Leatherette vs. Leather

1ToBeOn2Wheels · 07-26-2011, 03:54 AM

Completely happy with my leatherette. Over 3 years and almost 50k miles and there is not one spec of wear anywhere on my seats. Couldn't say that about leather after 3 years, I assure you.

AW128i · 07-26-2011, 07:12 AM

When looking for my car, I purposely sought one with leatherette. I've had several cars with leather, and a couple with leatherette. Hands down, leatherette wears A LOT better, no matter how often you care for the leather. In fact, in the two cars I've bought new with leather, no amount of caring for the interior left it wear-free. Creases and wear spots were inevitable, even with almost constant cleaning and conditioning. On the cars I've had with leatherette, however, a simple wipe down with an interior cleaner or vinyl cleaner is all that's needed occasionally and it always looks new. My car has 41,000 miles on it right now and the interior looks brand new with zero signs of wear on the seats. Yes, it's imitation leather, but everyone that's gotten in my car has made the assumption that it's leather, so the look isn't that different.

crbalch · 07-26-2011, 10:05 AM

yeah realistically for me, if it looks like leather, its good enough. Sounds as though the durability aspect alone is enough to save the money.

ORA · 07-26-2011, 10:33 AM

Leatherette is terrible. If you have even an ounce of integrity you will always get leather! If you don't want leather, then at least get aftermarket seats and get alcantara performance seats.

'leatherette' is merely a posh way to say vinyl...

AW128i · 07-26-2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MM33

Leatherette is terrible. If you have even an ounce of integrity you will always get leather! If you don't want leather, then at least get aftermarket seats and get alcantara performance seats.

'leatherette' is merely a posh way to say vinyl...

Did you buy the badge, or the car? I ask because I'm confused how leatherette compromises one's integrity or that of the car? And P.S., fake suede interiors don't wear the best either. I'd have cloth in my car, were it available.

crbalch · 07-26-2011, 10:47 AM

I agree that Leatherette is a a different way of saying vinyl, but it seems like the majority of people are leaning toward it, not leather. I would just rather spend that $1500 toward certain mods on the car.

doublevanosrc · 07-26-2011, 11:35 AM

The smell alone is worthy the price of admission plus they don't offer red leatherette.

crbalch · 07-26-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

The smell alone is worthy the price of admission plus they don't offer red leatherette.

ah I know the red is the ONE thing that would persuade me to go leather, but I think that the red interior and white exterior has been done a lot.

I love the AW trim and think that it will look fantastic with the AW exterior and black leatherette.

Sinister Crayon · 07-26-2011, 12:22 PM

It's really a matter of personal taste, but I really like leather. Yeah, it does require more maintenance but generally I think it's worth it simply because leather feels better and can look phenomenal if taken care of.

Just for reference, here's a quick picture of the (dirty) interior of my 15 year old Subaru SVX that I took just the other day. At 148K miles and still climbing, this is what leather CAN look like if it's cared for. As you can see, I'm not afraid to put in the work to keep it looking good

The leatherette used in BMW's though is pretty damned good... but to me it still feels like plastic. I also really like the two-tone interiors you can get with leather on BMW's... my ordered 1'er has Terracotta

3liter1 · 07-26-2011, 01:21 PM

I have had both Leather and Leatherette and favor the latter . As others have said, it wears better, and I also find it is laterally grippier. It does not smell like vinyl - but nor does it smell like leather.

JimD · 07-26-2011, 01:25 PM

The leather in a car has a substantial surface finish on it not unlike the top surface of leatherette. If it did not, it would discolor when we prespire on it. My bimmer has leatherette and I am happy with it. My chair, loveseat, and sofa at home are leather. I've ridden in cars with leather, just never bought one. I like leather and I am OK with the inevitable change in appearance that is part of owning leather. But I think leatherette is more practical in a car and the appearance is not that different - possibly because what you look at is not all that different. I have tanned hides before so I know what leather looks like off the animal. That is not what any car seat or furniture I have seen has looked like. I believe what touches you is a form of plastic in both cases. What is underneith changes but not what touches you.

Jim

crbalch · 07-26-2011, 01:55 PM

Yeah I do like the fact that with the leather you get the two tone, but now thinking even more about it, the black and white combo with the black exterior will look incredibly sharp.

