Anyone else here waiting on cloth seats? I really want to buy a 2006 MCS, but I also really want the standard cloth seats. I would settle for the red cloth/leather seats, but my car's not gonna be red. I just hope I have a chance to order before the 2007 models roll out.

 

I attempted to get in before the Space Cloth ran out but found out just last week (after I'd placed my order) that the supplies are gone. I contemplated canceling my order and waiting on the seats, but the color I want is also being discontinued. I decided to just give in and get the gray leatherette. If I didnt want Purple Haze and knew that Space Cloth was coming back (I was told its a 50/50 chance) then I'd definately consider waiting.

That being said, I won't let the lack of cloth seats ruin the fact that I'm getting a new MINI

 

If you have to wait too long, you may have to pay the price hike that is reportedly supposed to start march 1 - that is you car needs to be made and delivered to the port by march 1.

I read that on another thread, so ask your dealer to make sure.

mb

 

As a 05 owner who ordered space grey cloth and initially rec'd the leatherette in error... you might want to test drive a leatherette before ordering.

Opinions will vary, but I found the leatherette seats stiffer and transmitted the exhuast drone to my, uh, tail bone. Some might enjoy it, not my cup of tea though

After a few days they were able to swap my seats for me. Did this even though I was planning to cover with seat covers to get the red and black that wasn't a available option on the convertible becuase of the vibration.

It also took longer to feel the seat heater, and then it got too hot quickly. Took more time for the heat to be felt and by then it had been on high too long. The heat is more progressive on the cloth, just in my opinion.

I'm sure there are plenty who prefer the leatherette and don't feel any of this, and that's why I'd reccomend test driving em and see if you like.

Many or most may not notice a difference, I did...

 

You may be waiting a long time...haven't heard of a replacement vendor.
After March 1, it's gonna cost you $500 more...that's a lot extra for base seats. Just get it with leaterette, you can have cloth added later if you want by any decent interior specialist.

Cheers

 

How were you able to get them to swap the seats? I've asked my dealer about this and am awaiting an answer.

 

Just remember U only get adjustable lumbar supports on the leather or cloth/leather seats, and not the stock cloth or leatherette. If U have lower back issues as I do U need to consider this. IMO an option well worth the $$! Jimbo

 

what color exterior are you getting? the red/black look really nice in lots of different exterior colors (IMHO). I would not advise on waiting for space cloth to come back as there is currently no named replacement for that vendor. could be quite a wait as new vendors will likely have to be proven before they throw their cloth on thousands of cars... from what i understand the company went out of business, so i'm not sure there was a lot of warning for Mini/bmw to start looking for a replacement vendor...

 

Wow, I never knew that. I really want to get a Blue/Black roof color scheme, but maybe I could get the dark silver exterior, and red cloth/leather seats. Jeez I don't know!

 

Actually I didn't even notice until about a half an hour after I saw the car. I just told my MA we had a BIG problem. When I explained he said right away that they'd see what cars were coming in not pre ordered, that had the cloth and seat heaters, and swap for me. They volunteered right up. It was about a week and a half or two weeks at most and they took care of it.

I had corrected the order spec several times so it was well documented what I wanted. Actually had the wrong wheels too now that I think of it. That they took care of before delivery.

NOTE: In case of a convertible they need to swap the lock cores on the top of the back seats too!

 

personally i think the red/black would look neat with a blue exterior, but that may just be me. silver definitely would look good... i assume you've seen the red/black combo in person, it looks good, is cheaper than full leather and you still have cloth to breathe and hold you in place...

good luck!

 

Another option if you can't get the color you want. Call up the folks at Wet Okole that make custom seat covers in neoprene. Water proof, they don't get hot or cold... And zillions of colors to pick from. Just over $500 to do the front and back. Yes, they have holes for the air bags. No one thinks they are seat covers. In fact, my interior is the part of the car that gets the most compliments.

 

Most people don't. I didn't when I was speccin my car, when my MA asked me if I had a history of lower back problems. I said yes, and he said I should consider upgraded seats to get the adjustable lumbar support. At first I was kinda mad that the lower-level seats did not have them, but right about that time MINI introduced the cloth/leather sport seats at about a $550 savings over full leather, and since I was speccin a CR/B S, the seats would work well. (I've seen these seats on HB, PW, JB, and AB cars and they look great!)

And I'm glad I did. A friend of mine has an 05 S with leatherette, and my lower back hurt after a couple hours of either driving or riding. The difference is that big. Jimbo

(Plus if U get heated seats the heat element is right on the lumbar support. OOOO Soooo Nice!!)

 

Seems strange that MINI isn't offering Octagon/Panther Black cloth as an alternative on the sport seats until the space grey is available again. It looks great on my standard seats.

 

Just curious if you have seat heaters and how well they work with that?

To the orginal poster - you should def try to see/feel anything you are considering in person before ordering. I was going to get the red cloth/leather interior until I found one and tried it in person (the way the back seat was mostly red fabric w/o seam details and the feel lost out to the full leather - decided the extra $500 was worth it for getting much more leather and the looks and feel of the Lapis interior with just a bit more tlc needed). To each their own and the only way to really know is try it whether its the fabric,'ette, or leather

 

Yes, I've got the seat heaters and don't notice a significant difference in heat up time.

 

Ok, I'm going to have to try and find pics of a HB with the red cloth/leather. If it looks decent, then I'll probably go with that. I just don't really want leather or leatherette. Oh and I'll be sure to keep the Wet Okole in mind as well, looks really nice in your convertible.