[jelt110]

So i just bought a 2014 X5- I want to condition the leather seats as best as I can. I declined the factory protection/warranty, preferring to do it myself (and saving a few $$), so what is the best leather protection/conditioner I can use? Any special techniques?

The car is used, so I'm already committed to putting in some serious maintenance.

[detroitm2]

I use Maguires's Rich Leather. Works good in New seats. Not sure how it will fair with already used(abused?) seats.

[Red Bread]

Park it in the sun and get the seats as hot as possible before using any treatment. I'm partial to Leatherique, for nice leather. But unless it's Nappa, it will be so waxed and treated that you can use anything in it, even just 303 Vinyl Protectant.

[10"]

Is it dakota leather? If so do not use any of that stuff just warm water as it is a sealed finish and will only get worse with products.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by 10"

Is it dakota leather? If so do not use any of that stuff just warm water as it is a sealed finish and will only get worse with products.

Dakota can't get worse. I assume it's just plastic that they showed a black and white photo of a cow to.

But yeah, water and or vinyl protectant is fine for most automotive "leather."

[F80Dreamer]

I’ve used leather masters products for the past few years with great results.

[Germanauto]

I use Lexol...available at any auto store or big grocery store (e.g. Target, WalMart).

I ordered a leather brush off Amazon and it's made a world of difference. It's called "Colourlock."

I will spray the leather with warm water, then spray Lexol, then use the brush to create a nice lather. I'll wipe clean with a dry microfiber cloth. If you are fast you can do all the seats and doors within 30 mins.

It's too much work to do every time as I clean/condition 4-5 times per year. Every couple times I'll just roll with Lexol quick wipes.

[jelt110]

Thanks all! How do I know if it Dakota leather?

I think i have seen the Lexol- i'll give it a try. 4 various Maguires products in the garage already..

potentially dumb question: Scotch Gard spray after treatment to repel water? Is this redundant? Damaging?

[10"]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Dakota can't get worse. I assume it's just plastic that they showed a black and white photo of a cow to.

But yeah, water and or vinyl protectant is fine for most automotive "leather."

Love Dakota leather. 90k miles on my 1M and it looks like new. Has so far survived my kid growing from 0-3 years old without even a scratch. Am not complaining...well done BMW.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by 10"

Love Dakota leather. 90k miles on my 1M and it looks like new. Has so far survived my kid growing from 0-3 years old without even a scratch. Am not complaining...well done BMW.

Would just be nice if there were an option for nicer leather. Even with a dog and a kid, I'd like something nicer than Dakota.

[positiveions]

Wow , what are the odds. I was watching a video clip by a professional detailer on how to rejuvenate and clean leather seats using Leatherique.

[R3dliner]

Leatherique or swissvax

[tom @ eas]

Leatherique hands down. Always in stock if needed.

[FC4]

I've used Leatherique, Lexol, and Zaino. I like the smell of Zaino the best along with the slick, matte finish after application. Leatherique was ok, but Lexol was by far my least favorite.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by 10"

Love Dakota leather. 90k miles on my 1M and it looks like new. Has so far survived my kid growing from 0-3 years old without even a scratch. Am not complaining...well done BMW.

My folks and I have had Dakota on our cars. It's tough as nails. 70k miles and it's basically flawless.

I don't want it on my next car though. It just doesn't convey a feeling of luxury...very teutonic and hard.

[Winn.Nguyen]

Leather Master is my favorite. Get the mild cleaner and the conditioner.

[insanecoder]

Originally Posted by jelt110

So i just bought a 2014 X5- I want to condition the leather seats as best as I can. I declined the factory protection/warranty, preferring to do it myself (and saving a few $$), so what is the best leather protection/conditioner I can use? Any special techniques?

The car is used, so I'm already committed to putting in some serious maintenance.

I havent kept up but I use leathe honey annually
seems to keep the leather from mis-behavin

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

I havent kept up but I use leathe honey annually
seems to keep the leather from mis-behavin

Glad this topic came up because after recently having issues with my leather couch I see the importance of taking care of leather with a cleaner and conditioner. I have the Honey Leather cleaner and condition products from my couch. The leather in the Z4 is much firmer though. Will this Leather Honey product be okay for it too?

[hellokitty]

Leatherique turned my Dakota leather seats into brand new condition. The Dakota LOVES that stuff. Apply it on a Friday evening and let it bake in the sun Saturday and Sunday and remove it with the cleaner Sunday night. You’ll be drastically amazed at the outcome. Make sure to keep all the windows up and pick a warm weekend so it penetrates into the leather. You can also apply another round of conditioner on Saturday evening if you like.

[insanecoder]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Glad this topic came up because after recently having issues with my leather couch I see the importance of taking care of leather with a cleaner and conditioner. I have the Honey Leather cleaner and condition products from my couch. The leather in the Z4 is much firmer though. Will this Leather Honey product be okay for it too?

mines not merino leather but even tho lower grade leather needs conditioning
it may not penetrate as easily but I let mine sit awhile
I do mine before winter

[FatRear08]

I’ve used Zaino Leather In A Bottle exclusively for the past 3 years. Very easy to use and leaves a great finish and scent.

[kdesign7]

Originally Posted by FatRear08

I’ve used Zaino Leather In A Bottle exclusively for the past 3 years. Very easy to use and leaves a great finish and scent.

Does it protect against jean transfer? Do you feel it's kept your leather nice for the past three years?