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      11-15-2007, 12:15 PM   #1
135idrive
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Boston Leather vs. Dakota Leather

Does anyone know what the quality difference is between the Boston (1 series) and the Dakota (3, 5 series) leather options. I have been considering the Coral Red and Terra interiors and thought there may be a color difference between the two types, (e.g. the red looks brighter on the photos of the Boston). I originally thought that Boston was the EU name and Dakota the US name for the same product but now find that it is not the case. Maybe EU members of the forum have had experience with this. Anyone?

Thanks
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      11-16-2007, 09:21 AM   #2
1ster
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Too bad nobody has an answer for this question. I'd be curious about the difference, too.
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      11-16-2007, 09:37 AM   #3
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I think the difference is between the texture of the leather.
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      11-16-2007, 09:43 AM   #4
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I posted this in another thread a long while ago:

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The 1er uses 'Boston' leather, which isn't as nice as the 'Dakota' leather used in the 3er and 5er, or nicer yet 'Nappa' leather used in the M3, or top of the line 'Nasca' leather in the 7er.
As you know, there are slight leather grade differences, that could include feel, wear, consistent color, etc.

I have 10 year old Nappa leather in my e36 that feels much better then the 2 year old Dakota leather in my e90. I would think that there is hardly any difference between the Boston and Dakota, but I bet it means it's cheaper for BMW to buy the Boston leather...
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      11-16-2007, 09:51 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by larryn View Post
I have 10 year old Nappa leather in my e36 that feels much better then the 2 year old Dakota leather in my e90. I would think that there is hardly any difference between the Boston and Dakota, but I bet it means it's cheaper for BMW to buy the Boston leather...
Thanks for re-explaining. Sounds like all the more reason to got with the 'ette, then.
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      11-16-2007, 10:14 AM   #6
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The problem is 'Boston' and 'Dakota' are marketing terms not designations of types of leather. Here's a pretty useful guide to leather terminology: http://www.orgs.ttu.edu/leatherresearchinstitute/page15.html

We'd need someone who has some knowledge of the seating surfaces built for BMW (since I'm reasonably sure that a supplier builds the seat systems and ships completed units to BMW) to chime in and tell us what grade of leather is used in the 1er.
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      11-16-2007, 10:21 AM   #7
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The perforated Merino leather might be the nicest leather available from BMW right now.

Available in the M5's and M6's. Merino leather is from Merino Sheep and so is very soft and supple.

Too bad that neither Napa or Merino are currently options in the 1 Coupes. One could always take the standard leatherette seats to an Upholstery shop and have Alcantara or Merino installed.

It's only money!
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      11-16-2007, 10:23 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by dna550 View Post
It's only money!
That should be BMW's new corporate motto.
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      11-16-2007, 11:33 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dna550 View Post
The perforated Merino leather might be the nicest leather available from BMW right now.

Available in the M5's and M6's. Merino leather is from Merino Sheep and so is very soft and supple.

Too bad that neither Napa or Merino are currently options in the 1 Coupes. One could always take the standard leatherette seats to an Upholstery shop and have Alcantara or Merino installed.

It's only money!
yeah and it'll be "only" a whole LOTTA money if they ever did the merino leather upgrade.. dame..
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