Scuffs on E46 Leatherette interior

[jaqdripper]

Hi guys.

I've got a brand new 325ci that I decided to order with the leatherette as oppossed to the leather interior. I figured the $1400 that I usually spring for leather when I lease my Bimmers might better be spent this time on a Nav system. I actually like the feel of the leatherette better than the leather, but I notice that it picks up scuffs VERY easily. Like when I get out of the car (I have the sport package with the side bolstered sport seats) the little copper pocket rivet on my Levi's leaves a scuff on the seat!! What can be done to hide or remove these? Has anyone else had a problem with excessive scuffing?

Rob
jaqdripper is online now Edit/Delete Message [bmwkick]

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

I got black leather.... and whenever I knuckle it or something rubs it I get a nice white scuff mark..... usually rubs off with my fingers though.

 

[JTravick]

Yes, I the same problem. It's always either something on my clothing that scuffs the leatherette, or my feet hitting against the door panel on the plastic leaves a mark as well. I have had this prob on both of my bimmers... never found a way to clear it easiy.

 

[codex57]

Err, could you describe the scuff more? Or post a pic? You can always try the detailing forum. My car scuffs easily, but by "scuffing" I mean leaving a smudge. Not scratching the plastic so that ridges or burrs form. Cleanup consists of taking a soft sponge and wiping it clean with just water. More stubborn stains require hand soap. I hear a mixture of Simple Green and water works wonders. Most of my scuffing occurs on that map panel/door speaker area on the door where my foot always seems to accidentally kick it when I get out.

Don't use tissue or a paper towel. The texturing on our interior panels/seats just makes matters worse.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Don't use tissue or a paper towel. The texturing on our interior panels/seats just makes matters worse.

Especially not tissue or anything paper...... I learned the hardway in the 325i, once you have "paper lint" all over it good luck getting it and the dust on it out. (The edges of the upholstry and trim specifically.)

 

[codex57]

Especially not tissue or anything paper...... I learned the hardway in the 325i, once you have "paper lint" all over it good luck getting it and the dust on it out. (The edges of the upholstry and trim specifically.)

yeah, I learned the hard way too. I tried using shop rags, cotton towels, all sorts of towel like objects to get the "paper lint" out. Some of it dried up in the texturing on my seat. Was there for a long time while I tried all sorts of methods to get it out. Finally used the sponge I use for washing dishes. That finally got it out. THe memory of those damn white splotches on my black seat is still very fresh in my mind.

 

[Vroman]

Hi guys.

I figured the $1400 that I usually spring for leather when I lease my Bimmers might better be spent this time on a Nav system. I actually like the feel of the leatherette better than the leather, but I notice that it picks up scuffs VERY easily.

Rob
jaqdripper is online now Edit/Delete Message [bmwkick]

This does not have to do with the topic at hand, but I would like to know if you recommend the leatherette. I am also trying to save some $$, actually on a new 530i, and was thinking of getting the leatherette. Any additional comments?

 

[Abdoman]

If you are leasing and trying to save money, leatherette will be fine, but if you are buying, don't get it. I have never had it, but I have seen used cars with it and it looked terrible after just a couple of years. I have had 3 BMWs with over 115k mi and the leather looked brand new in all of them, except for a little wear on the drivers seat.

 

[Vroman]

If you are leasing and trying to save money, leatherette will be fine, but if you are buying, don't get it. I have never had it, but I have seen used cars with it and it looked terrible after just a couple of years. I have had 3 BMWs with over 115k mi and the leather looked brand new in all of them, except for a little wear on the drivers seat.

Yes I will be leasing. I wonder how the softness of the leatherette is. Guess I gotta check it out at the dealer.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Yes I will be leasing. I wonder how the softness of the leatherette is. Guess I gotta check it out at the dealer.

There is barely a noticeable difference between the leather and the leatherette, I've heard BMW makes good fake leather. You can always compare at the dealership. I notice you're from Brooklyn, I hope the dealer isn't BMW Manhattan; they have the worst service department and you'll end up regretting your purchase from them.

 

[Vroman]

There is barely a noticeable difference between the leather and the leatherette, I've heard BMW makes good fake leather. You can always compare at the dealership. I notice you're from Brooklyn, I hope the dealer isn't BMW Manhattan; they have the worst service department and you'll end up regretting your purchase from them.

Hey thanks for the advice. I didnt know that about BMW Manhattan. I have my current lease from Difeo in NJ. I like the NJ dealers and will prob stick with them. I'm also going to give Life Quality in BK a try.

 

[snowsedan04]

And all this time I thought it was my fat ass causing the wear! I also have leatherette sport seats, and there is a scuff mark that has formed when my pants caught on the bolsters. It's pretty annoying and there isn't much you can do once it's there. However, I now put my hand on the spot when getting into the car so the scuff doesn't get worse. It was looking and feeling like it could become an actual rip, so a little care was needed getting in.

In terms of the leatherette comfort, mine seems to have gotten more supple and less rubbery over time. Now it's very comfortable, except when it's really hot and it doesn't ventilate like natural materials. It doesn't feel like leather, but the BMW leather isn't that great in my opinion so I would save the money. If it was Lexus-quality hide, that's another story, but it isn't.

 

[codex57]

Yeah, I'm not exactly impressed with BMW leather. I originally was trying to get leather, but couldn't find the car with the options I wanted with that color leather. Ended up getting leatherette and now I'm glad I have it. Easy to clean up (can just throw water on it), feels about the same as the leather, and it's actually been pretty durable for me. People don't know it's not leather unless I tell them. I've seen tons of fairly new BMWs where the leather looks like crap after only a couple of years.