R56 Does anyone prefer the cloth upholstery
#27
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Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
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The only regret I have is that the cloth seats do not have lumbar. I'm not sure if I want to go through the process to put it on as described in the availabe thread.
The biggest deciding factor against leather was the 'butt dimples' I saw in every used MINI I looked at. My cloth seats look as good as the day I picked it up two years ago. No issue here. Besides, I felt two grand was a bit much for leather.
The biggest deciding factor against leather was the 'butt dimples' I saw in every used MINI I looked at. My cloth seats look as good as the day I picked it up two years ago. No issue here. Besides, I felt two grand was a bit much for leather.
#30
I was set on getting leatherette but when I fell in love with Rigby he had clothe seats... I took him home anyways. And love him even more now since he has the cloth seats. They dont feel cheap like some cars clothe seats do... and they dont show stains so both are pluses. They are really nice. I love em!
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This has been a growing pet peeve of mine lately - the common disdain of cloth seats, and how hard it is on many cars to get cloth. Even on the MINI, the leather options in the US outnumber the cloth. And cloth is just so much more comfortable! No one sleeps on leather, do they? Some people do buy leather couches but I think cloth is still more popular (and definitely not chearp, just look at Pottery Barn).
People tend to think leather is more durable... but look at some old cars with leather. Even well cared for, it tends to crease and crack. You have to treat it with all kinds of crap to keep it somewhat soft and clean. Plus do some research on the chemical processes used to make leather - it's downright frightening. Not to mention the hoardes of cows we are killing for it.
Now there are some cars with much better quality leather that is softer, and perforated or cooled/heated seats that make it more comfortable. MINI leather isn't cheap but it's definitely not the greatest.
I do like the MINI leather/cloth mixed seats though. Just a little leather in the right places. Although I wish MINI/BMW would do similiar things with different materials.
But after years of leather & leatherette seats in past BMWs and my current MINI, I really want cloth in my next MINI. Even without the lumbar support I think the cloth seats are still more comfortable.
People tend to think leather is more durable... but look at some old cars with leather. Even well cared for, it tends to crease and crack. You have to treat it with all kinds of crap to keep it somewhat soft and clean. Plus do some research on the chemical processes used to make leather - it's downright frightening. Not to mention the hoardes of cows we are killing for it.
Now there are some cars with much better quality leather that is softer, and perforated or cooled/heated seats that make it more comfortable. MINI leather isn't cheap but it's definitely not the greatest.
I do like the MINI leather/cloth mixed seats though. Just a little leather in the right places. Although I wish MINI/BMW would do similiar things with different materials.
But after years of leather & leatherette seats in past BMWs and my current MINI, I really want cloth in my next MINI. Even without the lumbar support I think the cloth seats are still more comfortable.
#40
Wait, it gets hot in the Bay Area? Here in Houston it can get a might warm and sticky too. I have the cloth seats and after three years they show no wear, but they can get funky if you're already sweaty when you get in since they can absorb moisture. Fabreeze is your friend!
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