[harrd0517]

I'm preparing to order a 228i and am considering the Sensatec seats. My previous experiences with leather is that it doesn't age well and doesn't breath that well either.

I prefer cloth, but that's not an option. Does anyone out there have any long term experience with leatherette?

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by harrd0517

I'm preparing to order a 228i and am considering the Sensatec seats. My previous experiences with leather is that it doesn't age well and doesn't breath that well either.

I prefer cloth, but that's not an option. Does anyone out there have any long term experience with leatherette?

My mother had whatever Benz's version was called in a 2003 car, assume technology has progressed since then. She drove it for 5 years and beat the hell out of it with little kids in the back seat, etc. I then had the car for 6 months when I was in between vehicles. The car was garaged at night and spent most of its time during the day outside.

So, long story short, the interior was not babied. It looked virtually brand new when I sold the car, so I would not be worried about the BMW version that's 10 years newer from a technology standpoint.

[Spitfi-r]

I've got black "leatherette" vinyl seats in my 2001 330ci.

I think they are great. I've owned the car since 2005 and have done zero maintenance with them. They still look perfect with no signs of fading or aging at all.

The drivers side bolsters are warn, but that happens with the leather too.

I have a buddy with a 2003 330ci and his leather seats have not aged well at all. Mine look a 100x better.

I prefer the vinyl and would get the "leatherette" or sensatec again in a heartbeat if I was skipping the premium package.

[pz619]

Since I always go with a black interior, there is absolutely no reason for me buy leather. I just don't see the cost benefit. The leatherette is nearly indestructible, people can't tell the difference, it feels slightly softer to me.

Personally I think the sensatec is fantastic.

[TAY TAY]

Sensatec to me didn't breath as well as the leather, also it felt more, "sticky". Its different feeling then leatherette of past. I'd go leather if you can.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by TAY TAY

Sensatec to me didn't breath as well as the leather, also it felt more, "sticky". Its different feeling then leatherette of past. I'd go leather if you can.

this. all these fancy names for synthetic stuff.....but you're really just buying fancy vinyl. you'll be hot as hell in the summer and freezing in the winter.

get the real thing and get leather. wearing is fine....leather is supposed to wear!!! it adds character

[disco4me]

What would be cooler in a hot climate black sensatec or black leather?

[TAY TAY]

When I sold BMW's I would always sweat when I got into a Sensatec car vs not, in a leather car.

[disco4me]

Originally Posted by TAY TAY

When I sold BMW's I would always sweat when I got into a Sensatec car vs not, in a leather car.

How did you do with black leather in Florida...was it painfully hot?

[Krisms]

was in a z4 and now in a 335i, both in sensatec. wife's x3 in leather. big difference...

sensatec:
+ still like new after years of use
- feels a bit rough and sticky

leather:
+ feels luxurious, soft, and comfy
- shows wear a lot sooner

...at the end of the day, you pay a premium to get the leather and that's for a reason. i would say go for sensatec if you don't care much about comfort. but the fact that you're asking the question tells me otherwise.

[TAY TAY]

Originally Posted by disco4me

How did you do with black leather in Florida...was it painfully hot?

It gets hot, but I think there is some myth to only black seats being ridiculously hot. Tint always helps.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by harrd0517

I'm preparing to order a 228i and am considering the Sensatec seats. My previous experiences with leather is that it doesn't age well and doesn't breath that well either.

I prefer cloth, but that's not an option. Does anyone out there have any long term experience with leatherette?

I prefer cloth too but I have had all three, vinyl, alcantara cloth and boston leather. The leather smells nice but can wear quickly in spots. It also takes cleaning and conditioning. My 325i with vinyl seats looked great for years and took little maintenance. Basically, I wiped it with vinyl cleaner/protectant wipes. The leather in the 2 series is the same that was on my 1M and I was not impressed. For $1400, I would seriously go with Sensatec and in a couple years, if you want, have it re-upholstered with alcantara and/or cloth. It costs about $1400 to do that.

Of course, the best is still the European Alcantara interior,:

See this:

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=971586

Congrats and good luck.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Spitfi-r

I've got black "leatherette" vinyl seats in my 2001 330ci.

I think they are great. I've owned the car since 2005 and have done zero maintenance with them. They still look perfect with no signs of fading or aging at all.

The drivers side bolsters are warn, but that happens with the leather too.

I have a buddy with a 2003 330ci and his leather seats have not aged well at all. Mine look a 100x better.

I prefer the vinyl and would get the "leatherette" or sensatec again in a heartbeat if I was skipping the premium package.

+1, I missed this response, or would've saved all the writing, totally agree with this.

[jhbjrpdx]

Very happy with my Sensatec in the 2281. Love the red stitching of the Sportline.

[hyperzulu]

Tint the front windshield with a 70% ceramic. It is amazing how much cooler the car will be. Even the steering wheel stays noticeably cooler than without.

[Zheeeem]

2005 325i - leatherette
2008 328i - leatherette
2011 123d - leather
2014 M235i - leather

I'm never going back to vinyl.

[moldcad]

Originally Posted by Krisms

was in a z4 and now in a 335i, both in sensatec. wife's x3 in leather. big difference...

sensatec:
+ still like new after years of use
- feels a bit rough and sticky

leather:
+ feels luxurious, soft, and comfy
- shows wear a lot sooner

...at the end of the day, you pay a premium to get the leather and that's for a reason. i would say go for sensatec if you don't care much about comfort. but the fact that you're asking the question tells me otherwise.

Well... There is one variant of Sensatec in BMW, and many variants of leather, don't forget when you're comparing. The disadvantage of leather you mentioned is a non-issue with the cheapest of leathers, i.e. Dakota. It ages in a very noble way, I should say. Have had it on all my BMWs and never ever even cleaned it, not to mention any fancy stuff application (it's black, so it makes it easier - but still).