I noticed after removing a rather large package from the rear of the Mini that there was a small smile shaped cut in the leatherette. I should have used more care when removing the package, but I never thought the little force I used would do this kind of damage. The cut is about 1/2" smile shaped. Or should I say a frown shape:-(. Anyway, it is cut on the backside of the seat so not so noticable. I used silicone to seal it back up. I guess I am going to be purchasing some seat covers soon. :???:

 

I bought the seat covers from the dealer. They are really nice and they fit very well. The seat covers fit so well they almost look like the regular seat !

They are worth the extra few $$'s compared to some of the aftermarket covers that are on the market.

:smile:

 

I also think you need seat covers compatible with the
air bag system? Am I correct???
It also makes me sad when I think of all those leatherettes
they had to kill to make these seats.....

 

That's really too bad, especially for a new car. Did you ask the dealership about it? But then again, they don't really care....

 

I don't even own or currently have a MCS on order, but my dealer knows when the finances get more happy I plan to get one.
I wouldn't say all dealers do not care!

BTW: My aunt has a cowette farm, which is were Mini buys the leatherette from, fascinating.

 

Dealer seat covers...hmmmm. Can you tell me if they are air bag friendly? I think this WILL be my next purchase. I grew up in Connecticut, and never saw a cowette farm. I must be a deprived adult!

 

We were going to get the leatherette, until readinga bout some others who've had similar problems. Decided to save our pennies and go with the real thing instead. We will probably still get a seat cover for the back seat (have a 5 year old who loves to ride back there). Anyone out there have the neoprene one's that are advertised on the home page? Do they have any adverse affect on leather?

 

>>Dealer seat covers...hmmmm. Can you tell me if they are air bag friendly? I think this WILL be my next purchase. I grew up in Connecticut, and never saw a cowette farm. I must be a deprived adult!

Picture tken near a cowette farm in Vermont!!
How many cowettes must die??

 

>>I also think you need seat covers compatible with the
>>air bag system? Am I correct???
>>It also makes me sad when I think of all those leatherettes
>>they had to kill to make these seats.....
>>
>>

Correct me if I'm wrong (like THAT's never been known to happen ), but there aren't any airbags in the rear seats. So it wouldn't matter what sort of seat cover you put back there. kramseib's problem was with the back seat I believe.

I have the leatherette seats and haven't found them especially fragile. I keep two big child car-seats (with 2 pretty big kids in them most of the time) in the back, so the seats are indeed stressed with pointy plastic things. Just to be on the safe side, I do put a dishtowel down between the MINI's seat and the bottom of the child's seat. It'll prevent scuffs if nothing else.

 

Yes, my problem was with the back seat, but to see how little stress will damage the leatherette I will purchase some seat covers before I end up damaging the front seats. I'll have to check the dealer.

 

>>It also makes me sad when I think of all those leatherettes
>>they had to kill to make these seats.....
>>
>>

Not as many as the little "Corinthians" they had to kill to get three square yards for the Cordova. Both are extinct now.

 

I guess I just don't understand adding seatcovers... seats shouldn't wear out... I've had many cars and never wore out my seats, cloth, vinyl or leather... I guess I feel that the seats should at least last as long as the warranty and/or payments...won't the seatcovers wear out just as fast as the factory seats??? I'd just use my factory seats until they're worn out then add the seat covers... just my opinion... Thanks, Paul...
BTW, I have Leather seats and they seem to be just fine... so far...

 

I'm from Texas and those cowettes are really small critters. Raisin them takes dedication and patience. Farms are passed from father to son so as not to upset the herd's multi-generation breeding stock. BTW - It could take 10-20 of them to leatherette one MINI!

 

I hate seat covers. I find them to be a cheesy and rather ugly addition to any car and more so in the MINI but to each their own......

I have the std black leatherette seats and ZERO problems. I still prefer them over the overpriced and rather fragile leather seats. If placing bulky objects (or objects with sharp edges) over the seats, one has to be extra careful, period. Whether they are cloth, leather or vinyl if not careful you can still rip the material apart.

I don't see how something like this is a "defect" in the leatherette material. Operator error seems rather.

 

>>I hate seat covers. I find them to be a cheesy and rather ugly addition to any car and more so in the MINI but to each their own......>>

I have seat covers made of neoprene. They're great, and really comfortable, but now you mention it they are rather cheesy. Well, they're yellow like a good sharp Cheddar. They are not as ugly as some of the people who look in and admire them.