MINI2

mini-jen · Mar 26th, 2004, 07:40 PM

I have recently ordered my MINI S. The dealer was pretty sure that I will be purchasing the new MCS 2005 model. I should take delivery in January of 2005. Im having a hard time deciding upon Black Panther Leather OR Black Panther Leatherette. When I went for my test drive I was able to feel both the real leather and leatherette....it was surprising...but both looked alike, I couldn't tell the difference! The leather was nice just like leather is...but the leatherette was nice too...it looked like leather..is durable like leather....there is a slight difference in texture. The leatherette does feel a little bit more like soft rubber...but really I didn't mind the feel. So my question is this...does anyone have any recommendations on either leather or leatherette.....the dealer did tell me that leatherette is cold in the winter...but I have ordered the Cold Weather Package...so my bum will be nice and toasty anyways!

I am interested in how the leatherette will hold up in the hot summer months...Im planning on tinting my windows and using a window shield cover to keep the sun rays out.
Im leaning towards the leatherette because the extra $1300 dollars that I would spend on Black Panther leather might be better utilized towards the extended warranty and the 3M clear hood/bug shield.
What do you all think?

MINImeat · Mar 26th, 2004, 07:45 PM

There have been some quality complaints about the leather, but mine's been wonderful.
I've heard the leatherette is very nice and durable.
It'd be nice if they would add some perforations to both.
I do love the leather smell...
This is the first car I've ordered with leather and I'm really enjoying it.

MINIAC · Mar 26th, 2004, 07:47 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mini-jen

Im leaning towards the leatherette because the extra $1300 dollars that I would spend on Black Panther leather might be better utilized towards the extended warranty and the 3M clear hood/bug shield.
What do you all think?

Good choice ... the $1300 will also buy you about 30 extra horsepower (15% reduction pulley, ECU upgrade and air intake)

Welcome to MINI2

mini-jen · Mar 26th, 2004, 07:48 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MINImeat

There have been some quality complaints about the leather, but mine's been wonderful.
I've heard the leatherette is very nice and durable.
It'd be nice if they would add some perforations to both.
I do love the leather smell...
This is the first car I've ordered with leather and I'm really enjoying it.

I know there is nothing quite like the smell of a brand new car with leather! I own a Toyota Tundra and it has leather....boy I never forgot the day I drove it home and the smell of the new car with brand new leather wow!

Well Im sitting here debating .....I already have my truck that has leather...and I could use the $1300 on warranty and clear bra...I still have a couple of months to decide...wish me luck!

thanks for you comments

mini-jen · Mar 26th, 2004, 07:51 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

Good choice ... the $1300 will also buy you about 30 extra horsepower (15% reduction pulley, ECU upgrade and air intake)

Welcome to MINI2

The fun aftermarket mods are great...Im definitely interested in installing a cool air intake....any suggestions on a dependable brand name?
I think after the cool air intake modification....my mini will be plenty fast for me.

AtomicKiwi · Mar 26th, 2004, 08:03 PM

I have the leatherette, and I really enjoy it.

If I had the choice between the leather or $1300, I'd take the money and buy some sweet extras! There really isn't a $1300 difference in the quality of the leather and the leatherette, in my opinion. Both are durable, comfortable, and look nice.

Johnny225 · Mar 26th, 2004, 08:09 PM

Get the spac cloth. IT looks the best, if free, and has the best bolstering.

mini-jen · Mar 26th, 2004, 08:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by AtomicKiwi

I have the leatherette, and I really enjoy it.

If I had the choice between the leather or $1300, I'd take the money and buy some sweet extras! There really isn't a $1300 difference in the quality of the leather and the leatherette, in my opinion. Both are durable, comfortable, and look nice.

Thanks for your reply....was wondering how your seats felt while getting in on a HOT summer day? OUCH!!!

Im defintely leaning towards leatherette...Im not too picky and wow using the $1300 bucks for something important like extend warranty sounds a lot smarter every minute that I think about it.

mini-jen · Mar 26th, 2004, 08:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny225

Get the spac cloth. IT looks the best, if free, and has the best bolstering.

