White leather interior...

[ManiacGT]

While cleaning my interior today, I noted on the drivers seat outer bolster that the White leather colour is starting to rub off. Other than "don't rub against it when you get in" does anyone have advice on how to prevent this getting worse? Like seating position or stuff to repair it, protect it etc...

[Dr Stig 2]

I would say that sounds like a warranty issue. Leather should last for years against scrubbing of the finish. Especially if you clean it properly and regularly.

[ManiacGT]

It's not like it's peeling away or anything, but as a perfectionist it's not perfect lol it's gonna wear I guess, it is over a year old now. Will still take ur advice tho and ask the dealer next time I'm passing.

[Vintage]

how many miles on the car - I am just wandering when I can start expecting a similar issue??? I know how you enter and exit the car is a variable but mileage would be correlated to a degree - have you used a woolite and water solution to gently clean the leather and alcantara? I have found it works great - restoring the white leather!

[ManiacGT]

8000 miles but I do many sub 10 mile trips so lots of entry/exit.

I've only had the car 4 months as I bought it as BMW AUC.

I think it's likely the previous owner tho as I checked today and I don't tend to hit the bolster myself.

I'll see what the dealer says.

[fontana302]

I had problems with Black Nappa leather in a 330ci convertible on the side bolster of the drivers seat wearing through after only 5000km/1 year. My wife's only short & 50kg, they had no answer for this as it was her car. Got the leather replaced no problem, though they caused other problems as a consequence (i.e. replaced Nappa with normal leather & thought we wouldn't notice the mismatch in texture/feel wtith the rest of the interior).

Wife now has Z4 35i with Ivory white (after E92 M3 coupe & 135i conv), biggest issue now is where the black seat belt rubs the white alcantra up high on the seat, hope we don't have same issue with this seat.........

[Land_Shark]

Mania, I guess photos Best describe what you've got... Any to share on what you think is a problem you have

[davidmbell]

I got mine replaced a few months back, think mine had done about 16,000 at the time and has had two previous owners (one being BMW management).

No quibles replacing it, put new 'cover' on it.

New one doesn't fit like last original did though : ( Wrinckles.

David

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

While cleaning my interior today, I noted on the drivers seat outer bolster that the White leather colour is starting to rub off. Other than "don't rub against it when you get in" does anyone have advice on how to prevent this getting worse? Like seating position or stuff to repair it, protect it etc...

I would consult the BMW dealer (nothing like seeing and touching it), unless you have done so. They I am sure will recommend the best leather cleaner to you that should not result in what you describe.

Good Luck

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

[ManiacGT]

Originally Posted by davidmbell

I got mine replaced a few months back, think mine had done about 16,000 at the time and has had two previous owners (one being BMW management).

No quibles replacing it, put new 'cover' on it.

New one doesn't fit like last original did though : ( Wrinckles.

David

...and what was the reason you asked for it to be replaced David.. rubbing of the surface or something else? Just wondering where they draw the line on replacement... I've seen a lot of my dealer

[ManiacGT]

Here's the photo, you can't see much, hard to photo really, but you can get the idea..

[BlueZ4AZ]

If anyone brings the car in to the dealer to have the leather inspected, and they ask, "What kind of leather cleaner or solution are you using on the leather?" Your answer is: "I've always followed exactly what the owner's manual stated"

Some dealers like to ask loaded questions like the one above, so they can use your answer against you in a effort to deny a warranty claim. Don't give them the answer they hope for.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

Here's the photo, you can't see much, hard to photo really, but you can get the idea..

Just a heads up ... did you inspect the inside vertical outer rim of your wheels for cracks?

Best do it every 3 months and catch it when you see a hairline crack then get right back to the dealer for warranty claim.

I had both my rear wheels crack after 18,000 KM on the clock on my former Z4 35i

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

[ManiacGT]

No worries rolf-dieter, I've read your other posts, but this thread is about my interior and it seems the general consensus is that it shouldn't wear so soon, so its either leave it, or have it replaced and face that the replacement might not fit so well...

[Dr Stig 2]

Mine were replaced after the dealer scratched one of the seats. The new covers fit just as well as the originals.

[ManiacGT]

Nice to know... I've still got that buzz in the dash to sort with the dealer yet, so I'll mention it when I'm in next and update the thread with the results...

[SupremeArt]

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

how many miles on the car - I am just wandering when I can start expecting a similar issue??? I know how you enter and exit the car is a variable but mileage would be correlated to a degree - have you used a woolite and water solution to gently clean the leather and alcantara? I have found it works great - restoring the white leather!

Mine started having the same issue, after less than 1000 miles! Trying to get seat replaced under warranty.

[Frank Costanza]

I just noticed a rather large black mark on the upper corner of both seats. It looks terrible and it's because of the seatbelt brushing against the leather/suede.

Tried using BMW cleaner but it didn't help. Is it possible to make a claim for a design flaw like this?

Our car has 7500km and that spot where the seat belt has rubbed off is not looking good.

[Dr Stig 2]

Design fault. Yes indeed.
I make my dealer clean them for me. Just trying to motivate them to get onto BMW to fix it properly.