How is the White Nappa Interior wearing?

martinredif · 10-20-2010, 03:38 AM

Dear All,

Advice please before I place order. I like the Havanna Brown which only comes with a White Nappa leather. I am curious if the White is wearing well and stays clean also does the alacantra suede become worn.

Alternatively I like Blue/Walnut Leather, which is standard leather, is the White leather quality much more superior?

Responses appreciated!

BOGONY · 10-20-2010, 06:59 AM

I have my car for a year. The leather is like new, the Alcantara shows black seat belt marks, which I cannot get rid of.

Memphis1 · 10-20-2010, 10:09 AM

What's Havana? Do you mean Mohave? no paint is linked to any one interior you can pick whatever interior.

Having said that ivory interior is actually nappa leather, which is better quality than the regular colors and as far as how it maintains, it actually looks new in my car.

Bogony, I bought white micro fiber towels, simply damp them and rub the alcantara. Works like a charm. Whatever you do don't schilack it with products, just water. I had seat belt marks on the passenger seat and have been able to remove them with just water and a micro fiber cloth.

BOGONY · 10-20-2010, 10:37 AM

Thanks, I'll give it a try

HerrK · 10-20-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis1

What's Havana? Do you mean Mohave? no paint is linked to any one interior you can pick whatever interior.

In the rest of the free world the US color Mohave is called Havana (not politically correct here I guess due to our relations with Fidel) and yes Mojove/Havana is only available with white interior.

BlueZ4AZ · 10-20-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOGONY

I have my car for a year. The leather is like new, the Alcantara shows black seat belt marks, which I cannot get rid of.

If water and micro towel does not work for everyone for whatever reason ..... I did use a product, with no after effects. Take some Scotch Guard Automobile Fabric and Upholstry foaming cleaner and spray the spot. Let sit for 30 seconds, then gently rub it several times with a clean white cloth/towel. This will remove the seat belt marks. The Alcantara will retain the same soft feel.

BlueZ4AZ · 10-20-2010, 01:32 PM

The smooth White Nappa leather is easier to clean than the grainier standard leather. I've had the grainier leather in other cars and noticed that the dirt embeds itself in that leather, making it not as easy to clean.

Officer Dibble · 10-20-2010, 01:58 PM

careful with new(ish) wet jeans(rain etc...) although i used the wet wipes that you can buy from BMW and found them to be excellent - removes such stains with ease. they also have a foam cleaner that you can apply for heavy stains. Works really well on the leather.
car is still under a month old, so cannot say anything more at this stage regarding belt rub on suede. I would imagine regular cleaning would remove that as well.

or just laminate the whole interior - LOL

Memphis1 · 10-20-2010, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerrK

In the rest of the free world the US color Mohave is called Havana (not politically correct here I guess due to our relations with Fidel) and yes Mojove/Havana is only available with white interior.

Dude, got to the website and build a car with Mohave and black leather and it will let you...

HerrK · 10-20-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis1

Dude, got to the website and build a car with Mohave and black leather and it will let you...

Maybe you can get Mohave with black on the configurator. But on the BMW online order guide sheet it states "Color A17 (Mojave) must be ordered with ZWP" (Exclusive White) - maybe BMW has changed this or maybe the configurator is hosed up - like that's never happened before.

Alext · 10-20-2010, 05:25 PM

I saw an example of a drivers seat that was VERY worn on the side bolster. The car was only a few months old.

Rubber Ducky · 10-21-2010, 06:09 AM

Only rub spot is left bolster driver seat. I think this is dirt in creases and will be working on it. Otherwise tudo bom - all good.

GunSpeed · 10-21-2010, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerrK

Maybe you can get Mohave with black on the configurator. But on the BMW online order guide sheet it states "Color A17 (Mojave) must be ordered with ZWP" (Exclusive White) - maybe BMW has changed this or maybe the configurator is hosed up - like that's never happened before.

Was like this in the beginning but in the meanwhile you can order whatever interior you'd like with Havanna/Mojave.

GunSpeed · 10-21-2010, 07:07 AM

Important for all the "Design Pure White" owners :

BMW has a new cleaner!!!
On the bottle it is stated that you can use it to clean your Alcantara!
Item number : 83 19 2 153 218

I ordered this product a few weeks ago and have it at home but I didn't get the chance to use it yet.

