Leather is obviously better than the leatherette uphostery, any comments on how good/bad the leatherette is?

 

There has already been a discussion on this topic somewhere... I do agree with you that the leather is better, but the leatherette is actually of good quality.. Someone said it is the same leatherette found in the Z3....

 

The Leatherette may be excellent compared to other imitations out there, but the leather is still king. I found the fake stuff very stiff and plasticy-fake feeling compared to the soft real leather. You really have to sit in a car with each and rub 'em down to see what you prefer and decide either what you want to spring extra for or what you can live without and save $1250 on. Goodluck.

 

I would have to agree. I plan on keeping this car a long time - glad I have the leather.

 

My Mini/BMW dealer said the leatherette is the way to go, you can't tell the difference between the two, it wears better, and is $2200.00 CDN cheaper. He said use that money for some better options. He said most people buying Bimmers are taking the leatherette over the leather.

My $0.02 worth.
Cheers

 

Since the dog is my co-pilot, there's no way I would get leather. The leatherette is very comfortable, quite attractive, and will hold up better under heavy use.

 

Actually, in all the cars i've had for more than 5 years, real leather seems to hold up a hell of a lot better...

 

If you got the cash you can't beat the leather, I know the leatherette is a close second but it is not the same. It does not feel the same its not as soft, it like all polymers sticks to your skin more then leather, though the BMW leatherette is far better then most. The smell of real leather also can't be beat.

I know that some people feel bad about using an animal hide so if this bothers you thats a good reason to go with the leatherette. But if your like me and not a vegetarian there is nothing better then popping down to the butcher in the Mini, sitting in those oh so soft leather seats and picking up a couple of big t-bone steaks for the grill.

 

Has anyone even considered the cloth seats? Not much color choice in the S, but I've always opted for cloth Vs high cost leather upgrade for the seating area. While on the subject of leather, has anyone seen (or bought) a MINI with the Wood Steering Wheel option?

 

My BIG dog is my co-pilot too on many occasions! :smile: But, I am going with leather anyway because this will be the nicest car I've owned yet and the $1250 more doesn't seem like that much for such a high-end upgrade (it's BMW quality leather after all). When she does ride with me I plan to get a fuzzy seat cover to put on the passenger seat to both protect the leather from tears and dirt and to attract the loose hair to the cover rather than my interior! Besides, she'll love the smell of leather!