Last Spring I bought a MC with Lounge Leather. I have been sure to treat the leather every couple of months to prevent premature wear. When installing my GPS, I noticed a good number of creases where the leather compresses as the seats are occupied and there is the beginning of one crack on the passenger seat bolster. My wife, who is the primary occupant of the seat, does not wear anything that could have gotten caught on the leather so I am thinking it is a manufacturing defect. In addition, I've noticed that the grain has come out much more over the past couple of months - Much more detail overall and there are a couple of dimples here & lines there indicating imperfections in the original hides. Plus I've noticed that the leather on the bottom of the driver's seat has become much more loose than on the passenger seat. We've only got about 15,500 miles on the car. While I was expecting wear to eventually crop up on the leather, I was not expecting it at all this soon; especially as I've been very conscientious to take care of the upholstery. I am particularly distressed as the lounge leather is supposed to be the upgrade - at over $2k, I expected more. Has anyone noticed similar problems? If so, any luck going back to the dealer for a potential replacement under warranty? If the dealer is not helpful, is the only thing to do to keep treating the leather to prevent future deterioration? Are there any leather repair kits that do a good job masking the flaws?

 

These issues plus the appearance I have seen on older MINI's [some only a year old] with leather that have "Butt dimples" in the drivers seat were one of the primary reasons I went with cloth seats. My only other consideration would have been leatherette but since I easily get hot, the cloth was the only logical answer. The only trade off was I do not get lumbar support adjustment

 

The leather quality in the MINI is unimpressive considering the high admission price.

Take back the car to the dealer and tell them that this is clearly a warranty claim. They should have no problem ordering new leather seat covers for you.

What leather care products have you been using by the way? Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner and some of the best ones in the market. MINI also sells their own "In house" leather care products.

All my MINIs have had leatherette seats and not a single problem with cracks, creases, saginess, folds, etc. Leatherette "Glorified vinyl" is a very high quality material in MINI and BMW applications. May not have the "Finesse" of leather but it is virtually indestructible, looks great after many years of use and it is low maintenance in comparison to real cow hide.

Good luck. I think you have a valid warranty claim in your hands.

 

My wife's 2001 325i did that within two years also. I thought that was normal wear and didn't take it in but others took it in during warranty period and got that replaced. it will happen again probably but ....
That's why I have no leather envy anymore.

 

Shortly before I sold my 2003 MC at 45k miles, the driver's side leatherette cracked. (And no I am not heavy and don't keep stuff in my back pockets). The dealer asked if I had applied any product to the seat (no, that is the joy of leatherette). They ordered and replaced the seat bottom under warranty.

 

My Tuscan leather is the same age as the OP's car. I use Lexol cleaner/conditioner every couple months. I have a subtle little line/crease on the driver's seat bottom that's been there a long time otherwise the leather is prettty taut and new looking. See my gallery, the first pic of the passenger seat and you can see some slightly raised parts of the seat, it's the same on the drivers side, which I figure is normal stretching, hasn't gotten any worse. I look for cracking (esp at the creaseline) but haven't seen any yet. Because mine is such a light beige color I'm admittedly nervous about the appearance of the seats, but so far it seems fine. I think if mine were showing any cracking or disruption in the appearance I'd bug the dealer asap, take pix, and be ready to pounce on the opportunity to replace it considering the $2000 price.

 

I've been using Meguire's leather conditioner. Good to know about the Lexol - I'll pick up a bottle when I run out of the Meguire's. Thanks for the input. I'll go to the dealer and fight for a replacement to the seat covers.

 

I don't have leather in my MCS, but I've had it on my previous car and what you're describing sounds normal. Nonetheless, take it to the dealer and see what they have to say. If there was some original defect that made things worse than they should be, I'm sure they'll replace it.