[AWF30MSPORT]

Does anyone have firsthand, long-term experience with the red leather upholstery in previous BMWs? I have always liked the contrast of red leather against black interior components and I am seriously considering ordering the coral red leather in my new F30. My concern is with the long-term effects of daily use on the leather- is it significantly more prone to show dark/dirty spots over time? Every vehicle I have owned has had black or grey leather, and I am worried that the usual cracks/dryness that seem to always develop on the bolsters will be more obvious on the red. Any thoughts or personal opinions would be much appreciated.

-L

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by lukeb817

Does anyone have firsthand, long-term experience with the red leather upholstery in previous BMWs? I have always liked the contrast of red leather against black interior components and I am seriously considering ordering the coral red leather in my new F30. My concern is with the long-term effects of daily use on the leather- is it significantly more prone to show dark/dirty spots over time? Every vehicle I have owned has had black or grey leather, and I am worried that the usual cracks/dryness that seem to always develop on the bolsters will be more obvious on the red. Any thoughts or personal opinions would be much appreciated.

-L

I don't think it would be any worst than Venetian Beige or any other "lighter" colored leather.

[Road Cone1]

Friend of mine has Coral Red in a 135i and he said he would not get it again as it's starting to show wear prematurely.

[svache]

Originally Posted by r3dbimmer89

I don't think it would be any worst than Venetian Beige or any other "lighter" colored leather.

If so, then I doubt it is bad at all. We have beige in our X5 for 3 years now and don't see any signs of wear... we do see some darker spots here and there but it's not that bad and it's still cleanable.

Funny thing, I was actually surprised in how easy black could become dirty. You don't expect that but when I have my daughter in the back seat, one footprint on the chair and you see it while you don't see it at all on the beige after one kick :S

[AWF30MSPORT]

Originally Posted by Road Cone1

Friend of mine has Coral Red in a 135i and he said he would not get it again as it's starting to show wear prematurely.

Exactly what I'm worried about-- thanks for the info.

Anyone else have personal experience with BMW red leather upholstery? (1-5 years?)

Any thoughts on potential impact on resale value? Seems like there might be a smaller pool of potential buyers of a red interior on the secondary market down the road. I love it- but I imagine many people might dislike the contrast.

[matt_435xi]

Originally Posted by lukeb817

Exactly what I'm worried about-- thanks for the info.

Anyone else have personal experience with BMW red leather upholstery? (1-5 years?)

Any thoughts on potential impact on resale value? Seems like there might be a smaller pool of potential buyers of a red interior on the secondary market down the road. I love it- but I imagine many people might dislike the contrast.

I have had coral red leather on my Z4 for 2.5 years and it still looks great, no signs of wear or dirt. it's a very bold and eye catching interior, and you are correct, most people don't have the balls to stand out and make a statement. my opinion: get what is appealing to your eye, F*** the rest of the world.

http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361769

[J1n]

I have both light colours as well as dark and all I can say is it requires more care if you have kids. Leather cleaner and conditioner is a must. My light interior was pretty much in the same state when I sold it at 3 years.

Clean the leather once a month ,condition it every quarter and you'll be fine buddy.

[TEAShea]

If you take a look at past threads regarding red leather you will find that the wear is a factor. You are correct that cracks will be very obvious - and staining is also an issue.

T

[MarkY]

I have a red interior on my 2001 (E46) 330Ci. I'm the original owner (waiting on the new M3) and the seats have worn remarkably well. That being said, I also clean and treat the leather every 4-6 months. The only wear I can see is on the driver seat, where the seat back meets the seat cushion, from the black belt I wear with work clothes (suits). I probably first noticed it at about 5-years, so I can't really complain about that. I will 100% get red again, or a red/black combo with red being the predominate seat color.

[r3dbimmer89]

I'll be getting Coral Red in my F30 so we'll see

[AWF30MSPORT]

Thanks for everyone's input- As I understand, it might just require more diligent cleaning/maintenance than black leather. A little maintenance is fine with me and I just love the look so I am going for it: Alpine white + coral red.

Thanks,
L

[Force[FED]]

I have the coral red in my '08 335xi coupe, and I love it (alpine white exterior). My car is now over 4 years old (since built), and has 65k miles, and the seats look fantastic. I do put some Lexol on the seats maybe twice a year, but I have done this for all leather in my cars. I hate black leather, it's WAY too damn hot in the summer.

If you really like the coral red, go for it...the leather won't wear any more prematurely than any other leather that doesn't get proper care.

Kev

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by Road Cone1

Friend of mine has Coral Red in a 135i and he said he would not get it again as it's starting to show wear prematurely.

Is his 135i a 2008? the first year models had two leather surfaces- the rougher/textured on the inside of the seats and a smoother, almost nappa like on the bolsters. that smooth stuff wore out easy. in 2009 they changed to all textured. also the 1s have boston leather vs the dakota in the 3s. don't know the exact difference but i'd guess it's cheaper stuff

[MaestroAl]

Just order what you like and deal with it afterwards The deal with any leather interior is to either put in the hard work yourself or get the leather treated properly when you collect the car, then get it topped up at elast every 6 month for best results. I''ve already booked mine in for full paint correction and sealing along with a full interior treatment. Costs around £500 but with minor maintenance, the car will look brand new when I either hand it back to the lease company or buy it in a couple of years' time

[ando]

I had chestnut red/brown leather in my 2011 X3 that was 19 months old no sign of wear or tear. I just used Lexol a couple times a year.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by r3dbimmer89

I'll be getting Coral Red in my F30 so we'll see

Be sure and let us know in ten years.

[Drk280]

The thing I notice with leather aging is the stretch marks, I had a Jag with cream leather and the stretch marks seem quite visible, my X5 has hardly any use so I can't comment on how the black will turn out but it's gEtting traded in for an F30 with black leather. I have looked at older BMW cars in the used car lot and stretch marks are quite "ugly" imo and appears from these old cars to be unavoidable but they are more visible in lighter colored leather.

[twokidsnosleep]

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

I have had coral red leather on my Z4 for 2.5 years and it still looks great, no signs of wear or dirt. it's a very bold and eye catching interior, and you are correct, most people don't have the balls to stand out and make a statement. my opinion: get what is appealing to your eye, F*** the rest of the world.

http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361769

Awesome Matt

[YeaG30]

Originally Posted by lukeb817

Thanks for everyone's input- As I understand, it might just require more diligent cleaning/maintenance than black leather. A little maintenance is fine with me and I just love the look so I am going for it: Alpine white + coral red.

Thanks,
L

I just got mine and I am so glad I got that combo. You won't regret it!

[KP991]

I have Coral Red interior and I am so surprise that about 5 months 6000 Km the surface on the driver sear start peeling. All other seats are fine so far. First time I have red interior and first time I notice such thing happened.

[ZMM_OMG]

A buddy of mine had an e46 with a red interior. He took good care of it and it looked great, with very minimal wear and tear other than the usual around the driver side bolster. Order it (if you haven't already)!

[rjc32000]

Originally Posted by 327Cayman

I have Coral Red interior and I am so surprise that about 5 months 6000 Km the surface on the driver sear start peeling. All other seats are fine so far. First time I have red interior and first time I notice such thing happened.

Pictures, please?