Was the leather option standard or extra on the ZHP?

[mgianzero]

I know guys have talked about the "all leather" option for the ZHP, but I've been getting mixed answers about this one.

Did the performance package (standard ZHP option) come with leather or was it an additional cost? I've had several dealerships argue with me that it comes standard with this package.

If that's the case, then why does it show up as an extra $1,450 cost for "black leather" on the window sticker to my car? I bought it second hand, but the previous owner had the original window sticker. (I would attach a copy of my window sticker if I knew how. I have a Mac and it doesn't seem to want to work properly.)

My second question (which I cannot seem to find the answer again despite my forum search) is what EXACTLY do we look for to confirm our cars had the full leather option vs leatherette? I remember seeing this answered in the past but I cannot seem to locate it.

[az3579]

Standard non-ZHP E46's came with leatherette standard. To get the full leather, the premium package had to be ordered.
ZHP's came standard with cloth seats with alcantara bolsters. To get leather, the premium package had to be ordered. ZHPs never got leatherette.

Premium package was an option on all E46's except for the M3 I think...

[mgianzero]

Well, if you look at a copy of my window sticker, it says "Black Leather" for an additional $1,450. So it looks as though the previous owner paid specifically for the black leather option. I do not see "premium package" on this sticker, but if they did pay for this package it would have also included the full leather too. Do I have that right?

How can someone tell they have the full leather on the ZHP by looking at it? What exactly do I look for to confirm this?

[MasterC17]

You did not have to get Premium Package to get the Leather, it was a stand-alone option. Many dealers 'convinced' people that the leather was the better option and the alcantara would wear quickly and look bad (mostly in an effort to get more money). If you have any leather, it is full leather. So, you have full leather. It appears you do not have Premium Package based upon your window sticker (your seats would have lumbar).

[johnrando]

So to be clear, if you don't have the premium package that comes with leather, you had to pay for it as an option. Therefore, if you have leather, it's "real" leather. But, what about the laters cars when BMW discontinued the Alcantera? Those would have real leather or leatherette (if the premium package was not ordered)?

[gr330zhp]

As far as I know, 328i and 330i models had leather and 323i and 325i models had leatherette. M3s had Nappa leather.

Personally, I think the Alcantara is one of the best parts of the Performance Package, especially the steering wheel. It gives it a much more sporty/high end feel, think Porsche GT3.......but not :rofl

:dunno just me though

[mgianzero]

But that's funny because I do have lumbar support. It's another adjustment in the seatback, right?

If I didn't have the window sticker, is there a way for me to determine the option codes that came with this car? Also, what the little stitching trick to look for to know your car is true leather.

The reason I ask this is I've been looking at ZHP's for my dad now. Whenever he visits a dealer they seem to make up reasons why they KNOW it's leather. I'd like a more foolproof method for knowing this. It could be me, but dealers always seem to use idiot logic on their customers.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Marc, if you want to get your option codes, there is a thread on the site with an email address for BMW customer service in germany.

Moderators or other users: would you mind digging up the thread for Marc and posting it here? Thanks!


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

[billschusteriv]

Marc, if you want to get your option codes, there is a thread on the site with an email address for BMW customer service in germany.

Moderators or other users: would you mind digging up the thread for Marc and posting it here? Thanks!


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?169-Option-Codes-for-BMW&highlight=option+codes

And a bump for good luck!

[mgianzero]

Thanks Marcus. I must have missed this link in a prior search. You should make this a sticky for all of us to refer to.

You wouldn't believe this dealer I met when shopping for a car. He argued with me that ALL performance package cars have full leather. I told him it was only part of the premium package. When he finally realized I knew more about this than he since I had a window sticker as proof, he backed off. Then he says "we'll I know this is all leather because of the wrinkles on the bolsters". I think he was making s#^< up. Another dealer told me the leatherette doesn't have textured lines in the material. Huh?

It's not really a big deal about the leather option. I just hate it when dealers pretend they know something they don't.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Thanks Marcus. I must have missed this link in a prior search. You should make this a sticky for all of us to refer to.

You wouldn't believe this dealer I met when shopping for a car. He argued with me that ALL performance package cars have full leather. I told him it was only part of the premium package. When he finally realized I knew more about this than he since I had a window sticker as proof, he backed off. Then he says "we'll I know this is all leather because of the wrinkles on the bolsters". I think he was making s#^< up. Another dealer told me the leatherette doesn't have textured lines in the material. Huh?

It's not really a big deal about the leather option. I just hate it when dealers pretend they know something they don't.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Worry not; ZHP's came in cloth or leather, no leatherette!
If shopping for a non-ZHP, an easy way to tell is the texture. You can tell the difference between leather and leatherette in the older cars like ours. Leatherette feels cheaper, and is more durable. Leather tends to crack if aged and/or exposed to the sun, so check for cracks, no matter how minor.

And by the way; wrinkles in the bolster doesn't mean it's leather. If that were true, alcantara would be considered leather, as I have wrinkles galore and cloth seats. :biggrin

[DeM3n]

Lots of good info here. Thanks!

[VA//M3]

My so called "cheap" Leatherette with 140k miles still looks like new! and all i have to do is wipe it down with some windex and thats it. no need to condition and have it crack. all of the leather 330's I test drove that had real leather looked awefull. Alcantara, cloth or leatherette all the way for a car that you will keep for a good while.

[az3579]

My so called "cheap" Leatherette with 140k miles still looks like new! and all i have to do is wipe it down with some windex and thats it. no need to condition and have it crack. all of the leather 330's I test drove that had real leather looked awefull. Alcantara, cloth or leatherette all the way for a car that you will keep for a good while.

I think as far as wear is concerned, from best wearing to worst: leatherette, cloth, leather, alcantara
So take comfort in the fact that you have leatherette because as long as you don't rip it, it'll last you forever. :biggrin

[DirtyPillows]

I loved readin this thread because it reminds me how the dealership I got mine from didn't know it was a zhp so I got a nice dicounted non-zhp price :D

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I loved readin this thread because it reminds me how the dealership I got mine from didn't know it was a zhp so I got a nice dicounted non-zhp price :D

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Win. I love these stories.


iPad. Tapatalk. Bi-winning.

[danewilson77]

My so called "cheap" Leatherette with 140k miles still looks like new! and all i have to do is wipe it down with some windex and thats it. no need to condition and have it crack. all of the leather 330's I test drove that had real leather looked awefull. Alcantara, cloth or leatherette all the way for a car that you will keep for a good while.

Don't let Kyle hear you say "Windex"