MINI Cooper MINI Cooper specs
MINI Cooper MINI Cooper Forums MINI Cooper Pictures
Mark Forums Read MINI Cooper radio MINI Cooper latest news
 

Go Back   North American Motoring > 2nd Generation MINIs > R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?

Welcome to North American Motoring !
Welcome to North American Motoring,

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!


» Latest Main Topics
Go to first new post I did it!!!
0 Replies, 3 Views
Advertisement

Reply
 
 
 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 03-18-2008, 02:18 AM
DrDiff's Avatar
DrDiff DrDiff is offline
Coordinator :: Northwest Indiana MINIacs
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Valparaiso, IN
Posts: 2,412
Send a message via MSN to DrDiff
Gallery
Leather/Cloth seats

I was thinking of a CR/W MCS with the Rooster red Color line and Red leather and black cloth seats.

I went with leatherette for my previus MINI 2006 R50. As the first generation cars had problems with the cloth seats wearing pre-maturely.

How about the R56? Anyone have the Red Leather and Black Cloth seats? How are they holding up?

Thanks in advance.
__________________

"Paddy" CR/W R56 MCS, White Bonnets, "37" Door Plates, Cold Weather, Convenience, Sport Suspension, DSC, LSD, Xenons, Front and Rear Fogs, White Tails, Factory Alarm

James Dean Cory
Webmaster: NorthWest Indiana MINIacs
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-18-2008, 05:04 AM
Krut Krut is offline
R56, CAMM, QoC
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 2,808
Send a message via AIM to Krut Send a message via Yahoo to Krut
Gallery
Blue Black LOTH

LOTH ='s Leather/cloth - seems to be holding up just fine. I would suggest scotchguarding the cloth portion if you're worried about stains. They do seem to attract more pet hair than I'm used to - maybe I'm not cleaning enough! :-)
__________________
MA MINI of Sterling - 2009 MINI JCW CR/Black, QoC #2 Flickr Krut's Blog
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-18-2008, 01:18 PM
gaston gaston is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Santa Cruz Mtns, California
Posts: 138
Gallery
So far so good

I have the red/black leather/cloth interior (with red color line dash and CR/CR MCS -- a bit cliche, no?) and it looks fine at 7k miles. Of course, not enough miles to conclude anything about longevity.

On my previous 2003 MC, the leatherette on the drivers seat started splitting at 43k (and no I'm not a heavy guy). MINI replaced it under warranty, so I expect they'll do the same with the cloth/leather should it be necessary.
__________________
2007 MCS CR/CR
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-18-2008, 03:56 PM
mbotvinick mbotvinick is offline
3rd Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: San Diego
Posts: 180
Gallery
Everyday I wish I had gotten the leather instead of the cloth. If I could do it over, I would do leather
__________________
2004 Pure Silver Cooper S
License Plate: LAASER
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-18-2008, 04:07 PM
Msteadman's Avatar
Msteadman Msteadman is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: PA
Posts: 1,980
Gallery
Can't comment from experience as I have the Lounge Leather. But IMO the red leather/black cloth option is one of the sharpest available. Rooster red color line and anthracite headliner are essential with it though... Again, just my opinion.

Best of luck!
__________________
PW/B MCSa, sport, premium, audio and cold weather, carbon lounge, chrome line, anthracite, cream color line, piano black, white turns, rear fogs, auto lights/wipers, PDC. Now: Garmin nuvi 660. JCW black grille trim. AC bonnet/boot stripes. ALTA 4" antenna, red CAI/boost tubes/turbo inlet hose, cat-back and 19mm rear sway bar. Eibach springs. 17" gunmetal Rota RBs in 215/45 GY F1's.
For sale!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-18-2008, 05:49 PM
rattmobbins's Avatar
rattmobbins rattmobbins is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ay Bee Cue, NM
Posts: 1,308
Gallery
5000+ miles on mine and still look brand new.
__________________
**Took delivery of Winston on 8/6/2007!!!**
Chili Red/White MCS, sport, premium packages, etc...
Mods: Alta intake, turbo inlet hose, and catback exhaust, H&R springs
Future mods: Alta boost tubes, turbo downpipe (maybe), and FMIC
C.R.O.C. #2323

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-18-2008, 06:02 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by rattmobbins View Post
5000+ miles on mine and still look brand new.
They'd better.... 5,000 miles IS practically brand new !
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-18-2008, 09:02 PM
chili_red07's Avatar
chili_red07 chili_red07 is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,004
Gallery
Jeesh! I've put 13k since last May (including the month I was without it)
Oh, the seats? They seem to be holding up fine.