Grtzzzz

KrisNL · 10-21-2010, 09:05 AM

Alcantara easily can be cleaned like told above here with right cleaner and micro fibers.

Leather in nappa type cleans easier than the other type of leather.

martinredif · 10-21-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramius

Was like this in the beginning but in the meanwhile you can order whatever interior you'd like with Havanna/Mojave.

Thank you all for the advice, Ramius, I will certainly consider Havanna with Walnut if available

HerrK · 10-21-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinredif

Thank you all for the advice, Ramius, I will certainly consider Havanna with Walnut if available

I think the Havana/Walnut combo will look really classy.

persian54 · 10-25-2010, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramius

Important for all the "Design Pure White" owners :

BMW has a new cleaner!!!
On the bottle it is stated that you can use it to clean your Alcantara!
Item number : 83 19 2 153 218

I ordered this product a few weeks ago and have it at home but I didn't get the chance to use it yet.

Grtzzzz

did a search on getbmwparts.com
nothing..

Mine has a really bad mark on the driver side

It's from my belt

It's really annoying

overall the weather is fine... except for that prat...

it's cutting into the leather a little...

BOGONY · 10-25-2010, 07:56 AM

I went to the dealer.

The product code 83 19 2 153 218 is unavailable in the USA

cdeslandes · 10-25-2010, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by persian54

did a search on getbmwparts.com
nothing..

Mine has a really bad mark on the driver side

It's from my belt

It's really annoying

overall the weather is fine... except for that prat...

it's cutting into the leather a little...

This is not unique to the Nappa leather. I have the same issue with the "regular" Kansas leather in my car.

BlueZ4AZ · 10-25-2010, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alext

I saw an example of a drivers seat that was VERY worn on the side bolster. The car was only a few months old.

Seems like a 1 in 5000 occurance. Probably someone that just abused the car and never used the proper leather maintenance. We can discard this situation as it is not the norm. Nor is there any other situation like it that has been reported. No one should make their leather choice based on this one scenario.

Mace · 10-29-2010, 09:35 PM

Just an update based on a visit to a dealer today. Looked at a brand new white/ivory white 35i as it was being detailed for delivery and the interior is absolutely gorgous. The dealer has quite an extensive, clean and thorough detail shop where everything was hand cleaned and waxed. I know, I watched them for a while.

The reason I bring this up is there was a '10 model on the used lot with the same interior and only 9,500 miles on it that had also recently been detailed by the same shop. The center armrest had a definent yellowish tint to it from the driver resting his arm on it and the surface was shiny as opposed to the "flat" finish of the rest of the leather. Also, the white leather located between the start button and keyfob recess was discolored and the stitching appeared stained. The alcantara parts all looked perfect BTW.

Now, I don't know if some redneck goober owned or test drove this car just before me but I changed my previous decision and won't go with the ivory white as beautiful as it is. IMHO, I'm sure that even if you're careful (read "Hi, my name is Kevin and I have OCD") then this is going to be a very difficult interior to maintain. A few years ago I had a Infiniti G35 with leather that had a similar flat finish to it as the Nappa although it was a much darker color. The leather itself wasn't hard to clean but I found that the flat finish wore off in the "high traffic areas" like the armrest and outside driver's seat bolsters also and it can't be restored. Meanwhile I have a coral red interior on my current car and the leather shows zero sign of wear after almost three years. Seems to me that the Walnut Kansas leather might be the smart way to go if you're planning on keeping this car around.

Just my humble opinion though.

