Seat Thigh Support only on Nappa Leather?

davesf · 10-11-2011, 01:04 AM

I have a 550xi on order. I specced it with Nappa Leather because of this passage I read on the web:

"18-way power Multi-contour front seats; includes articulated upper backrest, 4-way lumbar support, passenger's-seat memory, Active Head Restraints, and adjustable thigh support (requires Nappa Leather)"

Thigh support is important to me, and I read that as the thigh-support only coming with Nappa Leather. However, I've read a bunch of Nappa vs Dakota leather posts and I'm not impressed by folks describing the Nappa as "smoother, buttery, and more likely to slide around on". Personally I'd prefer something tough and durable, which folks are saying more about the Dakota. I'll have to go re-check them in person to tell for sure.

Do Dakota Leather seats come with adjustable thigh-support on the 550?

Is the Dakota more durable, or are these just subjective opinions?

I have Nappa leather on my old Audi S4, and it's pretty thick, durable, very nice.

gatoman39 · 10-11-2011, 09:48 AM

I believe thigh extension is part of the Muilti Contour seat and not leather specific (at least it was in 2011) I see where the confusion lies, but I'm pretty sure that is still the case. All 550's come with the multi contour seat and Dakota standard which includes the thigh support.
so to answer your questions:
Do Dakota Leather seats come with adjustable thigh-support on the 550?
Yes
Is the Dakota more durable, or are these just subjective opinions?
Subjective. The Nappa is a much nicer and softer leather IMO. And since you will be using and touching the surface everytime you use the car, unlike some of the other options, it's well worth the small price increase.

Rmitchell248 · 10-11-2011, 11:16 AM

Id go Nappa too. To me the look and feel is well worth the small fee. No issue with durability for me.

As gato says the multi contour seats give you the leg support.

mkossler · 10-11-2011, 05:32 PM

How interesting. I had nappa - style leather in the past, and really enjoy the Dakota now. Maybe that will change over time, who knows?

Needsdecaf · 10-11-2011, 06:57 PM

Nappa looks so much richer.

DLerner · 10-11-2011, 07:24 PM

I've owned Dakota and leatherette - can't tell the difference between them. Both feel thick and durable. If you seek a softer, more expensive feeling leather - Nappa is the way to go and will be my choice next go round.

Fithian · 10-11-2011, 10:49 PM

When you pop for the $1000 upgrade to Nappa, you get Nappa everywhere. It's on the door panels, center console lid, knee support for driver, as well as all of the usual places. I checked it out the other day while applying Leather Master cream to all of the leather in the 535i. I also had an S4, where Nappa is standard. It is also standard on all current S4 and S5 Audis. We put the grandkid booster seat in the back behind the driver, with a piece of coffee bag to protect the seat somewhat, but there have been no indentations in the seat itself, which we did have with Dakota in our E39. So, this Nappa is pretty durable, and you don't slide on it as on the Dakota.

Needsdecaf · 10-12-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fithian

When you pop for the $1000 upgrade to Nappa, you get Nappa everywhere. It's on the door panels, center console lid, knee support for driver, as well as all of the usual places. I checked it out the other day while applying Leather Master cream to all of the leather in the 535i. I also had an S4, where Nappa is standard. It is also standard on all current S4 and S5 Audis. We put the grandkid booster seat in the back behind the driver, with a piece of coffee bag to protect the seat somewhat, but there have been no indentations in the seat itself, which we did have with Dakota in our E39. So, this Nappa is pretty durable, and you don't slide on it as on the Dakota.

Suggest you use this instead of a coffee bag.

http://www.princelionheart.com/site/t_cs_0560.html

JOHNVIP · 10-14-2011, 06:15 PM

I ordered 2012 550xi msport and am very dissapointed that the thigh support has been discontinued on the dakota leather, i could not see spending the extra $1000 for the nappa just to get the thigh support but i will probably regret not getting it. My car is on board the Mignon vessel due in usa oct 25th. Cant wait!

gatoman39 · 10-14-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOHNVIP

I ordered 2012 550xi msport and am very dissapointed that the thigh support has been discontinued on the dakota leather, i could not see spending the extra $1000 for the nappa just to get the thigh support but i will probably regret not getting it. My car is on board the Mignon vessel due in usa oct 25th. Cant wait!

I believe your car will come with the adjustable thigh support. I think the order form is in error. Let us know when you get your car.

davesf · 10-15-2011, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatoman39

I believe your car will come with the adjustable thigh support. I think the order form is in error. Let us know when you get your car.

I checked the (admittedly 2011) cars at the dealer, and they all had adjustable thigh support, both Dakota and Nappa. My dealer tells me that website snippet is just a mistake and that the seats are all the same. I don't see any reason this would be different for 2012.

