Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans BMW 3-Series 2009 BMW 3-Series
276 messages, Last post on Aug 25, 2009 at 9:57 PM
You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
|
|
|---|---|
|
Replying to: carnaught (Oct 20, 2008 2:38 pm)
|
|
|
Based upon 3 years with leather and now with leatherette, I personally find the ette superior in every way. 1.) Leatherette is Cheaper..and no that doesn't mean I can't afford it..It's just not worth the extra $1.5-$2k! to spend. Heck, my entire 8 piece Lazy Boy leather sectional couch cost that much. 2.) Leather can be sticky were the ette seems more resistant to this. 3.) Who likes the smell of Leather? I much prefer the nuetral (non existant) smell of leatherette. 4.) Leatherette is more durable with less or no required maintainance. 5.) Looks wise, the ette seems to have a sharper fit and finish and will look like new forever. 6.) No one has ever complimented my 330's leather seats..and no one yet has noticed that my 335i has leatherette.. in other words..they're practically identical in function and form. Just my observations and opinions. I only wish someone could have pointed this out to me 3 years ago when I leased my 330i with ~$2k Premium package. (folding mirrors and compass aren't worth $2k either..and if you need lumbar support.. use a $3 pillow  ). Joseph San Diego |
|
|
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 21, 2008 9:06 am) True enough: 1. My expensive suits are treated much differently than my wash and wear clothing, why wouldn't leather be treated differently than vinyl. 2. Leather doesn't emit those toxins, which the 'ette emits. 3. There is a reason organic materials make better clothing than artificial materials. Sure polyester and rayon may not need starch, but they don't look as good or feel as good as the finest cotten or the finest wool. So while it's easy to make a case that artificial is better for your needs, the reasons are usually negative not positive; e.g. a 10 year old Honda is a much better car than a 335i because I don't have to worry about it being stolen That's the type of reasoning where the 'ette wins over the leather..
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: kdshapiro (Oct 21, 2008 2:23 pm) It really depends I think on a) the level of care you are willing to give to leather interiors, b) your lifestyle, i.e., do you eat a lot in the car, have a dog, have kids, etc.. Given that you can get leather on the most humble of cars these days, I don't think prestige enters into it anymore. Unless you are a sensualist (which is great actually) I'm not sure 85% of the world even notices your leather interior.
|
|
|
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 22, 2008 10:14 am) I have a Matrix style 'ette coat and long leather dresswear. They are not the same and not even close. Sure the 'ette takes more abuse, but the leather feels better, smells better and wears better.
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: kdshapiro (Oct 23, 2008 8:04 am)
|
|
|
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 23, 2008 8:07 am)
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: kdshapiro (Oct 23, 2008 9:53 am) |
|
|
Although they weren't BMWs ('08 328xi & '07 335xi now in the driveway), I had '95 & '99 Mazda MX5 ragtops with leather seats. In a restaurant parking lot in Chino Hills, CA, some inconsiderate person flicked a burning cigarette butt without regard to it's landing pad. As it turned out, the landing pad was my driver seat. When I returned to my car after dinner, I found the burnt out butt and a 1" scorch mark in the leather. Needless to say, I was not happy. The good news is that I had kept the leather well-conditioned against the California sun, and within a couple of weeks, the natural action of driving had rubbed out the mark with no trace of any damage. I really doubt that "ette" would have survived so well. It's all in how you take care of your ride. In my college years in Montreal summers, I drove a black Dodge Omni with a red plastic steering wheel and red vinyl seats. I can't even tell you how hot those seats and wheel got sitting in the sun. Do you know what burnt thigh leg hair is like?! "Ette"? No thanks. And I have to believe that there is nothing so nice as the heated leather seats on a cold morning. It was 29 degrees F here this morning, and it was Nirvana before I'd even backed out of my driveway! xeye
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: xeye (Oct 23, 2008 2:09 pm) |
|
You are here:
Forums
Sedans BMW 3-Series 2009 BMW 3-Series
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 BMW 3 Series
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
