In my ‘03 R53, I have heated leather seats in what I believe is the panther grey/black color. Since the left side bolster (lumbar support? Not sure of the proper term) of the LH front seat is torn, I am eyeing an eventual replacement. I have seen some salvage yards list these, but I can’t help but wonder if some of the listings for leather seats are actually leatherette seats. Without being able to put fingers to seat in person, are there any visual tells to identify the leatherette vs. leather? Did the leatherette come in panther grey/black? Did leatherette seats have the same panel configuration as leather? Were heated leatherette seats an option? Any other clues?

 

After more digging online, it appears like the backs and seat cushions of the leather seats are five panels each, while the vinyl/leatherette are four panel seat cushions and four panel backs. There is a salvage yard not far from me offering “leather” seats that are four panels each on cushion and back. They look like vinyl to my eye, hence my question.

Can anyone confirm and/or add info?

 

Leather seats all have adjustable lumbar support **** on center side of each seat. Leatherette does not.

 

Speaking of FL only. Yes leatherette came in Panther/gray, and could also option heat.

 

great tip!

 

I definitely had lumbar support adjustment on my old R50 with leatherette seats.

 

when i was looking at seats for mine, i found that the leatherette seats and the leather seats have different designs. and genuine leather was not a common option. i ended up with r56 seats.

these are leather.