Ya true clth is free...but leatherette is free as well!..And since I own 3 little Toy Fox Terriers..Im thinking leatherette would be easeir to wipe the dog hair off....and of course those little dirty paw prints

MINIAC · Mar 26th, 2004, 08:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mini-jen

The fun aftermarket mods are great...Im definitely interested in installing a cool air intake....any suggestions on a dependable brand name?

Lots of choices ...

FAQ: What air intakes are available for the 'S'?

By the time you take delivery, this carbon fiber intake should be available:

AtomicKiwi · Mar 26th, 2004, 08:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mini-jen

Thanks for your reply....was wondering how your seats felt while getting in on a HOT summer day? OUCH!!!

I have yet to experience the true summer heat.

I got my Cooper back in August, and it wasn't that hot outside then. We've had leather and fake leather seats in cars before though, and I never found it to be a big problem (I live in Connecticut, and the summers are never too brutal). Just let the AC run for a few seconds before sitting down.

Aqualung · Mar 26th, 2004, 11:01 PM

I pondered this for quite awhile when I ordered mine back in Jan. While there are many leather champions around, it did seem to be that the leather didn't wear well, for the money. I put the $$ into my JCW kit.

Here's a recent post by GBMINI showing the wear on his seats: http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000346.shtml

Went leatherette and so far, am happy.

milliethemini · Mar 26th, 2004, 11:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mini-jen

Ya true clth is free...but leatherette is free as well!..And since I own 3 little Toy Fox Terriers..Im thinking leatherette would be easeir to wipe the dog hair off....and of course those little dirty paw prints

mini-jen,

I think you just answered your own query. If you are tranporting pets in your car, the leatherette would be the easiest to keep clean and maintain. And the leatherette would be more resistant to scratches and claw marks.

(Now, I am going to assume that you always make sure your pets are well secured when you take them in your car

)

Having said that, having leather seats in a MINI is very nice and posh, they feel great! They also have the added benefit of lumbar support, which you cannot get with the cloth and leatherette seats. For some people with back problems, having that lumbar support is a godsend.

Best of luck with whatever choice you make!

mini-jen · Mar 27th, 2004, 01:48 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by milliethemini

mini-jen,

I think you just answered your own query. If you are tranporting pets in your car, the leatherette would be the easiest to keep clean and maintain. And the leatherette would be more resistant to scratches and claw marks.

(Now, I am going to assume that you always make sure your pets are well secured when you take them in your car

)

Having said that, having leather seats in a MINI is very nice and posh, they feel great! They also have the added benefit of lumbar support, which you cannot get with the cloth and leatherette seats. For some people with back problems, having that lumbar support is a godsend.

Best of luck with whatever choice you make!

Yes..lumbar support is a defnite bonus...but why I ask is the lumbar support in the leather and not in any of the other choices...how frustrating....maybe their incentive to purchase the leather??? AHHH they get you one way or another!
Well thanks for the advice

mini-jen · Mar 27th, 2004, 01:55 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Aqualung

I pondered this for quite awhile when I ordered mine back in Jan. While there are many leather champions around, it did seem to be that the leather didn't wear well, for the money. I put the $$ into my JCW kit.

Here's a recent post by GBMINI showing the wear on his seats: http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000346.shtml

Went leatherette and so far, am happy.

Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your experience..and picture of worn leather on the seat...it is helping me sway my opinion toward leatherette. Sometimes the purchase of aftermarket leather is always better quality than factory installed..but I don't want to go thru all that trouble and the money would be better well spent on an extended warranty and clear bug/rock guard.
The picture and testimony from your friend put a better light on my dilemma, thanks

SteveS · Mar 27th, 2004, 01:57 AM

I accidentally spilled milk and oatmeal on the leatherette. Discovered it when I got to destination 20 min. later. I think it would have absorbed into leather and stained it. Took napkins and it wiped right off the seat. Had 88 M3 with leather that got cracked and stained. It was much better quality (thicker) than current leather, which is soft and takes wrinkles etc easily from what I've seen. If think durability is important, there is no issue - leatherette.

I just wish it had perforations like the older bmw 325, etc, had. That stuff was cool and indestructible.

mini-jen · Mar 27th, 2004, 01:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by AtomicKiwi

I have yet to experience the true summer heat.

I got my Cooper back in August, and it wasn't that hot outside then. We've had leather and fake leather seats in cars before though, and I never found it to be a big problem (I live in Connecticut, and the summers are never too brutal). Just let the AC run for a few seconds before sitting down.