OT but I'm jealous of you low-mileage folk; it stays newer longer!
__________________
2007 MCS chili red/ white [croc #297][sport/premium/cold weather pkgs][rooster red/ black seats][rear fogs][mfsw][enkei rs5 17"]
[alta: cai/turbo inlet hose/cat-back/boost gauge/2" shorty][checkered mirror caps] and yes, my hood scoop is functional -=O=-
[up next: alta 19mm rear sway bar, fmic, ECU]
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-19-2008, 03:42 AM
Krut Krut is offline
R56, CAMM, QoC
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 2,808
Send a message via AIM to Krut Send a message via Yahoo to Krut
Gallery
3200 miles since last August. It will change soon.
__________________
MA MINI of Sterling - 2009 MINI JCW CR/Black, QoC #2 Flickr Krut's Blog
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-19-2008, 10:13 AM
WetNoseRanch's Avatar
WetNoseRanch WetNoseRanch is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Nanny State
Posts: 147
Gallery
I went with Sport Seats which I think only come in the leather-ette (might be wrong) but I wish that I had gone with either cloth or leather.

I didn't get the cloth because I have dogs. The leatherette seems to feel almost like neoprene. The bolsters have a perferrated pattern but the main part of the seats are solid.

Last week we drove several hours to the San Diego area - sunny day about 70 degrees and yet I found the leatherette seats (which are black) to be quite hot - to the point that my jeans almost felt damp when I got out of the car.

Doesn't harbor well for the coming summer as it gets quite hot around here (100 degrees or more). I am getting the windows tinted today, maybe that will help.
__________________

KR
POC # 126
Porsche 996 Cup Car
Mini S Red/Black
Wet Nose Ranch: A Place for (Rescued) Dogs
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-19-2008, 10:17 AM
gokartride gokartride is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,507
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by Msteadman View Post
IMO the red leather/black cloth option is one of the sharpest available.
+1
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-19-2008, 10:57 AM
djam43's Avatar
djam43 djam43 is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: South Florida.
Posts: 1,479
Gallery
I got the black punched leather, they are cool, non slip, matt finish and wear great--- NO CREASES. BTY ,with any leather it is a good idea to start wearing your wallet in your front rather than your back pocket. It will avoid "seat crunch"
__________________
[Guinness--- Its A Mans Drink ]
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-19-2008, 11:16 AM
sequence sequence is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Your Worst Nightmare :)
Posts: 3,880
Gallery
I have the leather/cloth combo in my 05 S and it is a mtce nightmare if U dont Scotchguard the cloth sections. At 25K the driver's door side bolster is showing wear from where my bod slides into the seat, and have to cover it with black leather balm every now and then.

despite this, Id still get them again, nice comfy combo, esp. in heat and cold extremes. I would also suggest Zymol leather cleaner and conditioner to keep the leather in fine shape, and to give it a wonderful smell.
__________________
I say, boy, you dont seem to be apprehendin' the general gist of what I'm tryin' to convey here. Maybe you oughta take a second, let your head catch up to your tongue before it gets all sunburnt. That was a joke, son, I say - a joke! Nice boy, but he's about as sharp as a sack o' wet mice.

09 MCSa JCW
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-19-2008, 11:25 AM
Msteadman's Avatar
Msteadman Msteadman is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: PA
Posts: 1,980
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by WetNoseRanch View Post
I went with Sport Seats which I think only come in the leather-ette (might be wrong) but I wish that I had gone with either cloth or leather.

I didn't get the cloth because I have dogs. The leatherette seems to feel almost like neoprene. The bolsters have a perferrated pattern but the main part of the seats are solid.

Last week we drove several hours to the San Diego area - sunny day about 70 degrees and yet I found the leatherette seats (which are black) to be quite hot - to the point that my jeans almost felt damp when I got out of the car.

Doesn't harbor well for the coming summer as it gets quite hot around here (100 degrees or more). I am getting the windows tinted today, maybe that will help.
The sport seats are available with any of the upholstery options (on the S at least) - leatherette, cloth, cloth/leather, punch or lounge leather.

Your reasons exactly are why I didn't go with the leatherette (although the price was quite tempting! ). I just found them to be so hard, almost like plastic. Also the heat was a major problem for me.

