August 21, 2002

I have just received my new MINI Cooper S with black leather seats.
I have 1500 miles on the car. I have never driven the car wearing anything other than dress pants or shorts. I am the only driver.

A spot the size of your thumb nail has been peeled from the top layer of the leather driver’s seat on the seat wing containing the air bag.
I can send pictures.
I have had several cars with leather seats and none of them has peeled nor have they had an outer layer as thin as the leather seats on the MINI.
Are other owners are having this same problem with their leather seats.

I am upset that the leather covering is so thin that it can not take normal wear.

mini4usa@aol.com
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I have an 1989 IROC Z-28. The driver's side seat on the "wing" has worn through the actual seat. I put on seat covers numerous times only to have them wear out as well. Usually doesn't take too long. When I looked at the Cooper S,the first thing I looked for in the interior was the seat. The wing comes out a lot more than does the regular cooper. I did not like the design of that seat because the car sits low to the ground much like my Z does. You tend to slide down the seat into the bucket, thus wearing a hole in the seat. It doesn't matter what type of clothes you wear. What does matter is how you get into the car. In my cooper, I just put my left hand on the spot where my hip hits it and try to avoid hitting my hand. My skin will grow back, my leather cannot regenerate. And unfortunately, you will not get any sympathy from MINI on this one. Hope this helps.

 

Hi,
I am really glad I saw your message. I've ordered an S with leatherette and not 5 minutes ago put a call into my dealership to change to leather. Now, I'm seriously thinking of staying with the leatherette. I've had black leather seats in my BMW 318 for 6 years now and there is one small wear spot on the passenger seat, which is strange as it get much less use than the drivers seat. Other than that the seats have worn pretty well. Anyway, thanks for the info.

 

mini4usa, I would definitely take it in to MINI and show them!!! The leather seats should be under warranty from defects. I have 3600 miles on mine with leather sport seats and there is no visible wear. So, it has to be a mistake in quality or workmanship. They should replace the seat if they have to for you, but I would not put up with that. It's not like you've had it for years and it's regular wear-and-tear! There's no harm in trying.

 

Check your email for our offer of assistance. If you prefer, you can phone us at (866) ASK MINI.

MINI Division Customer Relations

 

>>Check your email for our offer of assistance. If you prefer, you can phone us at (866) ASK MINI.
>>
>>MINI Division Customer Relations

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