Ya...good idea..sometimes several days in August can get pretty hot here in Portland....but I will remember you advice and turn the AC on before I get in...thanks!

mini-jen · Mar 27th, 2004, 02:02 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by SteveS

I accidentally spilled milk and oatmeal on the leatherette. Discovered it when I got to destination 20 min. later. I think it would have absorbed into leather and stained it. Took napkins and it wiped right off the seat. Had 88 M3 with leather that got cracked and stained. It was much better quality (thicker) than current leather, which is soft and takes wrinkles etc easily from what I've seen. If think durability is important, there is no issue - leatherette.

I just wish it had perforations like the older bmw 325, etc, had. That stuff was cool and indestructible.

I have seen leather in cars that were 2-5 years old....and your right...they have wrinkles and the seats look older than they should...I like the clean, tight look of leatherette...and I admit it ..I have bad luck..knowing me I will spill something on my seats...or leave my sunroof open all night so the rain can just pour in.....so I think reading everybodies opinion have changed my mind...but I will miss the lumbar support offered in the leather

Oh well...can't have everything....I will just get a lumbar pillow for long drives

thanks

Robert Stancliff · Mar 27th, 2004, 02:08 AM

Get the leatherette.....I've had people get in my leatherette MINI and say, "don't you just love the smell of a leather interior"? Yes I do, especially when I saved $1300 on it.

mini-jen · Mar 27th, 2004, 03:24 AM

Ya...when you sit in it...you can't tell the difference..I think your brain fools with you.....you think your sitting on leather...therefore, it must smell like leather

Mar 26th, 2004, 07:40 PM	#1
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	Black Panther Leather vs. Black Panther Leatherette I have recently ordered my MINI S. The dealer was pretty sure that I will be purchasing the new MCS 2005 model. I should take delivery in January of 2005. Im having a hard time deciding upon Black Panther Leather OR Black Panther Leatherette. When I went for my test drive I was able to feel both the real leather and leatherette....it was surprising...but both looked alike, I couldn't tell the difference! The leather was nice just like leather is...but the leatherette was nice too...it looked like leather..is durable like leather....there is a slight difference in texture. The leatherette does feel a little bit more like soft rubber...but really I didn't mind the feel. So my question is this...does anyone have any recommendations on either leather or leatherette.....the dealer did tell me that leatherette is cold in the winter...but I have ordered the Cold Weather Package...so my bum will be nice and toasty anyways! I am interested in how the leatherette will hold up in the hot summer months...Im planning on tinting my windows and using a window shield cover to keep the sun rays out. Im leaning towards the leatherette because the extra $1300 dollars that I would spend on Black Panther leather might be better utilized towards the extended warranty and the 3M clear hood/bug shield. What do you all think?

Mar 26th, 2004, 07:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
MINImeat MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Memphis, Tennessee, USA Local Time: 07:02 PM Posts: 995 Offline	There have been some quality complaints about the leather, but mine's been wonderful. I've heard the leatherette is very nice and durable. It'd be nice if they would add some perforations to both. I do love the leather smell... This is the first car I've ordered with leather and I'm really enjoying it. MINImeat B/W MCS

Mar 26th, 2004, 07:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	Hmmmm leather!!! Quote: Originally Posted by MINImeat There have been some quality complaints about the leather, but mine's been wonderful. I've heard the leatherette is very nice and durable. It'd be nice if they would add some perforations to both. I do love the leather smell... This is the first car I've ordered with leather and I'm really enjoying it. I know there is nothing quite like the smell of a brand new car with leather! I own a Toyota Tundra and it has leather....boy I never forgot the day I drove it home and the smell of the new car with brand new leather wow! Well Im sitting here debating .....I already have my truck that has leather...and I could use the $1300 on warranty and clear bra...I still have a couple of months to decide...wish me luck! thanks for you comments

Mar 26th, 2004, 07:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	All in due time Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC Good choice ... the $1300 will also buy you about 30 extra horsepower (15% reduction pulley, ECU upgrade and air intake) Welcome to MINI2 The fun aftermarket mods are great...Im definitely interested in installing a cool air intake....any suggestions on a dependable brand name? I think after the cool air intake modification....my mini will be plenty fast for me.

