Quote:
Originally Posted by Hyperspaced
It seems to be the cheapest leather option of all for BMW. Is it less nice than Dakota or Boston or Merino?
Thanks
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Leather hides are sold in different grades. Some 'leather' interiors are not actually real (natural) leather at all. They are made from a cheaper synthetic vinyl material called Leatherette. These are processed in a way that gives them more of a stiff rubbery texture, instead of soft texture of real leather.
The most expensive grades are top-grain leather hides that are carefully vat dried. Natural leather hides are of course harder to cure and dye in the various interior colors available. That drives up the cost per running meter. The finest leathers are very soft, have excellent breath-ability, and are extremely comfortable to sit on for hours. The closer you get to genuine 'glove leather' quality, the higher the price tag.
The finest top-grain leather grade that BMW currently sells is
Merino.
This is the grade of leather that BMW allows as an optional upgrade in the 6-series & 7-series cars. It's also available as standard equipment on the M5 and M6. In Europe, Merino is an option in the BMW Individual cars. (regardless of series)
Here are my own "unofficial" quality rankings of BMW OE Leathers:
1) Merino
2) Novillo
3) Nappa (different names but seem to be the same quality as Novillo)
4) Dakota
Nevada, Boston, and Kansas leathers all seem to be about the same quality.
The next time you go to the dealership, see if there is a M5 or M6 on the showroom floor. Sit in the Merino leather seats and feel the texture of the real leather hides. Compare that to the Novillo in the M3. There is a big difference in the overall quality IMO.
