R56 Does anyone prefer the cloth upholstery
#1
Does anyone prefer the cloth upholstery
I've seen a number of posts on here about how great the leatherette is, but not much love for the cloth. The salesman at the Mini dealer said he liked cloth better and that leatherette was sticky when hot. I live in an area that rarely gets hot (Bay Area), so I'm not too worried about that.
Anyone prefer cloth over leatherette?
Thanks.
Anyone prefer cloth over leatherette?
Thanks.
#2
Our '05 MCSa has the cloth and our '06 MCS has the leatherette (because the cloth wasn't available for 2-3 months). Both my wife and I much prefer the cloth. The leatherette doesn't breathe at all (no holes in the covers) and will leave your back hot and sweaty in the summer. I drive with the sunroof and the windows open and my back is soaked when I get out with of the car with the leatherette but nice and dry with the cloth. The cloth is very comfortable and stays cool in the summer. Sun light coming through the windows makes the leatherette hot to the touch (yes, I know others will argue that you can tint the windows to mitigate this).
The only plus to the leatherette is it is very durable.
The only plus to the leatherette is it is very durable.
#3
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I've had mines for four years now and got the leatherette. My driver seat on the left side has started to crack, so I should of gone with the cloth. Now i just don't need a new cover for it but a new seat, the whole cranking system that brings it up and down the gears are either worn out or stuck, seat won't go down.
#4
#5
Not Elegant, But Functional
The cloth upholstery certainly lacks the cachet of leather, or even the pseudo-cachet of leatherette. However, it has some very appealing qualities which make me glad I ordered it. Cloth seats:
--Breathe better than any other seat material. This is an important comfort factor in hot weather;
--Conduct heat immediately when the heater switch is activated in cold weather;
--Have a pleasantly grippy texture which inhibits sliding under g-loads better than any other material;
--Are easy to clean, and don't show dirt/stains readily;
--After two years mine are holding up beautifully, look like new - no wrinkles, runs or sags. They seem quite durable.
Elegant, beautiful, luxurious, ostentatious? Not really.
Utilitarian, functional, comfortable, durable? Yes, very. I like them.
--Breathe better than any other seat material. This is an important comfort factor in hot weather;
--Conduct heat immediately when the heater switch is activated in cold weather;
--Have a pleasantly grippy texture which inhibits sliding under g-loads better than any other material;
--Are easy to clean, and don't show dirt/stains readily;
--After two years mine are holding up beautifully, look like new - no wrinkles, runs or sags. They seem quite durable.
Elegant, beautiful, luxurious, ostentatious? Not really.
Utilitarian, functional, comfortable, durable? Yes, very. I like them.
#6
I have cloth on my 07 R56 MCS. I had leatherette on my 06 R53 MC. I like the cloth better. It is more temperature comfortable, grippier so you don't slike around, and after nearly 50,000 miles still looks as good as new. The only thing I don't like is that they show soil more. I have to use upolstery cleaner on them occasionally. The leatherette could be cleaned (usually) with a damp sponge.
#7
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#14
I special ordered the cloth seats, and really love them!! They breathe alot better than the leatherette, aren't real hot in the heat of summer, and you definitely don't stick to them. The only one down side I've found is that my dog's hairs stick in the weave, but easily vaccuum out. I wouldn't have the leatherette or leather for that matter. Just my .02 worth.
#15
I LOVE my cloth seats. I have them in my '09 and my dad has them in his '05 MCS. We both refuse to buy a car with leatherette seats and insisted on the cloth. I've posted pictures of my seats in my gallery if you'd like to see pictures. Oh, and there's a thread about retrofitting the lumbar support into both cloth and leatherette seats if you're interested. Here's the link: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...orts-seat.html I plan on adding lumbar support sometime this fall when it cools down. Good luck with your choice!
#21
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I had punch leather in my first Mini. Loved it even down in Texas. My Clubman came with leatherette. Not a fan. It really doesn't breathe and my back sweats against it. Last week I changed over to Wet Okole covers. So far they are much better. No sticking to the seat back. And I like the added color in an all black interior.
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#24
Wow, I'm surprised by how many like cloth. You may as well add me to that list. My first 3 minis had leatherette or leather on my last '08.
When I bought my JCW, I got it off the lot so I had no choice but to accept what it came with.
JCW's unless you order them come with cloth. I really wanted leather until I did my first track day and was unable to slip around like I did on the leather. Since then, I've got to experience some HOT weather and I can tell you that I'm glad I've got cloth.
I suspect my reactions will be the same when the weather turns colder.
Mark
When I bought my JCW, I got it off the lot so I had no choice but to accept what it came with.
JCW's unless you order them come with cloth. I really wanted leather until I did my first track day and was unable to slip around like I did on the leather. Since then, I've got to experience some HOT weather and I can tell you that I'm glad I've got cloth.
I suspect my reactions will be the same when the weather turns colder.
Mark
#25