[n00bim2015]

So, what is the general consensus on cleaning dakota leather and the fake leather portions of the seats and arm rests?

Should you clean and condition?

Are the leather bits clear coated?

Is there evidence that conditioner penetrates clear coats?

Also do you have to condition the fake leather bits?

I watched a video by Auto Fetish. he sounds a bit snobby in the way he explains things, but he does this for a living and I don't

he also hates hard on Lexol cleaning products for car seats.

[CHCCubs]

I've been using Sonax Leather Foam on my last 2 BMW's with Dakota leather and have been happy with the results.

https://www.eshine.ca/products/sonax...ditioner-400ml

[HKColter]

I used the Lexol cleaner and conditioner on mine and it's all right. Makes me feel better haha.

[n00bim2015]

I guess for black i can't tell its cleaning. just feeling like its clean by touch lol.

[F30ed]

I use Lexol. Satisfactory result. It does clean (test you armrest, you will be surprised), softens a bit, nice look and nice on touch, not sticky at all.

[n00bim2015]

Originally Posted by F30ed

I use Lexol. Satisfactory result. It does clean (test you armrest, you will be surprised), softens a bit, nice look and nice on touch, not sticky at all.

i guess what constitutes clean?

1 removes stains?

2 removes oils from skin?

3 removes sticky residue?

4 kills 99.9% bacteria?

take your pick.

with black interiors you'll never know #1

[ErkanTR16]

I use Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. Really pleased with the results.

[SDH]

Not used the other products mentioned on this thread but id highly recommend doctor leather cleaner. They actually recomend you dont condition leather at all, and ive followed this instruction for 2 1/2 years with great results on real leather and faux leather parts of my seats

[F30ed]

Originally Posted by n00bim2015

i guess what constitutes clean?
with black interiors you'll never know #1

You will. Spray armrest, let it sit for a few min, scrub with soft plastic brush (walmart type), and then wipe with white paper towel. Now look at the paper towel and say "Wow...".

[PanTheOrganizer]

You should check out my leather detailing video I posted yesterday in this forum from my YouTube channel... A lot simpler than the video you showed.

It's in French, but all the steps are clear to see:

I detail my leather seats in my new 435i xDrive Gran Coupe every month.

You have the option to use the classic two step method: clean and condition.

Or, use the newer three step method: clean, condition and protect. I like the Chemical Guys products for this three step method. You first start with the leather cleaner, you follow with the leather conditioner and finally seal and protect the leather from UV rays with the leather serum (See links below my video).

I also love the Swissvax leather care kit as well as the Pinnacle leather kit.

I've pretty much tried a dozen of leather products in my 20 plus years of car detailing and those three are my weapons of choice.

[ericvt]

I use the BMW leather cleaner. Used it on my other BMW also. Works pretty good. Price was crappy

[SLOWER]

I have Oyster, which I knew was going to be a chore. I came across this stuff in a thread here and ordered it from over seas. It is INCREDIBLE how easy it cleans the jean/denim transfer off the seats. A quick spray and very little effort with a microfiber.

http://www.drleather.com/Leather-Cleaners.aspx

I bought it from here and they shipped to the US no issues.

Cleaner:
http://www.monzacarcare.com/leather-...her-cleaner/0/

Dye blocker:
http://www.monzacarcare.com/leather-...irt-blocker/0/

I just cleaned the seats this morning and they are like the day I got the car almost 4 months ago.

[Exterminador]

Just used Lexol cleaner and then applied Meguiars Ultimate Leather Balm.

Looks nice! So far happy with the results.

[F30inthe6ix]

Originally Posted by Erkan_340i

I use Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. Really pleased with the results.

I hear excellent things about Chemical Guys products. I do need to touch up my red dakota leather interior at some point this summer, so I may just give them a shot myself when the time comes

[ErkanTR16]

Originally Posted by F30inthe6ix

I hear excellent things about Chemical Guys products. I do need to touch up my red dakota leather interior at some point this summer, so I may just give them a shot myself when the time comes

I'd highly recommend it. I have Red Dakota Leather as well. I keep the Leather Cleaner in the trunk just in case.

[F30inthe6ix]

Originally Posted by Erkan_340i

I'd highly recommend it. I have Red Dakota Leather as well. I keep the Leather Cleaner in the trunk just in case.

I keep a few of my cleaning supplies in my trunk as well! - great minds think alike

[vanbmw]

I have used several products over the years but I have always been really happy with Lexol. I do a cleaning every 6 months and I give a light conditioning every month or 2. I am sure (as the guy in the video says) it doesn't clean as well as other's however, my leather never really gets dirty. Maybe some coffee every now and again. I find the Lexol works fine for me. The cleaners the guy uses seem awefully strong to me. I have seen degreasers strip paint right off metal...seems way to strong for leather! If I had older white/beige leather that looked really bad I am sure it will clean it but I would think it would do some damage.

If I had to repair older dirty leather I would go with Leatherique prestine clean followed by Leatherique rejuvenator oil. I have heard great reviews of this product and also have watched youtube videos of this product in action.

Personally...I think using ANY leather cleaner once a year and conditioning the leather with a leather conditioner every month or 2 is the key! Pick any product made for the job and USE IT! Too many people never do anything to the leather and then it is 5 years old and they are complaining it is dirty and cracking. I am sure some products are better then others but I think more frequent application is the key. There are some simple to apply wipes out there. Buy a container and give the seats a quick wipe after you vacuum the car. Simple and effective!

[n00bim2015]

Originally Posted by vanbmw

I have used several products over the years but I have always been really happy with Lexol. I do a cleaning every 6 months and I give a light conditioning every month or 2. I am sure (as the guy in the video says) it doesn't clean as well as other's however, my leather never really gets dirty. Maybe some coffee every now and again. I find the Lexol works fine for me. The cleaners the guy uses seem awefully strong to me. I have seen degreasers strip paint right off metal...seems way to strong for leather! If I had older white/beige leather that looked really bad I am sure it will clean it but I would think it would do some damage.

If I had to repair older dirty leather I would go with Leatherique prestine clean followed by Leatherique rejuvenator oil. I have heard great reviews of this product and also have watched youtube videos of this product in action.

Personally...I think using ANY leather cleaner once a year and conditioning the leather with a leather conditioner every month or 2 is the key! Pick any product made for the job and USE IT! Too many people never do anything to the leather and then it is 5 years old and they are complaining it is dirty and cracking. I am sure some products are better then others but I think more frequent application is the key. There are some simple to apply wipes out there. Buy a container and give the seats a quick wipe after you vacuum the car. Simple and effective!

the guy in the video does it for a living, i'm sure he's not a snake oil product user, if he uses that product on 100+k cars, i'm sure nothing is going wrong. but as he proved if your car is truly dirty maybe lexol won't really clean it.

i've recently used lexol clean and conditioner and it does seem to calm down the leather wrinkles.

[Katin]

What about just a moist microfiber cloth? I hate to change the look and feel of the leather. I have found some products can make leather strange after prolonged use. No experience with BMW Dakota however.

[drexplode]

Leatherique. Best stuff I've ever used.

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by drexplode

Leatherique. Best stuff I've ever used.

I'm happy with the results with Leatherique on my 80s leather seats in the E28 & E30, but it doesn't work as well (in my experience) with the coated leather in the E39, E46, and F30.

[drexplode]

Originally Posted by John in VA

I'm happy with the results with Leatherique on my 80s leather seats in the E28 & E30, but it doesn't work as well (in my experience) with the coated leather in the E39, E46, and F30.

I applied immediately after first day of ownership and had great results. I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

Probably like most auto care products - gotta try and error to figure out which works best for your liking.