Leatherette vs. Leather

[crbalch]

Just curious to see what people think about the difference between leatherette and leather seats.

I personally ordered the black leatherette because they don\'t look all that different, and it was hard for me to justify the coat of upgrading to leather.

Thoughts?

[Red135]

I had leatherette on my 135 and now leather on my 1M. The leather might be a little softer, but there really isn't much difference.

Same as below: I believe the leatherette will wear better over time.

[Dave]

same situation as above, but from seeing everyones leather vs. my 35's ette at meets and around I have to say ette holds up much better, unless you love to REALLY care for your leather.

[GaryS]

I don't like the way leather looks after a few years. So maybe leather for a lease, but leatherette for me.

[bogart]

Originally Posted by crbalch

Just curious to see what people think about the difference between leatherette and leather seats.

I personally ordered the black leatherette because they don\'t look all that different, and it was hard for me to justify the coat of upgrading to leather.

Thoughts?

I know you are new, so I hate to do this to you, but hopefully you understand that things can get rather repetitive on here. So, please use the search option prior to posting something. I will even give you a link to get you started:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ht=leatherette

I found that searching "leatherette" was more successful than "leather"



I personally have the black boston leather, and I love it. I've had the car for almost 10 months and there are no signs of wear. It is my daily driver. I'm in and out of the car at least 3-4 times per day. I love the feel of the leather, it is soft, and really nice. It is easy to clean. I've heard some had issues with the leatherette and cracking, but who knows. I personally would only get the leather if you can afford it. It may not be worth the extra money since the two materials are so much alike.

[TMR013]

Since everybody who have been in my car with the "ette, at least the ones who have made any comment on the seats, have told me they like the leather, I would say that going with the 'ette was a good decision. Especially since it appears to hold up better in the long run.

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by bogart

I know you are new, so I hate to do this to you, but hopefully you understand that things can get rather repetitive on here. So, please use the search option prior to posting something. I will even give you a link to get you started:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ht=leatherette

I found that searching "leatherette" was more successful than "leather"



I personally have the black boston leather, and I love it. I've had the car for almost 10 months and there are no signs of wear. It is my daily driver. I'm in and out of the car at least 3-4 times per day. I love the feel of the leather, it is soft, and really nice. It is easy to clean. I've heard some had issues with the leatherette and cracking, but who knows. I personally would only get the leather if you can afford it. It may not be worth the extra money since the two materials are so much alike.

true sorry yeah i was on a mazdaspeed forum for years so i should know better haha, thanks though

[crbalch]

thanks for the responses everyone, seems to me like its a good choice then...I am not so sure that the extra $1450 is worth it for the leather, especially since I could upgrade so many other things before that

[Jayda]

My husband had a 3 series wagon. It was manual and his car. I do not drive manual so I never drove that car. He got rid of it before I got my 1 series. In a discussion not to long ago I asked him about the leather in that car and how he cleaned it. He said it was leatherette. I never knew! Seriously, had I known I might not have gotten the premium package. It sure looked like leather to me (in the wagon).

[zkeeper]

I have leather and my wife has leatherette, and she does not have worry about a rainy day, and dragging water onto the seats or when door gets opened--and lets me know it. I on the other hand, DO have to worry about it. But keep the leatherette clean and well protected with a good vinyl and rubber conditioner. It helps a lot.

[slim_e90]

I've had both in various cars

The ette is more durable but I'd say its less breathable. In the heat it does make your back more sweaty whereas with the leather I never have that issue. It seam like it breathes much better... At the price of more maintenance and much quicker wear/aging

[Kamal]

I have the 'ette, wish I had leather. I have no issues with spending the time maintaining leather. I guess in the long term the leatherette is better, and honestly nobody can really tell... but I can, it feels inferior and on those hot summer days it makes my back moist

[swaite]

I don't understand how people can't tell the difference. The vinyl feels too rubbery to me, whereas leather is nice and smooth. Isn't the smell a dead giveaway, too?

I have the vinly and the only reason I prefer it is for the durability. The only car I would choose to have leather in is one that I drove very seldomly.

[crbalch]

all really valid points but it definitely seems like the majority likes leather but tends to lean towards leatherette specifically for the durability which is totally alright with me

not to mention it will save around $1500, which is a huge plus for what seems like needs some serious care. I will care for the car as if it was my child but for the money it doesn't seem absolutely necessary

[Satalite]

I have the leatherette and don't regret getting it one bit. For the 1500$ I saved I used that to buy some better mods... The real leather is much nicer and softer, but over time cracks and wears horribly. I feel as if my 99' 325i's leather interior was wearing the color out of the leather!

This doesn't happen with the leatherette' not to mention it is much cheaper to replace! Either way it is anyone's opinion. My basis was looks.

[x97Melbourne]

I like the setup of the car you ordered. I don't mind the leatherette at all. I wish I would have passed on the premium package.....leather for $1450?? I'd rather pocket that cash.

[bluecat]

Originally Posted by slim_e90

I've had both in various cars

The ette is more durable but I'd say its less breathable. In the heat it does make your back more sweaty whereas with the leather I never have that issue. It seam like it breathes much better... At the price of more maintenance and much quicker wear/aging

This is 100% true. My only gripe is the sweaty back, which is gross.

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

I like the setup of the car you ordered. I don't mind the leatherette at all. I wish I would have passed on the premium package.....leather for $1450?? I'd rather pocket that cash.

yeah you would think that leather would come standard in a BMW which is pretty surprising but to be honest it sounds as though the leatherette is kind of a blessing in disguise

cheaper and easier to maintain > expensive and status

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by bluecat

This is 100% true. My only gripe is the sweaty back, which is gross.

I personally have black leather in my car now and I still get pretty sweaty on the really hot days

wish BMW would throw in the cooling seats like Audi does (I think)

[Guildenstern]

I don't wish they would, this car is already too heavy as it is.

[ken1137]

I prefer leatherette for the longevity and durability...great with kids. The leatherette still requires maintenance but in the end it looks better after 5+ yrs which is great for someone that tends to keep cars for awhile.

[hotbmwfan]

I too have leatherette and prefer it to real leather. My last car had leather and after 4 years the drivers seat was worn and discolored compared to the rest of the interior. However, i'm not sure if the leatherette that BMW uses is from the same supplier for every model or for every year. I had my car in for service today and walked around the showroom to look at the new cars. They had a X1 with black leatherette that looked awful - it looked like cheap plastic. I would not have bought a car with leatherette if that was how it looked.