[quick]

What about the Merino leather that's perforated?

[enterprize]

Here in the UK I use AUTOGLYM leather cleaner and then leather care balm.
Like all Autoglym products “does exactly what it says on the tin”

[P1]

Swissvax here, and my wife's previous 135i had the lemon interior. Looked brand new even after regular usage.

[DanG]

I use Groit’s leather conditioner.

[joe6mt]

Pinnacle leather conditioner/Wolfgang leather conditioner used last 10 Yrs never let me down.

[mapleleaf1773]

Originally Posted by DanG

I use Groit’s leather conditioner.

+ 1

[nick3753]

Originally Posted by LeahTerry

It is best to look in the catalog itself about cars, and it says what to use. I think the manufacturer knows how to take care of their product.

Right, like the 15,000 mile oil change recommendations on my e92 M3

[ShocknAwe]

If it's actual leather I use Leatherique rejuvenator oil followed by pristine clean once a year. Pristine clean for spot cleanups or just vacuum and a wet Terry cloth.

If it's Leatherette... I like 303 aerospace or the Megs line of interior products.

[ShocknAwe]

FWIW Im not sure the standard leather in most BMWs is actually leather, I had my front 1er sport seats redone in an italian imported whole grain similar to Napa available to my local upholsterer and, omg.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

FWIW Im not sure the standard leather in most BMWs is actually leather, I had my front 1er sport seats redone in an italian imported whole grain similar to Napa available to my local upholsterer and, omg.

Dakota is waxed, so you can 303 it, no need for actual leather cleaners or oils, they'll never get to the actual leather.

[auburnf30x]

My car has Dakota leather, which I like quite a bit. Feels good and holds up well.

My findings on this and others:

Leatherique works well as a once in a while treatment, or to shoot life back into neglected leather. Higher quality leather responds better and would benefit more from regular use. With Dakota leather or lower, as long as it is kept clean and protected, Leatherique is not really necessary. It may help bring life back to neglected Dakota leather. It will do absolutely nothing for Sensatec.

I like Zaino Z10 'leather in a bottle' for periodic Dakota treatment, and regular maintenance on higher grade leather. Leaves a nice, new looking matte finish and feel with no greasy or slick feeling, and smells great too. Will provide a similar feel after use on Sensatec, but there's no real benefit to it.

For regular maintenance on Dakota, and all protective care related to Sensatec, Aerospace 303 is great. Leaves a very nice feel and appearance after application, and keeps surfaces well protected.

For all of the above types, any PH neutral leather cleaner used before applying the above is fine. Really comes down to personal preference.

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

FWIW Im not sure the standard leather in most BMWs is actually leather, I had my front 1er sport seats redone in an italian imported whole grain similar to Napa available to my local upholsterer and, omg.

For the 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series, Sensatec (i.e. plastic synthetic leather, also known as 'pleather', or Leatherette) is standard. It is tough and will hold up very well with only regular cleaning followed up with protectant application (Aerospace 303). On these cars, Dakota leather is optional. Standard for the 5 Series. Dakota is real leather, but it is highly processed and often painted. The grain is artificial and is embossed by a machine during processing. It's also durable, but has a better appearance and feel than Sensatec with only slightly more upkeep required.

Then we get to Nappa leather, which is available on the 5 & 7. Merino leather is also optional on some higher end models. This is obviously real, natural grain leather and should be treated as such.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Dakota is waxed, so you can 303 it, no need for actual leather cleaners or oils, they'll never get to the actual leather.

This explains it.

[Vivek.]

Originally Posted by auburnf30x

My car has Dakota leather, which I like quite a bit. Feels good and holds up well.

My findings on this and others:

Leatherique works well as a once in a while treatment, or to shoot life back into neglected leather. Higher quality leather responds better and would benefit more from regular use. With Dakota leather or lower, as long as it is kept clean and protected, Leatherique is not really necessary. It may help bring life back to neglected Dakota leather. It will do absolutely nothing for Sensatec.

I like Zaino Z10 'leather in a bottle' for periodic Dakota treatment, and regular maintenance on higher grade leather. Leaves a nice, new looking matte finish and feel with no greasy or slick feeling, and smells great too. Will provide a similar feel after use on Sensatec, but there's no real benefit to it.

For regular maintenance on Dakota, and all protective care related to Sensatec, Aerospace 303 is great. Leaves a very nice feel and appearance after application, and keeps surfaces well protected.

For all of the above types, any PH neutral leather cleaner used before applying the above is fine. Really comes down to personal preference.



For the 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series, Sensatec (i.e. plastic synthetic leather, also known as 'pleather', or Leatherette) is standard. It is tough and will hold up very well with only regular cleaning followed up with protectant application (Aerospace 303). On these cars, Dakota leather is optional. Standard for the 5 Series. Dakota is real leather, but it is highly processed and often painted. The grain is artificial and is embossed by a machine during processing. It's also durable, but has a better appearance and feel than Sensatec with only slightly more upkeep required.

Then we get to Nappa leather, which is available on the 5 & 7. Merino leather is also optional on some higher end models. This is obviously real, natural grain leather and should be treated as such.

+1 for the best writeup in this thread.



Personally, Zymol conditioner is my favorite.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by auburnf30x

Then we get to Nappa leather, which is available on the 5 & 7. Merino leather is also optional on some higher end models. This is obviously real, natural grain leather and should be treated as such.

So what's the best to use on Merino leather?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

So what's the best to use on Merino leather?

Leatherique cleaner and conditioner are easist. But I do prefer Spinneybeck for full aniline leather.

[auburnf30x]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Leatherique cleaner and conditioner are easist. But I do prefer Spinneybeck for full aniline leather.

+1. I prefer Leatherique with Merino leather for simplicity’s sake as well as its intended compatibility. There are other options. With Merino, choice of cleaner is more important because you want to be as gentle as possible. Again, I prefer Leatherique due to its intended compatibility.

With conditioner, you have several options. Surprisingly (or maybe not), a lot of them can be found at your local feed & seed. Horse tack conditioners work well on any high grade natural leather, just be sure you can tolerate the smell.