RoundelM3 · 07-26-2011, 02:11 PM

I've had leather seats in all my personal cars since the 1990s...putting cleaner/conditioner on them every 2-3 months doesn't seem like a lot of work. No wear problems so far, and unless it really gets abused, it seems to wear quite well. Cracking and shabby appearance come from not maintaining it. Not recommended for people with kids, though, unless you get some seat protectors/covers.

Leatherette is okay, but not in hot climates like where I live. One way to get by that is get some of those "sheepskin" seat covers like airline pilots use. You can usually wash them and they'll not only protect your seats, but they'll keep you from perspiring or getting burned when you sit on them after the car's been parked in the sun/hot weather. They're comfy in the winter,too, although I've got heated seats to help with that during our 6 weeks of "winter" down here.

jkp1187 · 07-26-2011, 02:23 PM

Leatherette is fine. I've had more than one person get in the car and assume incorrectly that the seats were leather.

The only reason I wish I'd gotten the Premium Package is for the lumbar support, not the leather.

texasmojo · 07-26-2011, 03:16 PM

How would you know if you have leather or leatherette? Besides ripping the material. All I know is that I have the sport package. I have been cleaning my seats with leather wipes all this time. Lol!

ErvGotti · 07-26-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texasmojo

How would you know if you have leather or leatherette? Besides ripping the material. All I know is that I have the sport package. I have been cleaning my seats with leather wipes all this time. Lol!

If you have the premium package you should have leather unless you declined it. Only other way I believe is to order it seperatley from the package. Other wise you have leatherette.

For the pass couple of days I've been driving a 2011 E90 335i loaner with leatherette. IMHO it does look and feel cheaper than leather. I feel that there's a big difference especially agreeing with others that leather feels alot softer.

The downside for me though is yes I've owened my car for three years now and there is a small crease and slight wear on the driver's seat. I've meticulously maintained it so other than that the rest of the leather on my car looks like it just came out from the factory.

AW128i · 07-26-2011, 04:28 PM

The stitching pattern on the leather seats (sport seats or non-sport) and door panels is different from that of the leatherette, so you can tell right away whether it's leather or not if you know what you're looking for. I will agree that one of the huge benefits of BMW's leather interiors are the colors they offer. Leatherette is only available in black and beige (or whatever BMW calls it).

Just a side note about leather car interiors, not all leather is created equally. For one, Japanese and American car manufacturers use a different tanning process than European manufacturers. The European leather interiors are more supple and look 'richer,' for lack of a better term. Because of this, they're also more susceptible to wear and need to be cared for more regularly to keep them looking as best as possible. American and Japanese interiors (unless some special upgraded leather) use a tanning process that essentially creates a plastic-like finish on the top surface. Because of this, they wear very well and don't experience the creases, etc. that European leather interiors are prone to. The downside of this is that they look noticeably 'cheaper' and always look shiny and can even be downright hard.

TMR013 · 07-26-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AW128i

American and Japanese interiors (unless some special upgraded leather) use a tanning process that essentially creates a plastic-like finish on the top surface. Because of this, they wear very well and don't experience the creases, etc. that European leather interiors are prone to. The downside of this is that they look noticeably 'cheaper' and always look shiny and can even be downright hard.

Interesting.

The leather in my old S2000 I always thought was top rate. In fact I was a bit dissapointed with the Boston leather in the 1'er when I was test driving them.
And as far as color, I had the black and red seats in the S2000, and I think the color is WAY better than the red seats I have seen from BMW. I honestly just don't like them after what I had in the Honda.

crbalch · 07-26-2011, 06:46 PM

I currently drive an 06 Mazdaspeed 6 while waiting for the 1er and it has "leather" seats but to be honest they are much different than what I've seen in a bimmer. They get so hot in the summer also, and i don't really care that much, so I'm thinking that the decision to go with ette is a good one for me

Satalite · 07-26-2011, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crbalch

I currently drive an 06 Mazdaspeed 6 while waiting for the 1er and it has "leather" seats but to be honest they are much different than what I've seen in a bimmer. They get so hot in the summer also, and i don't really care that much, so I'm thinking that the decision to go with ette is a good one for me

Got to make sure the quality of leather is up to par with what you are paying for...!

Jayda · 07-26-2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMR013

Interesting.

