Cloth vs. Leather

[zipadee]

What do we feel about cloth vs leather and Alcantara? I've only had leather seats in my bimmers...

[zhpnsnv]

Cloth great.

Leather bad.

First world problem.

[DasMechaniKer]

I've never liked leather seats, as I tend to stick to them in the warmer months.

[NorCalZman]

Haha. I have not sat in any of the cloth ZHPs but I dont have any real complaints about the leather in my car. Doesnt the leather wear a little better over time?

[kayger12]

I like the Alcantara better than the leather in my previous E46.

Cooler in the summer. Warmer in the winter. Heated seats feel hotter.

[danewilson77]

If you go alcantara, you will never go back.

[MiniD]

I've had a leather ZHP and an alcantara ZHP. Much prefer the alcantara over the leather..

[Tnhl1989]

Alcantara all the way. Wish Bmw made some with it now a days. The napa leather isn't that bad either in the newer cars. It's the softer of the two leather they offer now a days. Leatherette was a tad hard and I did enjoy the crayon smell that came with the leather. The alcantara is a bit more of a wear and tear item compare to the leather though. Just keeping it clean and nice is worth it imo.

[Johal E32]

I like the Alcantara better than the leather in my previous E46.

Cooler in the summer. Warmer in the winter. Heated seats feel hotter.

This.

Alcantara seats> Cloth seats > Leather seats

That is for all cars in general, not just BMW e46 specific

[derbo]

Alcantara Owner here:


Pros:
Warmer in cold climate than leather
Cooler in hotter climates

Cons:
Absorbs liquids instantly! (No open liquids in car; problem solved)
Wear on alcantara likes to shed.
Dust also holds in the alcantara but its on the surface of leather anyways.

[Avetiso]

I wouldn't mind my leather if it wasn't so damn stiff.

I want Alcantara, though. I think I'm gonna make that one of my requirements for my next ZHP once I sell this one, unless I get a good deal on a leather.

[BavarianZHP]

Alcantara FTW! The first time I sat in an alcantara ZHP I was blown away. It gives the side door panels a cool pattern as well. Cons for alcantara: pets - much harder to clean. The cloth holds and plants you in the seat much better than leather. Functionally it's a killer.

[NorCalZman]

I wouldn't mind my leather if it wasn't so damn stiff.

I want Alcantara, though. I think I'm gonna make that one of my requirements for my next ZHP once I sell this one, unless I get a good deal on a leather.

Glad it's not just me. I guess the one complaint for me is the leather does feel a tad stiff

[Washburn]

I have had cars with leather, leatherette, and cloth.
the ZHP is the 1st with cloth/alcantara combination, and is my favorite. (have cold weather package too)
Leather i liked least.
Leatherette is easier to maintain, I felt like.

I DO like leather / cloth combinations ok, (when the bolsters are leather) -

[jgt_zhp]

My 325 has leatherette. Wears like iron, but its kind of like sitting on iron, too.

I like the leather in my ZHP. It's much softer than the leatherette, and I don't know what the PO used on it, but its in great shape and smells fantastic.

The last BMW I had with cloth was an '84 318i. When that car got old, the horse hair padding started to poke through a lot, which was pretty negative.

I like the grippy texture of cloth, once you're in the seat. The alcantara/cloth combo also has a great, distinctive look. Don't like the stain potential, and the wear issues. It's funny, cloth interiors in European cars never went out of style in Europe. Its the NA market that demanded any "luxury" car had to have leather.

[Avetiso]

Yeah, I think that expectancy to have leather is stupid. Sadly, in America, it's all about appeal and appearances! Even BMW is heading that way, away from being the Ultimate Driving Machine.

[JupiterBMW]

You guys can keep your alcantara... I'll take leather all day, every day. :biggrin

#partyofone

[johnrando]

For ME, leather all the way... the real stuff. I used to think the fake stuff (on other cars) was leather. Too hot, would stick to it, whatever. Soured my opinion on leather, until I discovered Real leather. Real is SO much better. Sure it can get hot, but whatever. :) Looks good, cleans up easier, etc.

[danewilson77]

Leather all the way... the real stuff. I used to think the fake stuff (on other cars) was leather. Too hot, would stick to it, whatever. Soured my opinion on leather, until I discovered Real leather. Real is SO much better. Sure it can get hot, but whatever. :) Looks good, cleans up easier, etc.

