Interior Leather (Coral Red & other) cleaner?

[tiborakos]

Hello,

Had my Z with Coral Red interior, and after 10 months (approx 9K klm) i noticed that the seats look a bit dirty ("black-ish"), specially the part that touches the bottom...
Most of the time i wear jeans & chinos, have not applied any liquid cleaner or performed any type of cleaning...even with moisture cloth, nothing.

Any ideas - suggestions? What do you guys do?

Thanks

[Roadstergal]

Tell me it isn't so! Leather interiors that have been ignored lead to prematurely dry, cracked leather. You must use a leather cleaner followed by a leather conditioner. The conditioner puts back the emollients that the cleaner took out. There are alot of brands that are good, such as Pinnacle, Zaino, Wolfgang, Zymol, etc. Never use inexpensive brands as they contain silicone that transfers to clothing. The better brands are PH balanced.

I normally clean and treat my leather every 3 to 4 weeks. In between this, on a weekly basis, I take a micro fiber cloth and dampen it and just wipe down the seats to remove any dust. Dust that gets embedded in leather is also bad. This only takes a couple of minutes.

[bobbydog]

I use a leather cleaner from IKEA. Gets all the dirt out without making the leather glossy. Best thing I've ever used and cheap.

[alan64]

I use Mothers leather conditioner. It is glossy for a bit then it goes away. It not only conditions the leather nicely, but it also allows you to slide in better without grabbing the leather and making it stretch underneath your bottom.

[Vintage]

Originally Posted by alan64

I use Mothers leather conditioner. It is glossy for a bit then it goes away. It not only conditions the leather nicely, but it also allows you to slide in better without grabbing the leather and making it stretch underneath your bottom.

I also use Mothers products and they are great - very high quality. Clean then follow immediately with conditioner as stated above.

[jparnes1]

I use Lexol, but whatever you use, make sure you allow the conditioner to sit for about 15 minutes so it soaks in. Then you can wipe your seats down.

[Rubber Ducky]

Try a damp microfiber towel, Windex for spots. I think a minimal approach gives maximum results. Primum non nocere.

[bill123]

I use BMW's own cleaner

[SHADOW4]

I always used BMW stuff on my old 320 and it's good. BUT i think it smells to much "chemical" and choose not to use it on my Z4. Started looking around and found this: http://www.liquidleather.com/

Tried it on my 320 and it really smells leather! Will do the Z4 with it in a week or two. Just have to find the time. So far i only vacum and use a damp microfiber cloth............

Here are some more info: http://www.gliptone.com/retail/leathercareguide.pdf

[Darbs330]

I'm guessing, from these great responses/suggestions, that you don't need any special care for "SunReflective" leather... correct?

[MDLFCS]

I have searched for the answer as well and could not find a definite word. They all use different leather cleaners and conditioners without any word about problems with the sun-reflective leather.

I personally use the BMW leather cleaner just to be safe. BMW do not have the conditioner, so I don't know if they recommend them or not.

[vriffpolo]

Originally Posted by SHADOW4

I always used BMW stuff on my old 320 and it's good. BUT i think it smells to much "chemical" and choose not to use it on my Z4. Started looking around and found this: http://www.liquidleather.com/

Great tip Have you found a distributor here in our Land of Swedes?

[SHADOW4]

Originally Posted by vriffpolo

Great tip Have you found a distributor here in our Land of Swedes?

Yes, but actually cheaper to buy from UK.

"Below are your order details

Date : 6 May 2010 - 08:46
Order ID : XXXXXXX

Payment by Card
Product : Quantity : Price
Liquid Leather GT12 250ml bottle : 1 : 6.50 Liquid Leather GT11 250ml : 1 : 7.50 Liquid Leather GT13 250ml : 1 : 8.75

Subtotal : 22.75
Delivery : 3.65
TOTAL : 26.40"

Got it 4 days later!! I think it was delivered by a 35iS!

Here is the Swedish: http://www.gliptonebutiken.se/

[SHADOW4]

Originally Posted by MDLFCS

I have searched for the answer as well and could not find a definite word. They all use different leather cleaners and conditioners without any word about problems with the sun-reflective leather.

I personally use the BMW leather cleaner just to be safe. BMW do not have the conditioner, so I don't know if they recommend them or not.

They don't have Leder-Pflege?
BMW says their stuff have UV-protection but to my knowledge that has nothing to do with the sun-reflective treatment. I asked the dealer about this and you should just treat the leather as normal leather.

But like you i usually buy BMW stuff to be on the safe side but not for my Z4.

I compared both their normal wax and hardwax to another brand side by side on the Z4 and i just put it back on the shelf to be used on the 320!

The only thing from BMW that i thought was really good was the Gummi-Pflege! I just love the word Pflege

[Alext]

The best stuff to use on leather is Leatherique. I was skeptical at first, then I tried it. Used it on my leather lounge and BMW seats, steering wheel etc. Takes a bit of effort but its dam good.

[vriffpolo]

Originally Posted by SHADOW4

Yes, but actually cheaper to buy from UK.

Sweet, thanks again, will definitely pick up a sampling. Been a bit nervous about what blue jeans will do to the kansas walnut leather, hopefully this does the trick!

[Rubber Ducky]

Originally Posted by Darbs330

I'm guessing, from these great responses/suggestions, that you don't need any special care for "SunReflective" leather... correct?

I've three years' experience with this "SunReflective" leather (in light colors) in two convertibles. Frequent wipedowns with a damp microfiber towel and minimal cleaning with gentle household cleaners work perfectly and keep everything like new. I'd recommend going farther with magic unguents and proprietary products only if a gentle hand just won't work.

Again, primum non nocere.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Shadow, yes it is a nice word ~grin~ you may know it what it means "Pflege" simply means

Care
Maintenance
Nursing
Cultivation
Nursing care
Fostering
Attention
Upkeep
Ministration

[cdeslandes]

I use a wet towel with some mild hand soap to clean the leather, then treat it with the BMW leather care product.

[tranquility]

I use Gold Class Rich Leather Spray from Meguiar's but it seems to leave a 'glossy' look so I have to make sure it's applied consistently all over the leather, which is a pain...I wonder if there's anything better which does not have this 'glossy' effect? It did help remove a stubborn UV-lotion stain though.

[BlueZ4AZ]

I find applying alot of gasoline on an oily, old rag and then dabbing as hard as I can with it seems to gets rid of all smudges and dirt. 89 or 91 Octane works best. My Napa leather seems to be losing a lot of pigment though. Oh well. I'm sure the dealer will be able to replace the seats under warranty.

As an added bonus here's a helpful hint for removing swirl marks in the paint...... two words: Fine sandpaper.

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

I find applying alot of gasoline on an oily, old rag and then dabbing as hard as I can with it seems to gets rid of all smudges and dirt. 89 or 91 Octane works best. My Napa leather seems to be losing a lot of pigment though. Oh well. I'm sure the dealer will be able to replace the seats under warranty.

As an added bonus here's a helpful hint for removing swirl marks in the paint...... two words: Fine sandpaper.

I thought the two words would be: Angle Grinder