can't recommend it enough.

This. Leatherique also restores the OE BMW matte finish. Much better than BMW products.

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by Wah

When it comes to something like this, BMW probably uses the product with the highest profit margin that works well enough. It doesn't mean its the best choice.

^ This.

The stuff that detail enthusiasts, crazy people, etc seem to use is either LeatherMasters, Leatherique, or Connolly's Hide Food. People have used these on Bentley and Ferrari. I think any of these are better than the BMW supplied one (would you use 'BMW leather care' on a Bentley?). Lots of people swear by Lexol too. I've personally used Leatherique and Connolly's, and use LeatherMaster on my F82. There are also 'coatings' for leather from CarPro (C-Quartz), G-Techniq, etc that supposedly offer more durability, at the expense of looks/feel.

I think whatever you use, the most important thing is regular care/maintenance; and don't wear studded jeans or something really abrasive (fashion wise and on the soft leather).

[AYTifosi]

I haven't found Lexol to really do anything. Though it is easy as you can simply spray and wipe. I have a friend that swears by the Griot's leather stuff. I haven't tried Leather Masters, but have been tempted to because Leatherique is such a pain.

I used Leatherique in my e60 M5, which had very soft and supple leather. Leatherique is big on keeping the leather hydrated. Yes, it is a pain in the ass, takes a lot of wiping... it is not a quick spray and wipe. Yet, it really did keep my Portland brown (light brown) interior looking great.

The Letherique people are really good about communicating. I think I will ask their opinion and will report back.

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by Marlonf1

Yes, it is a pain in the ass, takes a lot of wiping...

The ass or the Leatherique?

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

The ass or the Leatherique?

LMFAO

[YMB-M3-J2]

I use the Griot's. Its amazing and leaves no greasy residue that you have to buff off. It also leaves the car smelling very nice!

[minisbmw]

i use Girots as well love it

[M4UK]

I have Silverstone leather and the BMW leather care cleaner & conditioner works really well. Pulled blue jeans dye stains out immediately. Looks like new and smells ace.

[BeamerandBimmer]

I use Mother's Leather Tech and use the cleaning techniques in this video. Soft paint brush and microfiber towel.

[AYTifosi]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

The ass or the Leatherique?

I set myself up didn't I. The Leatherique is applied, left to sweat and then is removed using the cleaner. You end up using a lot and it takes a while to get it all up. If not, the seat is slippery.

I emailed Leatherique and will share their response.

[Money2536]

I use Leather Master's. I just ordered some Leatherique Prestine Clean to test out as a one step.

[MaX PL]

how often do you guys condition your leather?

[parky1215]

I used Leather Master on mine.
It cleans very well and does not leave those unnatural greasy look.

[F450]

Never used a leather cleaner, always been fine, but now you guys have me concerned I've been doing something wrong all these years.

[AYTifosi]

[QUOTE=Money2536;17817737]I use Leather Master's. I just ordered some Leatherique Prestine Clean to test out as a one step.

You might want to email Leatherique and ask them about using just one. When I use the rejuvenator oil, I use the Prestine Clean to get rid of what the oil brings to the surface. It might work fine - I'm just suggesting you might double check.

[VDBimmer]

If I start using one product then switch to another do you think it might do something?

like lets say I start using the BMW product then after a month or two upgrade to leathermasters or leatherique?

[AYTifosi]

I am going to guess that the cleaning process of whatever product you switch to will help remove residue from the last product. I would probably wait a little while between applications of two products just to let the previous one air or wear a little.