You've never had Alcantara have you? Just answer yes or no.

HTC DNA ON TT4 BETA, WILLIAMSBURG, VA

[johnrando]

Yes or no. :biggrin


No.

[johnrando]

Since I can't say this in the other post, I'll say it here. :) I did add "for me" to my post, as I totally see why people like Alcantara, it's just not for me. I've seen it, felt it, ridden in it, I just like how leather looks better. Alcantara does have a nice feel to it for sure. Just not what I'd prefer.

[wsmeyer]

Leather.

I will add though that 2006 ZHP's, i.e. convertibles, have the UV treatment on the seats that blocks UV rays and keeps them from getting too hot. They still get hot but not the burn your legs when wearing shorts hot.

Plus they go perfectly with the leather steering wheel.

[johnrando]

I didn't know that William. Good info.

[wsmeyer]

I didn't know that William. Good info.

Apparently it doesn't last forever. My drivers seat was replaced under warranty about 2 years ago and now after sitting in the sun for a bit the drivers seat is quite a bit cooler than the passengers.

[BavarianZHP]

Ah, unworn alcantara is like the fabric of the gods... Like napping on a baby seal pup - nothing feels better. To each his/her own.

[Hermes]

if I had the money to do this to the ZHP...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/P1060433.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/P1060426.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/null-16.jpg

^ my buddy's E30 M3 with full (and I mean everything) Alcantara Sparco interior.

The steering wheel and shift knob were removed at the time of the previous pics, here are said items:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/null-14.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/null-15.jpg

[BRGcoopahS]

The napa leather isn't that bad either in the newer cars. It's the softer of the two leather they offer now a days.

Come to think of it. The zhp leather is noticeably hotter than my mini's leahter which has the softer cordoba leather.

[derbo]

https://img.skitch.com/20111219-ub929gggqe7np9q8dbeyrnicr.png

Stains from PO on the passenger seat makes me wonder how to remove it :facepalm

But I love the tweed material and alcantara over leather any hot summer day.

[zhpnsnv]

303 fabric cleaner.

[danewilson77]

Since I can't say this in the other post, I'll say it here. :) I did add "for me" to my post, as I totally see why people like Alcantara, it's just not for me. I've seen it, felt it, ridden in it, I just like how leather looks better. Alcantara does have a nice feel to it for sure. Just not what I'd prefer.

Understood. I will tell you I loved the leather sport seats in my 325i.

[ryankokesh]

I've always wanted to do the dash and headliner in alcantara.


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[BavarianZHP]

303 fabric cleaner.

Gotta try this as well. Thanks for the tip. How come so many of us have PO stains on our seats? I've never came even close to spilling half a drink on myself... :scratchinghead

[jgt_zhp]

Gotta try this as well. Thanks for the tip. How come so many of us have PO stains on our seats? I've never came even close to spilling half a drink on myself... :scratchinghead

LOL. Are "PO Stains" the same as "Curb rash from the PO" that we all have on our wheels? I personally blame the PO for the real estate crash of 2007, but he vehemently denies it

[Stigissimo]

I used to be a leather snob, because In my experience (in cars my family has owned as well as friend's cars) I have always believed that the cloth just feels cheap. And for most cars, I would have gone leather.

BUT I have Cloth/Alcantara in my interior, and let me tell you: it is better than leather in every way, and does not look cheap at all like other cloth interiors. Problem solved. Love my interior.

[NorCalZman]

I really want to sit in a cloth ZHP now. Just curious, of course.

[mimalmo]

I like the Alcantara better than the leather in my previous E46.

Cooler in the summer. Warmer in the winter. Heated seats feel hotter.

This. Plus, everyone has seen leather - Alcantara is unique.

[BavarianZHP]

This. Plus, everyone has seen leather - Alcantara is unique.

I think enthusiasts are more likely to prefer alcantara than the ordinary average joe driver as well. The more I am with it, the more I like it. I was always a leather guy before.

[kayger12]

This. Plus, everyone has seen leather - Alcantara is unique.

Great point.