The leather in my old S2000 I always thought was top rate. In fact I was a bit dissapointed with the Boston leather in the 1'er when I was test driving them.
And as far as color, I had the black and red seats in the S2000, and I think the color is WAY better than the red seats I have seen from BMW. I honestly just don't like them after what I had in the Honda.

I had a Honda Accord V6 coupe about 10 years ago. I liked the leather better than what was in my Audi and my BMW (which followed the Honda). The leather in the Honda seemed softer to me and wore very well too.

bsantini · 07-27-2011, 06:06 AM

I personally would prefer a fabric/cloth interior choice here in the US, but not alcantara.

07-26-2011, 03:54 AM	#23
1ToBeOn2Wheels Freude am Fahren 31 Rep 703 Posts Drives: B9 Audi S5 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sierra Nevada Foothills, California iTrader: (0)	Completely happy with my leatherette. Over 3 years and almost 50k miles and there is not one spec of wear anywhere on my seats. Couldn't say that about leather after 3 years, I assure you.
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07-26-2011, 07:12 AM	#24
AW128i Major 44 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: E82 N51 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southeastern, PA iTrader: (1)	When looking for my car, I purposely sought one with leatherette. I've had several cars with leather, and a couple with leatherette. Hands down, leatherette wears A LOT better, no matter how often you care for the leather. In fact, in the two cars I've bought new with leather, no amount of caring for the interior left it wear-free. Creases and wear spots were inevitable, even with almost constant cleaning and conditioning. On the cars I've had with leatherette, however, a simple wipe down with an interior cleaner or vinyl cleaner is all that's needed occasionally and it always looks new. My car has 41,000 miles on it right now and the interior looks brand new with zero signs of wear on the seats. Yes, it's imitation leather, but everyone that's gotten in my car has made the assumption that it's leather, so the look isn't that different.
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07-26-2011, 10:05 AM	#25
crbalch The Schwab 474 Rep 1,605 Posts Drives: 2020 AW M340xi Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (2) Garage List 2017 BMW X1 [0.00] 2016 BMW M235xi [0.00]	yeah realistically for me, if it looks like leather, its good enough. Sounds as though the durability aspect alone is enough to save the money.
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07-26-2011, 10:33 AM	#26
ORA Banned 43 Rep 140 Posts Drives: VO 1M Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Leatherette is terrible. If you have even an ounce of integrity you will always get leather! If you don't want leather, then at least get aftermarket seats and get alcantara performance seats. 'leatherette' is merely a posh way to say vinyl...
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07-26-2011, 10:47 AM	#28
crbalch The Schwab 474 Rep 1,605 Posts Drives: 2020 AW M340xi Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (2) Garage List 2017 BMW X1 [0.00] 2016 BMW M235xi [0.00]	I agree that Leatherette is a a different way of saying vinyl, but it seems like the majority of people are leaning toward it, not leather. I would just rather spend that $1500 toward certain mods on the car.
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07-26-2011, 11:35 AM	#29
doublevanosrc Loves his G20 265 Rep 2,507 Posts Drives: 2020 330ix M sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin. Tx iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW [0.00]	The smell alone is worthy the price of admission plus they don't offer red leatherette. __________________ 2020 330ix-Msport Past- 2013 135i 2011 135i
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07-26-2011, 12:22 PM	#31
Sinister Crayon floccinaucinihilipilifica tion 15 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	It's really a matter of personal taste, but I really like leather. Yeah, it does require more maintenance but generally I think it's worth it simply because leather feels better and can look phenomenal if taken care of. Just for reference, here's a quick picture of the (dirty) interior of my 15 year old Subaru SVX that I took just the other day. At 148K miles and still climbing, this is what leather CAN look like if it's cared for. As you can see, I'm not afraid to put in the work to keep it looking good The leatherette used in BMW's though is pretty damned good... but to me it still feels like plastic. I also really like the two-tone interiors you can get with leather on BMW's... my ordered 1'er has Terracotta Last edited by Sinister Crayon; 07-26-2011 at 12:33 PM.. Reason: Fixed the link!
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07-26-2011, 01:21 PM	#32
3liter1 First Lieutenant 57 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (1)	I have had both Leather and Leatherette and favor the latter . As others have said, it wears better, and I also find it is laterally grippier. It does not smell like vinyl - but nor does it smell like leather.
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07-26-2011, 01:25 PM	#33