Mar 26th, 2004, 08:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
AtomicKiwi Aimee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stamford, CT Local Time: 09:02 PM Posts: 256 Offline	I have the leatherette, and I really enjoy it. If I had the choice between the leather or $1300, I'd take the money and buy some sweet extras! There really isn't a $1300 difference in the quality of the leather and the leatherette, in my opinion. Both are durable, comfortable, and look nice. http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/15663/36778.jpg

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Mar 26th, 2004, 07:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 8,620 Online	Quote: Originally Posted by mini-jen Im leaning towards the leatherette because the extra $1300 dollars that I would spend on Black Panther leather might be better utilized towards the extended warranty and the 3M clear hood/bug shield. What do you all think? Good choice ... the $1300 will also buy you about 30 extra horsepower (15% reduction pulley, ECU upgrade and air intake) Welcome to MINI2

Mar 26th, 2004, 08:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
Johnny225 Mr Buttons! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 837 Offline	Get the spac cloth. IT looks the best, if free, and has the best bolstering.

Mar 26th, 2004, 08:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by AtomicKiwi I have the leatherette, and I really enjoy it. If I had the choice between the leather or $1300, I'd take the money and buy some sweet extras! There really isn't a $1300 difference in the quality of the leather and the leatherette, in my opinion. Both are durable, comfortable, and look nice. Thanks for your reply....was wondering how your seats felt while getting in on a HOT summer day? OUCH!!! Im defintely leaning towards leatherette...Im not too picky and wow using the $1300 bucks for something important like extend warranty sounds a lot smarter every minute that I think about it.

Mar 26th, 2004, 08:11 PM	#9 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny225 Get the spac cloth. IT looks the best, if free, and has the best bolstering. Ya true clth is free...but leatherette is free as well!..And since I own 3 little Toy Fox Terriers..Im thinking leatherette would be easeir to wipe the dog hair off....and of course those little dirty paw prints

Mar 26th, 2004, 08:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 8,620 Online	Quote: Originally Posted by mini-jen The fun aftermarket mods are great...Im definitely interested in installing a cool air intake....any suggestions on a dependable brand name? Lots of choices ... FAQ: What air intakes are available for the 'S'? By the time you take delivery, this carbon fiber intake should be available:

Mar 26th, 2004, 08:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
AtomicKiwi Aimee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stamford, CT Local Time: 09:02 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by mini-jen Thanks for your reply....was wondering how your seats felt while getting in on a HOT summer day? OUCH!!! I have yet to experience the true summer heat. I got my Cooper back in August, and it wasn't that hot outside then. We've had leather and fake leather seats in cars before though, and I never found it to be a big problem (I live in Connecticut, and the summers are never too brutal). Just let the AC run for a few seconds before sitting down. http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/15663/36778.jpg

Mar 26th, 2004, 11:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
Aqualung Sitting on a park bench.. Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bahstun, MA Local Time: 09:02 PM Posts: 1,183 Offline	I pondered this for quite awhile when I ordered mine back in Jan. While there are many leather champions around, it did seem to be that the leather didn't wear well, for the money. I put the $$ into my JCW kit. Here's a recent post by GBMINI showing the wear on his seats: http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000346.shtml Went leatherette and so far, am happy.

Mar 26th, 2004, 11:58 PM	#13 (permalink)
milliethemini Rep withdrawal sucks..... Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC,Canada Local Time: 06:02 PM Posts: 1,087 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by mini-jen Ya true clth is free...but leatherette is free as well!..And since I own 3 little Toy Fox Terriers..Im thinking leatherette would be easeir to wipe the dog hair off....and of course those little dirty paw prints mini-jen, I think you just answered your own query. If you are tranporting pets in your car, the leatherette would be the easiest to keep clean and maintain. And the leatherette would be more resistant to scratches and claw marks. (Now, I am going to assume that you always make sure your pets are well secured when you take them in your car ) Having said that, having leather seats in a MINI is very nice and posh, they feel great! They also have the added benefit of lumbar support, which you cannot get with the cloth and leatherette seats. For some people with back problems, having that lumbar support is a godsend. Best of luck with whatever choice you make!

