Premature wear to leather seats - MINI Cooper Forum

sv650 · #1 (**permalink**) Jan 14th, 2006, 05:32 PM

We have a 5 month old MCC which has done around 4900 miles.
When I was cleaning it today I noticed that the leather had worn away in three places in one area on the driver seat.

I don't think this is acceptable and was wondering if any one else has experinced this.

I have a list of things to get the dealer to sort but have yet to book it in.

Root Ginger · #2 (**permalink**) Jan 14th, 2006, 05:59 PM

Have you treated or cleaned the seats at all in those 4900miles?

sv650 · #3 (**permalink**) Jan 14th, 2006, 08:18 PM

I have, but don't understand where your coming from.

They are half leather and I use Autoglym products, however the leather has actualy worn away.

I will try and take a pic tomorrow.

matt21 · #4 (**permalink**) Jan 16th, 2006, 01:32 PM

i have only used leather care once in 28 months and 40000 miles and had no problems with wear so does indeed sound wrong.

Root Ginger · #5 (**permalink**) Jan 16th, 2006, 05:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by sv650

I have, but don't understand where your coming from.

They are half leather and I use Autoglym products, however the leather has actualy worn away.

I will try and take a pic tomorrow.

OK, I understand. Just trying to figure out if they could of worn due to not treating them or using cheap products but it sounds like you're talking about severe wear. This doesn't sound normal at all. Had two MINI's with full leather both 40,000miles+ with no wear.

Aqualung · #6 (**permalink**) Jan 16th, 2006, 05:40 PM

This comes up often, here's a pic of GBMINI's leather wear, is it similar to yours?

http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive...ality_le.shtml

sv650 · #7 (**permalink**) Jan 16th, 2006, 06:51 PM

Our's is much worse than the one in the photo as the seam is wearing and also the side bolster in two places, I will try and get photo's when I have worked out how to use the new camera.

My Alfa has done 96000 miles and there is no wear to the leather, so I am concerned about this.

Thanks for replies, seems another item to add to the list of problems.

sv650 · #8 (**permalink**) Feb 4th, 2006, 02:00 PM

Here it is, my new camera was faulty which is why it took so long.

DaFlake · #9 (**permalink**) Feb 4th, 2006, 03:20 PM

Given the location, I would say that it could also be caused buy what you are wearing. If you have jeans that have any metal, it could be caused by simply getting in any out of the car.

sv650 · #10 (**permalink**) Feb 5th, 2006, 07:32 AM

I think your right its most defiantly caused by getting in and out, I just don't think it should happen at 5000 miles.
At this rate it will be a hole by 25000 miles.

Tit · #11 (**permalink**) Feb 5th, 2006, 07:48 AM

I have the cordoba beige leather, and mine looks horrible - stretched on the base, and heavy wear on the right leg bolster. My car is 1 year old, with 44000km....

If I buy another mini, I WONT get leather....and would not reccomend it to anyone...it's garbage...

here2help · #12 (**permalink**) Feb 6th, 2006, 10:00 PM

I would have to agree with super flake on this one and that it is not a manufacturing defect but caused by your jeans possibly as you get in and out of the car...that said i feel that if you say the right things and approach the dealer in the right manner that thay should get the seat fabric changed under a goodwill policy due to the very low milage.

Give it a go.

Cheers

hyprblu · #13 (**permalink**) Feb 9th, 2006, 03:37 AM

I you wear a leather belt, this will also cause this type of wear as you slide into the seat.......

sv650 · #14 (**permalink**) Feb 9th, 2006, 04:34 PM

Can't disagree with you but I think the quality of the leather is rubbish and very thin.
I do wear a belt although my wife doesn't and its her car, if this is caused by my belt then thats even worse because I have only driven the car a handfull of times.
Whats more I have done 96000 miles in my Alfa with full leather and there is no wear like this to be seen.
Will have to wait and see what the dealer thinks.
Thanks Anyway.

cooper-minx · #15 (**permalink**) Feb 9th, 2006, 04:58 PM

When I was looking at second hand Minis I did see a couple of them with extreme wear on the sides of the drivers seat.. My thoughts were that it was caused by getting in and out of the car and rubbing the sides of the seats as you do so. I have half leather in my Mini which was new in September and I have made a huge effort not to touch the sides. I must admit it is difficult because of the angle of the seats.

Not sure though from your photo that is the case as it looks like lines or something. Take it back to your dealer and see what they say. If you are not happy, get a second opinion. Keep us posted.