I also learned there is no way (in the US) to get the adjustable side-bolsters on the 550 (which are always 18-way), they only come on the 7-series 20-way seats.

gatoman39 · 10-15-2011, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesf

I checked the (admittedly 2011) cars at the dealer, and they all had adjustable thigh support, both Dakota and Nappa. My dealer tells me that website snippet is just a mistake and that the seats are all the same. I don't see any reason this would be different for 2012.

I also learned there is no way (in the US) to get the adjustable side-bolsters on the 550 (which are always 18-way), they only come on the 7-series 20-way seats.

Good news. Don't you feel better now?

10-11-2011, 01:04 AM	#1
davesf Private 10 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 2012 550xi DSB, black nappa Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0)	Seat Thigh Support only on Nappa Leather? I have a 550xi on order. I specced it with Nappa Leather because of this passage I read on the web: "18-way power Multi-contour front seats; includes articulated upper backrest, 4-way lumbar support, passenger's-seat memory, Active Head Restraints, and adjustable thigh support (requires Nappa Leather)" Thigh support is important to me, and I read that as the thigh-support only coming with Nappa Leather. However, I've read a bunch of Nappa vs Dakota leather posts and I'm not impressed by folks describing the Nappa as "smoother, buttery, and more likely to slide around on". Personally I'd prefer something tough and durable, which folks are saying more about the Dakota. I'll have to go re-check them in person to tell for sure. Do Dakota Leather seats come with adjustable thigh-support on the 550? Is the Dakota more durable, or are these just subjective opinions? I have Nappa leather on my old Audi S4, and it's pretty thick, durable, very nice. Last edited by davesf; 10-11-2011 at 03:29 AM..
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10-11-2011, 09:48 AM	#2
gatoman39 Major 116 Rep 1,346 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335 M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: LA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E92 335i M Sport [1.00]	I believe thigh extension is part of the Muilti Contour seat and not leather specific (at least it was in 2011) I see where the confusion lies, but I'm pretty sure that is still the case. All 550's come with the multi contour seat and Dakota standard which includes the thigh support. so to answer your questions: Do Dakota Leather seats come with adjustable thigh-support on the 550? Yes Is the Dakota more durable, or are these just subjective opinions? Subjective. The Nappa is a much nicer and softer leather IMO. And since you will be using and touching the surface everytime you use the car, unlike some of the other options, it's well worth the small price increase. __________________
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10-11-2011, 11:16 AM	#3
Rmitchell248 Private 2 Rep 59 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Id go Nappa too. To me the look and feel is well worth the small fee. No issue with durability for me. As gato says the multi contour seats give you the leg support.
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10-11-2011, 05:32 PM	#4
mkossler Matty K. 0 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 535i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	How interesting. I had nappa - style leather in the past, and really enjoy the Dakota now. Maybe that will change over time, who knows? __________________ 2011 535i (8/2011 build) Jet Black, Black Dakota leather, Dark Wood, Convenience, Premium 1 & 2, SmartPhone, BMW Apps
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10-11-2011, 06:57 PM	#5
Needsdecaf Major General 6599 Rep 6,697 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0)	Nappa looks so much richer.
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10-11-2011, 07:24 PM	#6
DLerner Private First Class 48 Rep 184 Posts Drives: F10 535, X164 GL550 Join Date: May 2011 Location: VA USA iTrader: (0)	I've owned Dakota and leatherette - can't tell the difference between them. Both feel thick and durable. If you seek a softer, more expensive feeling leather - Nappa is the way to go and will be my choice next go round.
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10-11-2011, 10:49 PM	#7
Fithian BMWCCA Member 7 Rep 71 Posts Drives: BMW F10 535i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Eastern PA iTrader: (0)	Nappa When you pop for the $1000 upgrade to Nappa, you get Nappa everywhere. It's on the door panels, center console lid, knee support for driver, as well as all of the usual places. I checked it out the other day while applying Leather Master cream to all of the leather in the 535i. I also had an S4, where Nappa is standard. It is also standard on all current S4 and S5 Audis. We put the grandkid booster seat in the back behind the driver, with a piece of coffee bag to protect the seat somewhat, but there have been no indentations in the seat itself, which we did have with Dakota in our E39. So, this Nappa is pretty durable, and you don't slide on it as on the Dakota. __________________ Eph 2007 E92 335i 6M PP SP HS 45k miles (sold) 2008 A3 2T DSG 37k miles 2011 F10 535i 8A PP SP 27k miles 2013 S5 6M PP SP 7k miles 7/24/12
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10-14-2011, 06:15 PM	#9
JOHNVIP Enlisted Member 6 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NEW YORK CITY iTrader: (0)	anybody else on board the MIGNON? I ordered 2012 550xi msport and am very dissapointed that the thigh support has been discontinued on the dakota leather, i could not see spending the extra $1000 for the nappa just to get the thigh support but i will probably regret not getting it. My car is on board the Mignon vessel due in usa oct 25th. Cant wait!
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