[drexplode]

Does scotchgard interior protection actually work? Would you recommend?

Dealer is offering to do it for free on leather.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Free is good but there are better products for leather. No protection is permanent no matter how much marketing they throw at you btw.

[Labeef]

Its basically like the shit you spray on shoes to water proof them. If it's free why not. But, I would be a little hesitant due to the amount of carcinogens they would be spraying in your car.

[maa335iF30]

Unless you're planning to transport anything out of the ordinary on a regular basis, I would pass on this offer. The leather is meant to last for many years, without any additional crap the dealer will throw at it. My general rule has been to decline most of the ad-hoc stuff that the dealer tries to sell you. I know they've offered to do this for free, but it's not because they like you (they probably have a monthly quota to meet so that they can get a kickback from the product manufacturer, and they're using you and your new car to get there OR they are performing new product tests on your car and getting paid by the product manufacturer for the information/your feedback). Just enjoy the interior the way BMW intended it. Ask the dealer to find another car to experiment the new product on.

[drexplode]

Thanks guys for the feedback.

The interior is a lighter color and i expressed concern with dirt/grime due to MI winters. Their response was to scotchgard the interior for free to continue to move forward with the deal.

[RoundelM3]

Just use a good leather cleaner/conditioner periodically and it'll stay clean and supple. Leather will dry out in the winter time same as in the summer time if it's not "fed" every so often. Many of the better products on the market offer UV protection as well as nutrients for the leather. I do mine in both cars every 2 months.

[tex2670]

I don't think I'd Scotchguard leather.

[KneeDragr]

I wouldent do it because I enjoy detailing my cars both inside and outside. But for 99% of the population who car is trashed inside and out within 3-4 years, my guess is their interior would look better with it than without it. The question is, which category do you fit in? A good way to figure it out is - do you know off the top of your head, the name of a product designed to prevent die transfer on leather? Do you own a dual action polisher?

[BavarianFanatic]

Today's leather is plastic coated. You can try to "condition" it all you want, but it's just going to sit on the surface. Scotchgard would be redundant.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by drexplode

Does scotchgard interior protection actually work? Would you recommend?

Dealer is offering to do it for free on leather.

No point...absolute waste of dough. Auto leather is sealed. Ever notice how water doesnt make it go dark? Even conditioners do virtually nothing....oops didnt see post above. +1!

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Just use a good leather cleaner/conditioner periodically and it'll stay clean and supple. Leather will dry out in the winter time same as in the summer time if it's not "fed" every so often. Many of the better products on the market offer UV protection as well as nutrients for the leather. I do mine in both cars every 2 months.

See post #9. It doesnt dry out in winter.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by 335BOY

See post #9. It doesnt dry out in winter.

Tell that to the guys in New Mexico and Colorado where it's so dry in winter, the air cracks...

[vanbmw]

I know a buddy used to work at a car dealer. When they sold the expensive "scotchguard" packages to customers the mechanics just took out the floor mats and sprayed the car with regular scotchguard. He said it was the same stuff you could buy at your local grocery store but came in a bigger sized container. Cost the dealer $20-$25 at most and they ripped off the customers big time.

I didn't know they sold scotchguard for leather but I wouldn't bother.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Tell that to the guys in New Mexico and Colorado where it's so dry in winter, the air cracks...

The leather doesn't crack due to just drying out, it cracks because UV radiation burns through it in worn areas.

Conditioner with UV protection not only reintroduces oils back into the leather, but protects from sun damage.

This is why BMW sells their own also. Yes the leather is sealed and should last fine for 5-7 years, but it'll start to wear unless you protect it.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

The leather doesn't crack due to just drying out, it cracks because UV radiation burns through it in worn areas.

Conditioner with UV protection not only reintroduces oils back into the leather, but protects from sun damage.

This is why BMW sells their own also. Yes the leather is sealed and should last fine for 5-7 years, but it'll start to wear unless you protect it.

+1 Just because leather is coated doesn't mean it won't wear, crack and experience UV damage.

[drexplode]

Originally Posted by vanbmw

I know a buddy used to work at a car dealer. When they sold the expensive "scotchguard" packages to customers the mechanics just took out the floor mats and sprayed the car with regular scotchguard. He said it was the same stuff you could buy at your local grocery store but came in a bigger sized container. Cost the dealer $20-$25 at most and they ripped off the customers big time.

I didn't know they sold scotchguard for leather but I wouldn't bother.

Decided against the scotchgard and car all together!!