Mar 27th, 2004, 01:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	yes LUMBAR!!! Quote: Originally Posted by milliethemini mini-jen, I think you just answered your own query. If you are tranporting pets in your car, the leatherette would be the easiest to keep clean and maintain. And the leatherette would be more resistant to scratches and claw marks. (Now, I am going to assume that you always make sure your pets are well secured when you take them in your car ) Having said that, having leather seats in a MINI is very nice and posh, they feel great! They also have the added benefit of lumbar support, which you cannot get with the cloth and leatherette seats. For some people with back problems, having that lumbar support is a godsend. Best of luck with whatever choice you make! Yes..lumbar support is a defnite bonus...but why I ask is the lumbar support in the leather and not in any of the other choices...how frustrating....maybe their incentive to purchase the leather??? AHHH they get you one way or another! Well thanks for the advice

Mar 27th, 2004, 01:55 AM	#15 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	Good picture Quote: Originally Posted by Aqualung I pondered this for quite awhile when I ordered mine back in Jan. While there are many leather champions around, it did seem to be that the leather didn't wear well, for the money. I put the $$ into my JCW kit. Here's a recent post by GBMINI showing the wear on his seats: http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000346.shtml Went leatherette and so far, am happy. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your experience..and picture of worn leather on the seat...it is helping me sway my opinion toward leatherette. Sometimes the purchase of aftermarket leather is always better quality than factory installed..but I don't want to go thru all that trouble and the money would be better well spent on an extended warranty and clear bug/rock guard. The picture and testimony from your friend put a better light on my dilemma, thanks

Mar 27th, 2004, 01:57 AM	#16 (permalink)
SteveS MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Santa Ana, CA Local Time: 06:02 PM Posts: 126 Offline	I accidentally spilled milk and oatmeal on the leatherette. Discovered it when I got to destination 20 min. later. I think it would have absorbed into leather and stained it. Took napkins and it wiped right off the seat. Had 88 M3 with leather that got cracked and stained. It was much better quality (thicker) than current leather, which is soft and takes wrinkles etc easily from what I've seen. If think durability is important, there is no issue - leatherette. I just wish it had perforations like the older bmw 325, etc, had. That stuff was cool and indestructible.

Mar 27th, 2004, 01:57 AM	#17 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	hot buns Quote: Originally Posted by AtomicKiwi I have yet to experience the true summer heat. I got my Cooper back in August, and it wasn't that hot outside then. We've had leather and fake leather seats in cars before though, and I never found it to be a big problem (I live in Connecticut, and the summers are never too brutal). Just let the AC run for a few seconds before sitting down. Ya...good idea..sometimes several days in August can get pretty hot here in Portland....but I will remember you advice and turn the AC on before I get in...thanks!

Mar 27th, 2004, 02:02 AM	#18 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	wrinkles Quote: Originally Posted by SteveS I accidentally spilled milk and oatmeal on the leatherette. Discovered it when I got to destination 20 min. later. I think it would have absorbed into leather and stained it. Took napkins and it wiped right off the seat. Had 88 M3 with leather that got cracked and stained. It was much better quality (thicker) than current leather, which is soft and takes wrinkles etc easily from what I've seen. If think durability is important, there is no issue - leatherette. I just wish it had perforations like the older bmw 325, etc, had. That stuff was cool and indestructible. I have seen leather in cars that were 2-5 years old....and your right...they have wrinkles and the seats look older than they should...I like the clean, tight look of leatherette...and I admit it ..I have bad luck..knowing me I will spill something on my seats...or leave my sunroof open all night so the rain can just pour in.....so I think reading everybodies opinion have changed my mind...but I will miss the lumbar support offered in the leather Oh well...can't have everything....I will just get a lumbar pillow for long drives thanks

Mar 27th, 2004, 02:08 AM	#19 (permalink)
Robert Stancliff MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 08:02 PM Posts: 202 Offline	Get the leatherette.....I've had people get in my leatherette MINI and say, "don't you just love the smell of a leather interior"? Yes I do, especially when I saved $1300 on it. Robert Stancliff Sr.

Mar 27th, 2004, 03:24 AM	#20 (permalink)
mini-jen MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon/USA Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15 Offline	Ya...when you sit in it...you can't tell the difference..I think your brain fools with you.....you think your sitting on leather...therefore, it must smell like leather

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