CanisLupus
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2016
- Messages
- 121
LEATHER
I found an article with some info on leather as follows .
Below is a brief explanation of the frequent terms you will see in all US market BMW models’ order sheets:
Merino Leather
Usually in M models and BMW Individual orders. This is genuine fine-grain natural leather, it is dyed with no artificial coating applied.
Nappa Leather
This is an optional upgrade for the higher-level BMW models (such as the 5, 6 and 7-Series, X5 etc). It is a full-grain, un-split semi-aniline leather with a light clear coating on top of the surface for protection. Its grain quality is not as high as the Merino leather, and it is considered to be the 2nd highest quality leather in BMW cars.
Dakota/Nevada Leather
Used on most model’s base trims. This is a lower grade leather, usually corrected-grain or even created from the split, and coated with a synthetic polymer paint. It's surface is embossed with an artificial grain.
SensaTec
Used on some lower-level models’ base trims. Previously known as the “Leatherette”, this is not a real leather material. In fact this is just a vinyl material that tries to mimic the look and feel of the leather sheets. This fake leather material does not breath as good as leather, so you will feel hot after sitting on it for an extended period. However, it wears better than Merino/Nappa leather , is easier to clean and maintain, and it is not animal-based.
My thoughts are :
1. the dash trim , armrests and seat centers are Merino .
2. the remainder of the seats (incl. headrest) are Dakota
3. the steering wheel is Nappa
Based on the descriptions , I will clean all of them but condition the Merino only . I tried conditioning the steering wheel but it did not seem to absorb the conditioner therefore I think that it is Nappa .
Do you think that I should try conditioner on the Dakota (if that's what it is) ?
I found an article with some info on leather as follows .
Below is a brief explanation of the frequent terms you will see in all US market BMW models’ order sheets:
Merino Leather
Usually in M models and BMW Individual orders. This is genuine fine-grain natural leather, it is dyed with no artificial coating applied.
Nappa Leather
This is an optional upgrade for the higher-level BMW models (such as the 5, 6 and 7-Series, X5 etc). It is a full-grain, un-split semi-aniline leather with a light clear coating on top of the surface for protection. Its grain quality is not as high as the Merino leather, and it is considered to be the 2nd highest quality leather in BMW cars.
Dakota/Nevada Leather
Used on most model’s base trims. This is a lower grade leather, usually corrected-grain or even created from the split, and coated with a synthetic polymer paint. It's surface is embossed with an artificial grain.
SensaTec
Used on some lower-level models’ base trims. Previously known as the “Leatherette”, this is not a real leather material. In fact this is just a vinyl material that tries to mimic the look and feel of the leather sheets. This fake leather material does not breath as good as leather, so you will feel hot after sitting on it for an extended period. However, it wears better than Merino/Nappa leather , is easier to clean and maintain, and it is not animal-based.
My thoughts are :
1. the dash trim , armrests and seat centers are Merino .
2. the remainder of the seats (incl. headrest) are Dakota
3. the steering wheel is Nappa
Based on the descriptions , I will clean all of them but condition the Merino only . I tried conditioning the steering wheel but it did not seem to absorb the conditioner therefore I think that it is Nappa .
Do you think that I should try conditioner on the Dakota (if that's what it is) ?