JimD Brigadier General 369 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	The leather in a car has a substantial surface finish on it not unlike the top surface of leatherette. If it did not, it would discolor when we prespire on it. My bimmer has leatherette and I am happy with it. My chair, loveseat, and sofa at home are leather. I've ridden in cars with leather, just never bought one. I like leather and I am OK with the inevitable change in appearance that is part of owning leather. But I think leatherette is more practical in a car and the appearance is not that different - possibly because what you look at is not all that different. I have tanned hides before so I know what leather looks like off the animal. That is not what any car seat or furniture I have seen has looked like. I believe what touches you is a form of plastic in both cases. What is underneith changes but not what touches you. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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07-26-2011, 01:55 PM	#34
crbalch The Schwab 474 Rep 1,605 Posts Drives: 2020 AW M340xi Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (2) Garage List 2017 BMW X1 [0.00] 2016 BMW M235xi [0.00]	Yeah I do like the fact that with the leather you get the two tone, but now thinking even more about it, the black and white combo with the black exterior will look incredibly sharp.
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07-26-2011, 02:11 PM	#35
RoundelM3 Major General 1838 Rep 6,991 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	I've had leather seats in all my personal cars since the 1990s...putting cleaner/conditioner on them every 2-3 months doesn't seem like a lot of work. No wear problems so far, and unless it really gets abused, it seems to wear quite well. Cracking and shabby appearance come from not maintaining it. Not recommended for people with kids, though, unless you get some seat protectors/covers. Leatherette is okay, but not in hot climates like where I live. One way to get by that is get some of those "sheepskin" seat covers like airline pilots use. You can usually wash them and they'll not only protect your seats, but they'll keep you from perspiring or getting burned when you sit on them after the car's been parked in the sun/hot weather. They're comfy in the winter,too, although I've got heated seats to help with that during our 6 weeks of "winter" down here.
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07-26-2011, 02:23 PM	#36
jkp1187 Unindicted co-conspirator 66 Rep 1,734 Posts Drives: to work, mostly. Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania / Detroit, Michigan iTrader: (0)	Leatherette is fine. I've had more than one person get in the car and assume incorrectly that the seats were leather. The only reason I wish I'd gotten the Premium Package is for the lumbar support, not the leather.
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07-26-2011, 03:16 PM	#37
texasmojo Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 223 Posts Drives: 2008 128i automatic Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: DFW Texas, USA iTrader: (0)	How would you know if you have leather or leatherette? Besides ripping the material. All I know is that I have the sport package. I have been cleaning my seats with leather wipes all this time. Lol! __________________
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07-26-2011, 04:28 PM	#39
AW128i Major 44 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: E82 N51 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southeastern, PA iTrader: (1)	The stitching pattern on the leather seats (sport seats or non-sport) and door panels is different from that of the leatherette, so you can tell right away whether it's leather or not if you know what you're looking for. I will agree that one of the huge benefits of BMW's leather interiors are the colors they offer. Leatherette is only available in black and beige (or whatever BMW calls it). Just a side note about leather car interiors, not all leather is created equally. For one, Japanese and American car manufacturers use a different tanning process than European manufacturers. The European leather interiors are more supple and look 'richer,' for lack of a better term. Because of this, they're also more susceptible to wear and need to be cared for more regularly to keep them looking as best as possible. American and Japanese interiors (unless some special upgraded leather) use a tanning process that essentially creates a plastic-like finish on the top surface. Because of this, they wear very well and don't experience the creases, etc. that European leather interiors are prone to. The downside of this is that they look noticeably 'cheaper' and always look shiny and can even be downright hard.
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07-26-2011, 06:46 PM	#41
crbalch The Schwab 474 Rep 1,605 Posts Drives: 2020 AW M340xi Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (2) Garage List 2017 BMW X1 [0.00] 2016 BMW M235xi [0.00]	I currently drive an 06 Mazdaspeed 6 while waiting for the 1er and it has "leather" seats but to be honest they are much different than what I've seen in a bimmer. They get so hot in the summer also, and i don't really care that much, so I'm thinking that the decision to go with ette is a good one for me
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07-27-2011, 06:06 AM	#44
bsantini New Member 8 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2023 230i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	I personally would prefer a fabric/cloth interior choice here in the US, but not alcantara.
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