space cloth is my favorite; located near phila,pa.
regards, jeff

 

No regrets with my cloth/sport/heated package. Another bad back here, but these seats keep me comfortable in all weather. I live in the Berkshires of Massachusetts.

 

Did you get the CWP (heated seats mirrors and windshield nozzles&quot ? a MUST IN MICHIGAN and the heater is a tad weak,(lots of fan noice with littleheat and the heated seats are GREAT til the heater warms up..
.Best $300 I spent,,If you did not order this option, RUN, dont walk to your dealer and add the CWP..your "BUNNS will thank you all year long,,

 

Kaleido cloth sport seats, love it, no regrets what-so-ever.

retroom

 

>>This is an interesting subject. I have leatherette sport seats in my new 04 Mini and it appears (I have a lower back problem so I should know) that the driver's seat has built-in lumbar support - perhaps too much and it's non-adjustable. Personally, I would like more mid-back support in the sport seats. Anyway, for under $100 there are plenty of after-market seats/cushions available that can make a world of difference for back sufferers. I just couldn't justify the the price for leather seats with an oh by the way, lumbar adjustment built-in. Instead, I went ahead and purchased an Obus low back cushion ($80) and it makes a big difference if you have a back problem. The color matches my interior too. Cradles your back, worth every dime.

Interesting point on the '04 sport seats. I fortunately have no back problems. In fact, I have adjustable lumbar support in my other two family cars right now and never use it. I test drove an '04 with leather and found that I could not get the adjustable lumbar in a comfortable position. The leatherette and cloth I sat in did seem to have some natural lumbar support, but significantly less than the leather. I am hopeful that I don't find it offensive when I get my car or I will be looking at an expensive seat replacement.

 

>>Did you get the CWP (heated seats mirrors and windshield nozzles&quot ? a MUST IN MICHIGAN and the heater is a tad weak,(lots of fan noice with littleheat and the heated seats are GREAT til the heater warms up..
>>.Best $300 I spent,,If you did not order this option, RUN, dont walk to your dealer and add the CWP..your "BUNNS will thank you all year long,,

I did get the CWP.

 

Welcome to NAM :smile: Be sure to check out Michigan MINI also!

I vote Space cloth - it'll look awesome with your DS/W combo! Cloth is grippiest of the bunch, though can get the dirtiest too. 'ette would be the easiest to keep clean, because it's basically rubbery vinyl. Leather is great too. I'd say try to drive MINI's with all three upholsteries, you'll decide by experience and what fits you best. Of note; the Space cloth seems to have stiffer seat-foam than the other two.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

A major advantage of aftermarket seats is color choice. They have all sorts of colors for you to mix and match. The leather covering is made to accomodate the side airbag. :smile:

Here're a couple of choices for aftermarket leather seats:

Classic Soft Trim
Katzkin

You can find local dealers on their website. Both companies have their pros and cons. Katzkin offers self installed option, which will cost around $890. Whereas Classic Soft Trim will cost between $1100 to $1200 installed, no self install. The color pattern from Classic Soft Trim is more similar to the factory 2 tone leather seats. Moreover, Classic Soft Trim offers official MINI logo embroidery or embossed for $50 for further personalization.

Classic Soft Trim

 

leatherette is great,black lab hair does not show.Now the white roof liner is another matter

 

Cloth is the most comfortable in the summer and is my favorite. However, I have no regrets about my choice to go with leatherette for durability and serviceability. I'm going to get some cloth covers before it gets hot here.

 

I will probably do what mcs22004 says and get some cloth seat covers. Leatherette is durable but just doesn't breathe on those hot Summer days.

 

I bought Leatherette as well... much cleaner looking on the seat. The leather is all gathered (not so great) and the cloth made the car feel somehow cheaper. I guess that sounds weird... if they called it vinyl we would probably all get cloth. LOL.