Sent from the last Next Best Thing via Tt4beta

[johnrando]

I think enthusiasts are more likely to prefer alcantara than the ordinary average joe driver as well. The more I am with it, the more I like it. I was always a leather guy before.

I wouldn't necessarily say that. It's safe to say most people on this forum are enthusiasts and it's close to 50/50 on one vs. the other.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

[1 M Mike]

Nothing against Alcantara. My problem when special ordering my ZHP was visually it was kind of meh looking. Let's face it.......it's exceptionally practical and sporty looking, but visually it just doesn't pop. Whereas Natural brown I was very certain when synced with Imola Red would blow my hair back. So, no regrets on going with leather in this case than Alcantara.

[BavarianZHP]

I wouldn't necessarily say that. It's safe to say most people on this forum are enthusiasts and it's close to 50/50 on one vs. the other.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Exactly my point. The ordinary population would much prefer leather (in America anyways). They would never think of buying a BMW with cloth/alcantara, probably a 90/10 proportion in favor of leather (if you asked their preference) - maybe more.

[kayger12]

Exactly my point. The ordinary population would much prefer leather (in America anyways). They would never think of buying a BMW with cloth/alcantara, probably a 90/10 proportion in favor of leather (if you asked their preference) - maybe more.

Agree.

Sent from the last Next Best Thing via Tt4beta

[johnrando]

Oh, I see what you're saying now.

[Crickett]

My interior (gray leather) is the one regret I have with my car. I soooooo wish I had Alcantara (or Natural Brown). And I can't even (easily) swap since my carpet & dash are gray.

[BavarianZHP]

Yeah, choosing alcantara doesn't make you more of an enthusiast - just more likely to be an enthusiast. I wouldn't want all of the leather guys on my doorstep! :mob

[johnrando]

Yeah, choosing alcantara doesn't make you more of an enthusiast - just more likely to be an enthusiast. I wouldn't want all of the leather guys on my doorstep! :mob

:rofl

[BavarianZHP]

Wasn't leather the "upgrade" for alcantara from BMW? You had to pay extra for genuine leather while alcantara and leatherette were the no cost options?

[1 M Mike]

Wasn't leather the "upgrade" for alcantara from BMW? You had to pay extra for genuine leather while alcantara and leatherette were the no cost options?Correct. Leather was a $1450 MSRP upgrade, at least in MY 2004.

[1 M Mike]

Would you prefer wearing Lederhosen or Alcantarahosen? :)

[ELCID86]

Would you prefer wearing Lederhosen or Alcantarahosen? :)

Now that's funny :-)


Shawn in VA.
Via thumbs and Tapatalk.

[derbo]

I think the best part of alcantara is that you can only get it on the zhp. The m3 has a hybrid cloth/leather seat.

Yes it's supposedly the a lower grade material because its synthetic but I feel it's sportiness and rarity makes it more sought after.

If alcantara came in natural brown. I wonder hmmm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[webster]

alcantara/cloth all the way, for reasons already mentioned (aesthetics, rarity, temperature). i will echo that one of the best parts about it is the textured fabric material on the doors. the only thing i wish it had was the lumbar support. my lower back can get sore/numb after 2+ hrs of road trippin'

[jgt_zhp]

I think the best part of alcantara is that you can only get it on the zhp. The m3 has a hybrid cloth/leather seat.

Yes it's supposedly the a lower grade material because its synthetic but I feel it's sportiness and rarity makes it more sought after.

If alcantara came in natural brown. I wonder hmmm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

Look at Coby's site. He links to a bunch of alcantara colors

[Tnhl1989]

Retrofit the lumbar in ;)

Also does anyone know where the fabric on the doors and center of the seats can be purchase at?

[derbo]

Look at Coby's site. He links to a bunch of alcantara colors

There is no natural brown?

[derbo]

Retrofit the lumbar in ;)

Also does anyone know where the fabric on the doors and center of the seats can be purchase at?

I always thought about doing this.

[Hermes]

There is no natural brown?

Alcantara comes in over 70 shades, I'm sure there is something close

[derbo]

If I remember correctly, a BMW individual 7 might have it.



edit:

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/7series/sedan/2012/_shared/_pdf/Individual_F01F02_EAL_212.pdf

XD5 Amaro Brown Headliner

[Tnhl1989]

Looks like my next BMW is going to be a individual :)