[Rewted]

I may have made a mistake getting leatherette (vinyl) in my last 3 series. This winter I noticed some cracks after the cold weather (-30c).

Which of the two do you think is more durable in cold weather?

[iatacs19]

Honestly I would think that the synthetic leatherette would be more durable.

[canucklion]

or not , that is the question

if you for "leatherette", about 1 gabazillion threads will answer your question

[BoostedBMW]

I had leatherette in my E46 and I currently have leather in my s2k, and I can say without a doubt that unless color is an issue for you, leatherette is SO much better IMO. The durability of it is just so much better. After a year it still looks brand new, while leather starts to really crease up no matter how much you clean and condition it. Black leatherette is being put in my 335i. The only reason that I would ever get leather would be if I fell in love with a color (ie. coral red), but its not worth it for the way it wears IMO. This is coming from someone who has had red leather for in my own car for almost the past 3 years.

[Hawkshaw]

Originally Posted by canucklion

gabazillion

Nice word...how many 0's is a gabazillion?

[Pecty]

I have dakota in my E92 when we had 5-7 degrees Fahrenheit (so around -16 Celsius) the leather felt almost as pliable as above freezing. The nice thing about leatherette is clean-up is a breeze, my boss has it in his A4, all he does is wipe it with a damp cloth and its good to go.

[LEDZEP]

One is free. One is a costly upgrade. Gee, which one do you 'spose is better?

[fugginfazt]

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Nice word...how many 0's is a gabazillion?

15 more than a trillionzillion

[Mark335i]

Originally Posted by canucklion

or not , that is the question

if you for "leatherette", about 1 gabazillion threads will answer your question

and now make that 1 gabazillion +1

[CoralRedPlz]

i didnt even consider the leatherette bc like booosted said, i was obsessed with getting the coral red. but if not, i would have probably got the black leatherette. it does wear soooo much better than real leather. then again, it doesnt quite have as rich of a feel.

[Rewted]

Originally Posted by CoralRedPlz

i didnt even consider the leatherette bc like booosted said, i was obsessed with getting the coral red. but if not, i would have probably got the black leatherette. it does wear soooo much better than real leather. then again, it doesnt quite have as rich of a feel.

I'm more worried about it cracking in the cold, that's all.

[SoonToBimmer]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

One is free. One is a costly upgrade. Gee, which one do you 'spose is better?

Only if this was true. Leatherette is not free it is in the cost of the base car. If you get Leather they don't deduct the cost of the leatherette and then charge you the cost of the leather. So in fact you are paying even more then the 1400 for the leather.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by SoonToBimmer

Only if this was true. Leatherette is not free it is in the cost of the base car. If you get Leather they don't deduct the cost of the leatherette and then charge you the cost of the leather. So in fact you are paying even more then the 1400 for the leather.

I see what you're saying, but your logic is askew. If you get ZSP they don't subtract the cost of seats, wheels, steering wheel, etc. and then add it all back in either. The cost of an option like leather represents the difference in price from the "base" equipment to the optional equipment.

You also do not have the option to have the seat un-upholstered when you order your car. Therefore they are free. Just like the gas tank is free... you can't buy the car without one. Obviously the price of the car includes all the materials, that's a given.

[Revlis]

Nothing like putting $20 worth of Vinyl in a Nice car. No way around it, nobody I know nobody I've ever spoken to would choose vinyl over leather in a nice car. Leather Wears??? WTF? While it may wear for the most part it starts looking healthier, richer, warmer, it ages more than wears. Show it a little love and it'll outlast your car.

Vinyl options are only there to meet a price point. So they can advertise "UNDER" a certain figure, or lease for $389. That's about it. Hell even Hyundai's top models come standard with leather.

If it's a money issue then stay the hell away from the BMW entirely. Not being a dick but seriously. Toyota and Honda offer terrific cars for a whole lot less money that are more reliable, less expensive to own, and get better gas mileage.


BUT

If you have kids or dogs that ride though???? I can almost see a case for Vinyl.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Revlis

Nothing like putting $20 worth of Vinyl in a Nice car.
If it's a money issue then stay the hell away from the BMW entirely. Not being a dick but seriously. Toyota and Honda offer terrific cars for a whole lot less money that are more reliable, less expensive to own, and get better gas mileage.


BUT

If you have kids or dogs that ride though???? I can almost see a case for Vinyl.

Just noticed your little banner...

[WGScales]

I have leatherette in my current E46 and after 36 months it still looks like new. I specifically did not order premium so I would get leatherette in the new E90. Never considered leather.