BMW 3 owner's fooled by fake leather?
02-07-07, 06:07 PM
#1
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BMW 3 owner's fooled by fake leather?
Saw this at: http://blogs.automotive.com/6200786/...ses/index.html
"Lears is a supplier that has a substitute for leather called “leatherette” that includes polyurethane coatings that feel like premium leather. For those of you are driving a Cadillac CTS and BMW 3-Series, those seats that you thought were leather is actually leatherette."
Anybody in the know able to confirm this? Is this a big deal to you BMW owners? Or, don't mind?
"Lears is a supplier that has a substitute for leather called “leatherette” that includes polyurethane coatings that feel like premium leather. For those of you are driving a Cadillac CTS and BMW 3-Series, those seats that you thought were leather is actually leatherette."
Anybody in the know able to confirm this? Is this a big deal to you BMW owners? Or, don't mind?
02-07-07, 06:18 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Well instead of having standard cloth, 3 series come standard with leatherette... to someone not really familiar with cars... they may not know. For example, my sister was recently cross shopping IS250 and 3 series coupe. The dealer never mentioned to her the 328 she test drove didn't have real leather. When she was comparing the cars, she said the leather felt really cheap but had no clue it was fake.
Prepium package on bimmers gets you the real stuff.
Prepium package on bimmers gets you the real stuff.
02-07-07, 07:25 PM
#5
I thought it was well-known that BMW uses Leatherette in their 3-series 
I prefer leatherette in a car like the 3-series. Real leather like the one used in Lexus feels too soft for a sport coupe/sedan. Leatherette kind of hugs your butt on hard turns better than real soft leather
I prefer leatherette in a car like the 3-series. Real leather like the one used in Lexus feels too soft for a sport coupe/sedan. Leatherette kind of hugs your butt on hard turns better than real soft leather
02-07-07, 07:33 PM
#6
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The leatherette/fake leather/vinyl/whatever you want to call it on the BMW is awesome. I am not the type of person who like to over-baby the interior of the car. Have it on my wife's E46 330xi (the only options we get on that car is HID, sports and cold weather package. leather is a stand-alone option or included in the premium package). Only wipe it once a quarter or when it's dirty. Never condition it. The car was park outdoor for like 3.5 years, and no sign of deterioration. Everybody sitting in the car praised about the "real leather", and they were surprised when I told them that it's "fake" leather.
If you are looking for a 3 series and have kids, I strongly recommend you not to get the real leather. Easier to maintain.
Of course, during the winter, I still prefer cloth.
If you are looking for a 3 series and have kids, I strongly recommend you not to get the real leather. Easier to maintain.
Of course, during the winter, I still prefer cloth.
02-07-07, 08:00 PM
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My friend back in high school had a BMW 320i with leatherette, it felt terrible, much worse than the leather in my mom's Camry
BMW (and Porsche, it might be a German thing) charges extra for EVERYTHING. They would probably charge extra for the steering wheel if they could
BMW (and Porsche, it might be a German thing) charges extra for EVERYTHING. They would probably charge extra for the steering wheel if they could
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02-07-07, 08:25 PM
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I got the premium package and optioned out the leather on purpose (even though it came with it). Leather isn't durable enough for me, and despite it being a little more pliable, the leatherette actually feels (and smells) very good (imo of course). The real plus though is it's virtually indestructible. 
02-07-07, 09:33 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
The leatherette is amazing. It feels much softer the real leather. My friend has a 325i with real leather and his g/f has an exact 325i, but with leatherette and the leatherette feels much more softer.
That being said, I'm not sure how durable it is versus real leather.
That being said, I'm not sure how durable it is versus real leather.
02-07-07, 09:49 PM
#13
Keeper of the light
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Damn talk about out of the loop, people they were using leatherette in 3 series BMW's back in 1992 just that "I" know of. Previously perhaps.
leatherette is MUCH MUCH BETTER than leather. Leather cracks and splits, leatherette does not. ZERO maintenance. Leather is nowhere NEAR as soft as leatherette.
leatherette is MUCH MUCH BETTER than leather. Leather cracks and splits, leatherette does not. ZERO maintenance. Leather is nowhere NEAR as soft as leatherette.
02-07-07, 10:02 PM
#15
Lexus Champion
It really depends on the model/year.
My E36 325is had leather as standard. The 325i sedan, however, did not come with leather as standard item.
In my opinion, leatherette actually wears/ages much better than its leather counterpart. It doesn't feel as silky smooth as leather but it definitely won't crack like most leather seats do.
Jon
My E36 325is had leather as standard. The 325i sedan, however, did not come with leather as standard item.
In my opinion, leatherette actually wears/ages much better than its leather counterpart. It doesn't feel as silky smooth as leather but it definitely won't crack like most leather seats do.
Jon