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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > Leather wrinkling . . .



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      12-02-2005, 10:26 PM   #1
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Leather wrinkling . . .

I've noticed in some members pics of their 3 series, and in other forums on the internet that the driver's side seat in leather cars shows some wrinkling.

My current TL is having this problem, but none of my previous cars ever had this issue.

Has anyone had this problem? If so, any ideas tha would minimize the wrinkle? Or if not, how have you prevented it from happening?

Thanks in advance.
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      12-03-2005, 01:05 AM   #2
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BMW's leather is sturdier/rougher than the TL's, so it'll stand up better to wear and tear.

However, if you have sports seats, the prominent side bolster on the driver's seat will get the most wear and tear from entry and exit. Treating the leather often with Lexol will help somewhat.

But if you want to prevent it from happening at all, get the leatherette, like me...
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      12-03-2005, 01:34 AM   #3
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Hope my leatherette holds up, hey wait its sythetic, it should be fine
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      12-03-2005, 01:38 AM   #4
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mine is gonna see some wear soon. i guess getting in and out a lot does this.
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      12-03-2005, 01:53 AM   #5
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Yup. Same thing is happening to my seats. I can't stand the sight of it. I actually snapped a picture earlier this month, hoping someone could suggest a solution. Notice how the sides are very wrinkled and the middle is puffy. It seems though that this is just inevitable for leather...
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      12-03-2005, 01:59 AM   #6
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Use zaino 9 & 10, it works well to remove wrinkles and tighten it. Not to mention it smells wonderful!

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      12-03-2005, 02:01 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drednik
Yup. Same thing is happening to my seats. I can't stand the sight of it. I actually snapped a picture earlier this month, hoping someone could suggest a solution. Notice how the sides are very wrinkled and the middle is puffy. It seems though that this is just inevitable for leather...
Mine's wrinkled in the exact same spots!
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      12-03-2005, 09:36 AM   #8
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mine is the same!!!!!!!! ill take a picture of it for refernce later
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      12-03-2005, 11:55 AM   #9
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Mine is fine.

Tip, don't fall into the seat when u get in (sport seats) Go sit on the seats gently, and any movements must be small when they are made.

Also dont sit on the side bolster thingy when u get in. Place your body in the middle of the seat.



Works for me, 3d BMW with leather seats.
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      12-03-2005, 12:18 PM   #10
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when will people learn. not just you guys, but 99% of the world.
man made materials = Hold their form longer, Clean Easier, Cost Less, and are sturdier. If you think that you are a "better" person, or a "richer" person because you have real leather, you are being a little silly.
There is no longer ANY upside to having real leather.
O. Unless you like mass slaughter of cute cows. then that would be a big plus
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      12-03-2005, 12:36 PM   #11
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Ooh a 1 pound steak from a cow what be nice to put on the fire here while the lions run amok us.

Now where is my rifle?
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      12-03-2005, 12:59 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cdheaven
Unless you like mass slaughter of cute cows. then that would be a big plus
Mmmm - VEAL!
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      12-03-2005, 01:01 PM   #13
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now you are getting off subject. i was talking about mass slaughter of big grown cows, you are talking about keeping little baby cows in boxes. two totally different topics.
p.s. sorry jbm. people LOVE talking shit about this topic, so it looks like your thread might have accidently just got threadjacked.... sorry.
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      12-03-2005, 02:41 PM   #14
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That's why I have leatherette
My Gti had leather, and it cracked after 6 years. No more leather in my cars since the new leatterette feels nice.
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      12-03-2005, 02:49 PM   #15
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I love the smell, the look and the feel of real leather.
Letherette just doesnīt do it for me. I donīt like to mess around with a rubber doll either (donīt ask how I know). I prefere the real thing.

I donīt care if the real thing needs more maintenance. Life is too short for fakes....

Btw: Back to topic: The wrinkling actually is on purpose. The leather could be made to sit very tight and wrinkle very little by the manufacturer (some actually do), but BMW feels, that slight wrinkling makes the leather look more natural and more expensive, so itīs actually prepared to look a bit that way. Even brand new cars running of the line with leather have some wrinkles. Wear over time just accentuates it.
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      12-03-2005, 02:53 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cdheaven
when will people learn. not just you guys, but 99% of the world.
man made materials = Hold their form longer, Clean Easier, Cost Less, and are sturdier. If you think that you are a "better" person, or a "richer" person because you have real leather, you are being a little silly.
There is no longer ANY upside to having real leather.
O. Unless you like mass slaughter of cute cows. then that would be a big plus
Do you truely believe that?
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      12-03-2005, 02:56 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cdheaven
when will people learn. not just you guys, but 99% of the world.
man made materials = Hold their form longer, Clean Easier, Cost Less, and are sturdier. If you think that you are a "better" person, or a "richer" person because you have real leather, you are being a little silly.
There is no longer ANY upside to having real leather.
O. Unless you like mass slaughter of cute cows. then that would be a big plus
I got leather specifically so some cows would be slaughtered.

Leather is much more durable, breathes better, and is more comfortable. Wrinkling is natural and actually adds some character, but normal care with leather cleaner and conditioner will prevent it becoming too wrinkled or craked.
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      12-03-2005, 03:03 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LEDZEP
normal care with leather cleaner and conditioner will prevent it becoming too wrinkled or craked.
Exactly! Quality leather will never crack if its properly cared for. If leather cracks either it wasn't quality leather (American cars are known for the lower grade leathers) or it was poorly cared for. Leather seats could & should outlast the car if properly maintained.

As with any option (leather or not) there are exceptions to the rule and you can get defective material. If your seats are coming apart after 3 weeks its likely you are the .001% that got defective material.
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      12-04-2005, 09:14 AM   #19
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Slaughtering cows . . . fire pits . . . projectile weapons . . . WOW, what a thread.

I understand some wrinkling is to be expected. I just want to try to minimize over-wrinkling (is that a word?). Someone had suggested Zaino 9 and 10 for this. Others have suggested just good leather maintenance. How often does everyone maintain their seats and with what?

Also, I debated about letherette for a bit. Of course, I've heard both sides of the coin. I think what swung me to leather was that several individuals had stated that leatherette is very "sticky" in the summer. Anyone have any other opinions?
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      12-04-2005, 11:20 AM   #20
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i live in florida. it was 60 degrees on the coldest day of the year so far. haha. i have thoroughly enjoyed my leatherette. none believes its fake. and i was able to use the money i saved towards a much better option. plus i feel like i saved a life or two. but i know thats a silly feeling.
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      12-04-2005, 11:25 AM   #21
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couldn't have said it better.
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      12-04-2005, 11:27 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tierfreund
I love the smell, the look and the feel of real leather.
Letherette just doesnīt do it for me. I donīt like to mess around with a rubber doll either (donīt ask how I know). I prefere the real thing.

I donīt care if the real thing needs more maintenance. Life is too short for fakes....

Btw: Back to topic: The wrinkling actually is on purpose. The leather could be made to sit very tight and wrinkle very little by the manufacturer (some actually do), but BMW feels, that slight wrinkling makes the leather look more natural and more expensive, so itīs actually prepared to look a bit that way. Even brand new cars running of the line with leather have some wrinkles. Wear over time just accentuates it.
i couldn't have said thisbetter.
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