Tinting should definitely help though, especially if you have sunroofs. Did for me.
__________________
PW/B MCSa, sport, premium, audio and cold weather, carbon lounge, chrome line, anthracite, cream color line, piano black, white turns, rear fogs, auto lights/wipers, PDC. Now: Garmin nuvi 660. JCW black grille trim. AC bonnet/boot stripes. ALTA 4" antenna, red CAI/boost tubes/turbo inlet hose, cat-back and 19mm rear sway bar. Eibach springs. 17" gunmetal Rota RBs in 215/45 GY F1's.
For sale!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-19-2008, 11:57 AM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
You guys must have some soft asses if you think Leatherette feels hard or plasticy. I've yet to have a passenger ride in my car and not think the car has leather interior.

Maybe they changed the leatherette material in the R56 ??
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 03-19-2008, 12:07 PM
WetNoseRanch's Avatar
WetNoseRanch WetNoseRanch is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Nanny State
Posts: 147
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by Msteadman View Post
The sport seats are available with any of the upholstery options (on the S at least) - leatherette, cloth, cloth/leather, punch or lounge leather.

Your reasons exactly are why I didn't go with the leatherette (although the price was quite tempting! ). I just found them to be so hard, almost like plastic. Also the heat was a major problem for me.

Tinting should definitely help though, especially if you have sunroofs. Did for me.
Guess I kind of screwed that up then - I should have checked out the material before ordering. The "firmness" doesn't seem to be a problem, I think the seats are quite comfy and they do grip well. And cleaning seems to be fine the only negative issue is the heat.

At least I don't have a sunroof - it could be worse.

Maybe I'll get one of those beaded taxi cab seat covers!
__________________

KR
POC # 126
Porsche 996 Cup Car
Mini S Red/Black
Wet Nose Ranch: A Place for (Rescued) Dogs
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 03-19-2008, 12:09 PM
WetNoseRanch's Avatar
WetNoseRanch WetNoseRanch is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Nanny State
Posts: 147
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB View Post
You guys must have some soft asses if you think Leatherette feels hard or plasticy. I've yet to have a passenger ride in my car and not think the car has leather interior.

Maybe they changed the leatherette material in the R56 ??
Firmess is not a problem but I don't think you would mistake the leatherette for leather - it's kind of rubbery. Is that a word - "rubbery"?
__________________

KR
POC # 126
Porsche 996 Cup Car
Mini S Red/Black
Wet Nose Ranch: A Place for (Rescued) Dogs
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-19-2008, 12:12 PM
chili s's Avatar
chili s chili s is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Miami, FLA
Posts: 115
Gallery
10,000 miles and still nice on my rooster red leather/cloth interior. I did just buy some covers for my front seats from Wet Okele to keep them nice in the long run. The covers do have openings in the side bolster for the side impact air bags in the seats but they are pricey.
__________________
'07 Chili Red Cooper S, MFSW, front & rear fogs, Stripes, Rooster Red/Piano Blk. int., ColorLine dash, ChromeLine int., Comfort Access, Sport Pack, Sport Suspension, Premium Pack, White lens, LSD, DSC, HiFi, OE Alarm & Rally lights. Wet Okole covers. All the goodies.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-19-2008, 12:31 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by WetNoseRanch View Post
Firmess is not a problem but I don't think you would mistake the leatherette for leather - it's kind of rubbery. Is that a word - "rubbery"?
From someonw who owns 3 MINIs with three different seat materials, two of which are leather and leatherette, I vehemently disagree.

I prefer the leatherette, actually. Looks like leather, feels VERY similar to leather, doesn't fade or crack like leather, and easier to maintain.

Especially when the cost is considered, I'll never order leather again.
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 03-19-2008, 12:38 PM
vaper vaper is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Philly, PA
Posts: 115
Gallery
I've got 32K miles on my '06 MCS with the red/black cloth and leather seats. They hold up beautifully, look great and are way more comfortable than the vinyl alternative.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-19-2008, 12:58 PM
Msteadman's Avatar
Msteadman Msteadman is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: PA
Posts: 1,980
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB View Post
You guys must have some soft asses if you think Leatherette feels hard or plasticy. I've yet to have a passenger ride in my car and not think the car has leather interior.

