[DRitch]

BMW talks about "Sun Reflective Technology" in their leathers - a pigment that helps keep seats cool even in direct summer sun. A BMW salesman told me that the same technology is applied to their SensaTec.

Could someone confirm this? Is it correct?

I know that SensaTec isn't as breathable as leather, and so will seem warmer when sitting on it for a long time. It's also not quite as soft. On the other hand, it is often said to hold up better over time, and is easier to clean.

I'm concerned with the searing heat, when you first get into the car, after it's been baking in the sun. Is there a noticeable difference in temperature between leather and SensaTec?

Thanks!

[AlpsRider]

Sun reflective technology? That sounds like snake oil to me. Sunscreen to prevent damage I can just about accept, but heat reflecting???

[e30jim]

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...echnology.html

[AlpsRider]

Originally Posted by e30jim

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...echnology.html

Ok, but is that going to work on vinyl?

[jtzako]

Its a pigment w/ higher UV reflectivity than normal. It would still work if you painted it on the metal. The underlying material doesnt matter.

[scottyn]

Interesting stuff here. I hadn't heard anything about BMW's "SunReflective" technology and can't give you a direct comparison between SensaTec and leather. But I will say this: I have the black SensaTec in Florida without any tinting. It's very hot and sunny here, but I've never felt the seats were uncomfortably hot when first getting in the car. They definitely warm up, but nowhere near as much as the black leather in my old car. I wouldn't be worried at all up in Maryland.

[AlpsRider]

Originally Posted by jtzako

Its a pigment w/ higher UV reflectivity than normal. It would still work if you painted it on the metal. The underlying material doesnt matter.

If BMW has figured out a way to make vinyl reflect the sun and stay cool then they should sell the technology to their competitors and make a fortune.

[jtzako]

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

If BMW has figured out a way to make vinyl reflect the sun and stay cool then they should sell the technology to their competitors and make a fortune.

It isnt much different than the clear window film that does the same thing. Nothing fancy going on, just 'paint' that reflects a larger range of light. It isnt as if BMW is the only company that does this sort of thing.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

If BMW has figured out a way to make vinyl reflect the sun and stay cool then they should sell the technology to their competitors and make a fortune.

This technology exists from a third parties already, so BMW is more than likely just licensing it.

Whether or not it's applied to the Sensatec as well I have no idea. With a CR interior, I rarely have left my top down when parked, so I've yet to experience coming back to a scorching hot seat. Either that's because I'm so used to the sun reflectiveness of it all, or I just haven't had a chance to experience the seat baking in the sun.

[BarryJI]

Surely the best thing to do would be to get as aggressive an all-round tint as you think you can get away with. This made a huge difference for me here in Southern California last summer. No more hot seats or almost untouchable steering wheel.

[jtzako]

Originally Posted by BarryJI

Surely the best thing to do would be to get as aggressive an all-round tint as you think you can get away with. This made a huge difference for me here in Southern California last summer. No more hot seats or almost untouchable steering wheel.

The new clear film can do it even for the windshield, without having to darken the car etc. If you prefer that. It does work quite well. Here in CO the UV is a big issue and heats the inside of cars significantly (even while driving you can feel it), the film makes it much better.

[DRitch]

Thanks for all the comments.

Scottyn - that was particularly helpful. If the black SensaTek doesn't get too hot in the Florida sun, I'm sure Ill be fine with SensaTek here.

[shark715]

We had numerous non convertible cars with black seats (including a currently owned Mini with black sensatec), and have never had much of an issue with them being too hot in the summer.

But we have had much more of an issue with black steering wheels being too hot after baking in the sun. Apparently BMW's leather wrapped steering wheels use this same pigment, so hopefully it really is effective.

When we went to order our 235 vert with black Sensatec, our salesperson advised us to spend the $1500 for leather because of the sun-reflective pigment, and we ended up doing so after reviewing the info on the subject on bmwusa's website.

Of course we have since wondered if the $1500 was a waste of $, and/or perhaps if we should have ordered oyster sensatec instead.

And the following article from Edmunds does question whether owners will tend to park their convertibles with the top down in the hot sun. It's a really good point. We currently own two other convertibles with black seats, and when the sun is really roasting, it's true that we tend not to.

I'm thinking more and more that we wasted the $1500. It will be interesting to see what our experience is this coming summer.

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/2-series/...g-leather.html

[shark715]

Originally Posted by shark715

We had numerous non convertible cars with black seats (including a currently owned Mini with black sensatec), and have never had much of an issue with them being too hot in the summer.

But we have had much more of an issue with black steering wheels being too hot after baking in the sun. Apparently BMW's leather wrapped steering wheels use this same pigment, so hopefully it really is effective.

When we went to order our 235 vert with black Sensatec, our salesperson advised us to spend the $1500 for leather because of the sun-reflective pigment, and we ended up doing so after reviewing the info on the subject on bmwusa's website.

Of course we have since wondered if the $1500 was a waste of $, and/or perhaps if we should have ordered oyster sensatec instead.

And the following article from Edmunds does question whether owners will tend to park their convertibles with the top down in the hot sun. It's a really good point. We currently own two other convertibles with black seats, and when the sun is really roasting, it's true that we tend not to.

I'm thinking more and more that we wasted the $1500. It will be interesting to see what our experience is this coming summer.

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/2-series/...g-leather.html

It's now 4 1/2 months later, but we have our answer.

Oh yeah, the SunReflective technology really works. The black steering wheel on our M235 vert is significantly cooler after sitting in the sun versus the black steering wheel on our MB SLK. But you get the leather steering wheel even if you don't order the leather interior.

So is the leather worth $1500? No doubt part of it depends on how often you leave you car sitting out in the hot sun with the top down. With our black interior the SunReflective tech is absolutely noticeable, and it certainly could prevent us from getting burned on the seat.

We do like Sensatec a lot, but I have to say the leather seems to be getting more supple with each passing months we have the car. No question it's nice...but at what price?

We tend to put the top down a lot, so we likely would spend the $1500 again. But for others that might not make sense.

Sorry for being so non-commital :-)