Full vs Extended Leather in Black Interiors

[dlstipp]

It is pretty easy to determine when viewing images of the interior when the leather interior is a color other than black.
Can anyone tell me the best way or details that I should look for to determine if a black interior M3 has the Extended Leather as opposed to the Full Leather interior?I think that the Extended Leather looks good, when it deviates from black (i.e. Bamboo, Silver, or Fox Red). But to me, if a deviating color from black, I do not like the Full Leather interior.
Your assistance is appreciated.

[miringrains]

By using a vin decoder

[Petros]

Look at the side panel of the center console or the glove box. If it's lether then that's the full leather option. If it's not then that's only the extended leather. If you have black leather then it really doesn't look any different whether you have full or extended. It only matters when you have a non black leather interior.

[Mike Benvo]

Very easy to tell:

-Stitching down the center console sides
-Stitching on glovebox
-Bottom half of dash is leather (look around the cupholders) - can clearly tell if it's leather or not
-Smells better

I love the extended leather. Wouldn't have it any other way. Yes it's less noticeable on the black interiors but it's a welcomed subtle touch IMO.

If only we got top leather on the dash and alcantara headliner like the M5 and M6!

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Petros

Look at the side panel of the center console or the glove box. If it's lether then that's the full leather option. If it's not then that's only the extended leather. If you have black leather then it really doesn't look any different whether you have full or extended. It only matters when you have a non black leather interior.

It doesn't look that different in pics. It looks quite different in real life.

[nicebraces]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

Very easy to tell:

-Stitching down the center console sides
-Stitching on glovebox
-Bottom half of dash is leather (look around the cupholders) - can clearly tell if it's leather or not
-Smells better

I love the extended leather. Wouldn't have it any other way. Yes it's less noticeable on the black interiors but it's a welcomed subtle touch IMO.

If only we got top leather on the dash and alcantara headliner like the M5 and M6!

Mike, of course we can also have a leather dash :

[Amirsm3]

I really like the full leather option. It's the only thing I would change about my car.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

Very easy to tell:

-Stitching down the center console sides
-Stitching on glovebox
-Bottom half of dash is leather (look around the cupholders) - can clearly tell if it's leather or not
-Smells better

I love the extended leather. Wouldn't have it any other way. Yes it's less noticeable on the black interiors but it's a welcomed subtle touch IMO.

If only we got top leather on the dash and alcantara headliner like the M5 and M6!

Agreed! I love full leather even with black interior.

[CalgaryX3]

What is the "full leather" you all speak of? When I spec'd and built to order one of the last E90s available, my only option was "extended" leather, and this was in the summer of 2011.

Curious,
Asif

[slicer]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

What is the "full leather" you all speak of? When I spec'd and built to order one of the last E90s available, my only option was "extended" leather, and this was in the summer of 2011.

Curious,
Asif

I meant extended. I wish bmw had a full leather dash option for the e92. I would have gladly paid for it. It is available on the new M3....

[dlstipp]

Originally Posted by miringrains

By using a vin decoder

To use a decoder, first, you must have the VIN. You do not always get the VIN when you are shopping on-line.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by slicer

I meant extended. I wish bmw had a full leather dash option for the e92. I would have gladly paid for it. It is available on the new M3....

It's a lot more upkeep, IMO. The plastic dash is very resilient and low-maintenance.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by dlstipp

To use a decoder, first, you must have the VIN. You do not always get the VIN when you are shopping on-line.

VINs are provided by most sale sites, unless you're using Craig's list or this forum.

[MikeD]

Originally Posted by dparm

It's a lot more upkeep, IMO. The plastic dash is very resilient and low-maintenance.

I agree, it'll be more trouble to maintain for a a leather dash.

It's a lot of work just properly maintaining the seats.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by dparm

It's a lot more upkeep, IMO. The plastic dash is very resilient and low-maintenance.

Originally Posted by MikeD

I agree, it'll be more trouble to maintain for a a leather dash.

It's a lot of work just properly maintaining the seats.

That has not been my experience. Seats are touched and sat in with dirty clothing. The dash doesn't see that kind of abuse.