Maybe they changed the leatherette material in the R56 ??
Looking at the two models it seems MINI did change the leatherette. Of course it's very subjective, but I've taken multiple friends to the dealership with me on various visits and there is no mistaking the leatherette for leather. At first I thought it was just me, but every single one who sat on the leatherette seats said something along the lines of, "what's this???". Not necessarily in a criticizing way, it's just obvious that it's something other than leather. I'll have to check out the previous generation leatherette on my next visit to see if there is in fact a substantial difference.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WetNoseRanch View Post
Guess I kind of screwed that up then - I should have checked out the material before ordering. The "firmness" doesn't seem to be a problem, I think the seats are quite comfy and they do grip well. And cleaning seems to be fine the only negative issue is the heat.

At least I don't have a sunroof - it could be worse.

Maybe I'll get one of those beaded taxi cab seat covers!
Gotcha, I must say as a no-cost option the leatherette cannot be beat (I have a very negative bias toward cloth ). The problem is that it doesn't breathe at all, hence the heat. A good thing indeed that you don't have the sunroof as it heats the cabin up significantly. Especially without tint and in absence of a solid sunshade.

Getting back to the thread, I say get it!!! Provides the best of both worlds, IMO.
__________________
PW/B MCSa, sport, premium, audio and cold weather, carbon lounge, chrome line, anthracite, cream color line, piano black, white turns, rear fogs, auto lights/wipers, PDC. Now: Garmin nuvi 660. JCW black grille trim. AC bonnet/boot stripes. ALTA 4" antenna, red CAI/boost tubes/turbo inlet hose, cat-back and 19mm rear sway bar. Eibach springs. 17" gunmetal Rota RBs in 215/45 GY F1's.
For sale!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 03-19-2008, 01:12 PM
WetNoseRanch's Avatar
WetNoseRanch WetNoseRanch is offline
2nd Gear
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Nanny State
Posts: 147
Gallery
Quote:
Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB View Post
From someonw who owns 3 MINIs with three different seat materials, two of which are leather and leatherette, I vehemently disagree.

I prefer the leatherette, actually. Looks like leather, feels VERY similar to leather, doesn't fade or crack like leather, and easier to maintain.

Especially when the cost is considered, I'll never order leather again.

Hummm..... I don't doubt your "enthuiasm" but I wonder if it has changed for 2008. Or maybe my seat is something other then leatherette because there is no way I would mistake it for leather.

Maybe we'll just have to politely disagree on this subjective subject.
__________________

KR
POC # 126
Porsche 996 Cup Car
Mini S Red/Black
Wet Nose Ranch: A Place for (Rescued) Dogs
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 03-19-2008, 01:46 PM
CR&PW&JB CR&PW&JB is offline
6th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Eldersburg, Maryland
Posts: 9,606
Gallery
Yeah, I'll have to check out the leatherette in an R56 and see if it's the same material. If they changed it, someone at MINI should lose their job.
__________________
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/500/CR_PW007.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 03-19-2008, 02:03 PM
Oakland Raiders Mini's Avatar
Oakland Raiders Mini Oakland Raiders Mini is offline
5th Gear
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oakland
Posts: 616
Gallery
I got the black cloth. I didn't want leather because I hate getting into the car with hot leather.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 03-19-2008, 11:04 PM
DrDiff's Avatar
DrDiff DrDiff is offline
Coordinator :: Northwest Indiana MINIacs
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Valparaiso, IN
Posts: 2,412
Send a message via MSN to DrDiff
Gallery
My 2006 R50 had black leatherette, when we sold it due to divorce, CarMax gave us credit as if it had leather seats.
__________________

"Paddy" CR/W R56 MCS, White Bonnets, "37" Door Plates, Cold Weather, Convenience, Sport Suspension, DSC, LSD, Xenons, Front and Rear Fogs, White Tails, Factory Alarm

James Dean Cory
Webmaster: NorthWest Indiana MINIacs
Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2008, 11:04 PM
 
 
 
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Forum Jump


MINI CooperMINI Cooper PrivacyMINI Cooper Terms of UseMINI Cooper Guidelines MINI Cooper Advertising The North American MINI Cooper Community
  MINI Cooper news, forums, FAQs, and reviews for enthusiasts and owners of the North American MINI Cooper
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:33 AM.
 Copyright © 2002-2008 North American Motoring. All Rights Reserved.     Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:33 AM.


Powered by vBulletin and vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.
North American Motoring is an independently operated web site supporting MINI owners and enthusiastsworldwide. As such it has no official relationship with MINI USA, BMW AG, or BMW of North America.All original artwork and design is Copyright © 2002-2004 North American Motoring.
Admin Account Passwords

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2