Re: All parts leather????? (archive)

Jim, are you sure the whole seats are "obviously" leather? Aren't just the actual seating areas of the seats leather and the bulk of the seats the vinyl leatherette? I suspect that is what gives the two-tone effect-- the leather inserts appear darker than the leatherette.
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I hope all parts of the seats are made with leather. In Switzerland we had to pay 2200 USD, even in the 4.4.

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In the United States, the standard leather seat option for 3.0i is $1450, and the brochure for 3.0i leather option and standard 4.4i leather indicates Montana leather covers the "seating surface, head restraints and door panels". I think that translates to the mid-seat inserts touched by buttocks and spine, back of head, and door arm rests. On close inspection, the seat side bolsters and backs, headrest sides, and rest of the door trim appear to be matching leatherette. Good leatherette, but not leather, it even feels different. I think the mix is what produces the noticeable two-tone effect. Just my opinion, and I could be wrong. I agree for $1450 the entire seats should be leather, but on my sand leather X5 I don't think so. Maybe another $2200 buys you all leather. It certainly should.

I have not examined the X5 seats in detail, but I think you an be sure they use the same approach they use in the 5 & 7 series (not sure of the 3)

All surfaces of the seats are leather - including the side bolsters. They may be using different grades and shading on the various panles - which can give the two tone effect.
To my knowledge the only part of the seat that is vinyl is the back panel, and even there the fold out panel on the comfort seats is leather covered.
When they refer to "seating surfaces" they wat to differentiate from the plastic side panels and the rear cover panel.

The door armrests are NOT leather - but vinyl like the dash, It is the "inset panel" behind the armrest that is leather.

If you want to observe for youself you will have to find an edge of the leather where you can look at the back side - a natural knapped surface is leather. Look under the seat at the front where the material is wrapped under and held by metal hooks.

To my knowledge they do not mix leatherette and leather on the same cars. At least not on any of the 528s, 540s and 7's that I have seen.

Now there is an "Individual" option where you can order "all" leather" - in which case everything is leather covered (with stiching). This includes the seat backs, the dash, console, complete door panels, etc.

Cheers
Jim Cash

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