10-20-2010, 03:38 AM	#1
martinredif New Member 3 Rep 13 Posts Drives: BMW 320D Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	How is the White Nappa Interior wearing? Dear All, Advice please before I place order. I like the Havanna Brown which only comes with a White Nappa leather. I am curious if the White is wearing well and stays clean also does the alacantra suede become worn. Alternatively I like Blue/Walnut Leather, which is standard leather, is the White leather quality much more superior? Responses appreciated!
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10-20-2010, 06:59 AM	#2
BOGONY Enlisted Member 6 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2012 335i cab /2011 535 XI Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	I have my car for a year. The leather is like new, the Alcantara shows black seat belt marks, which I cannot get rid of.
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10-20-2010, 10:09 AM	#3
Memphis1 Lieutenant Colonel 89 Rep 1,838 Posts Drives: Z4 SDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	What's Havana? Do you mean Mohave? no paint is linked to any one interior you can pick whatever interior. Having said that ivory interior is actually nappa leather, which is better quality than the regular colors and as far as how it maintains, it actually looks new in my car. Bogony, I bought white micro fiber towels, simply damp them and rub the alcantara. Works like a charm. Whatever you do don't schilack it with products, just water. I had seat belt marks on the passenger seat and have been able to remove them with just water and a micro fiber cloth. __________________
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10-20-2010, 10:37 AM	#4
BOGONY Enlisted Member 6 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2012 335i cab /2011 535 XI Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Thanks, I'll give it a try
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10-20-2010, 01:32 PM	#7
BlueZ4AZ Go SU 33 Rep 902 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	The smooth White Nappa leather is easier to clean than the grainier standard leather. I've had the grainier leather in other cars and noticed that the dirt embeds itself in that leather, making it not as easy to clean.
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10-20-2010, 01:58 PM	#8
Officer Dibble Enlisted Member 2 Rep 49 Posts Drives: sdrive35is Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	careful with new(ish) wet jeans(rain etc...) although i used the wet wipes that you can buy from BMW and found them to be excellent - removes such stains with ease. they also have a foam cleaner that you can apply for heavy stains. Works really well on the leather. car is still under a month old, so cannot say anything more at this stage regarding belt rub on suede. I would imagine regular cleaning would remove that as well. or just laminate the whole interior - LOL
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10-20-2010, 05:25 PM	#11
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	I saw an example of a drivers seat that was VERY worn on the side bolster. The car was only a few months old.
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10-21-2010, 06:09 AM	#12
Rubber Ducky Lieutenant 47 Rep 519 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cocoa Beach FL iTrader: (1)	Only rub spot is left bolster driver seat. I think this is dirt in creases and will be working on it. Otherwise tudo bom - all good. Attached Images
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10-21-2010, 07:07 AM	#14
GunSpeed Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 220 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 sDrive23i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Important for all the "Design Pure White" owners : BMW has a new cleaner!!! On the bottle it is stated that you can use it to clean your Alcantara! Item number : 83 19 2 153 218 I ordered this product a few weeks ago and have it at home but I didn't get the chance to use it yet. Grtzzzz
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10-21-2010, 09:05 AM	#15
KrisNL Hero of the Day 12 Rep 263 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Amsterdam iTrader: (0)	Alcantara easily can be cleaned like told above here with right cleaner and micro fibers. Leather in nappa type cleans easier than the other type of leather. __________________ Ordered my X3 28i, High Executive, M Sport, Topview, Innovation Pack and a lot of extra's first week of June! - delivered September 13, 2014
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10-25-2010, 07:56 AM	#19
BOGONY Enlisted Member 6 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2012 335i cab /2011 535 XI Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	I went to the dealer. The product code 83 19 2 153 218 is unavailable in the USA
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10-29-2010, 09:35 PM	#22
Mace Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 239 Posts Drives: '11 E93 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Just an update based on a visit to a dealer today. Looked at a brand new white/ivory white 35i as it was being detailed for delivery and the interior is absolutely gorgous. The dealer has quite an extensive, clean and thorough detail shop where everything was hand cleaned and waxed. I know, I watched them for a while. The reason I bring this up is there was a '10 model on the used lot with the same interior and only 9,500 miles on it that had also recently been detailed by the same shop. The center armrest had a definent yellowish tint to it from the driver resting his arm on it and the surface was shiny as opposed to the "flat" finish of the rest of the leather. Also, the white leather located between the start button and keyfob recess was discolored and the stitching appeared stained. The alcantara parts all looked perfect BTW. Now, I don't know if some redneck goober owned or test drove this car just before me but I changed my previous decision and won't go with the ivory white as beautiful as it is. IMHO, I'm sure that even if you're careful (read "Hi, my name is Kevin and I have OCD") then this is going to be a very difficult interior to maintain. A few years ago I had a Infiniti G35 with leather that had a similar flat finish to it as the Nappa although it was a much darker color. The leather itself wasn't hard to clean but I found that the flat finish wore off in the "high traffic areas" like the armrest and outside driver's seat bolsters also and it can't be restored. Meanwhile I have a coral red interior on my current car and the leather shows zero sign of wear after almost three years. Seems to me that the Walnut Kansas leather might be the smart way to go if you're planning on keeping this car around. Just my humble opinion though.
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