[amphiprion]

Not yet mentioned, but something I personally enjoy is that full-leather interiors have a more potent and rich leather smell which lasts much much longer..

[squeaky]

This reminds me why I hit the IGNORE button on CINISI.

[bavaria22]

I was very sceptical of the leather dashboard as well, probably because of the high price compared to some of the other options. But after seeing a few leather dashboards at my dealer, I have changed my mind.

When you watch out for cars with leather dashboards (e.g. parking lots), you start realizing it is something very special, as MOST cars don't have it.

I think once you go leather, you never go back to plastic. Same for seats. Why settle for less?

[bimmer2019]

I'm having trouble deciphering from the pictures, but is the non-leather dash truly plastic or is it going to be some kind of other material like sensa tec or something? I'm opting for a lot of the upgrade packages/options and initially thought of leaving out leather dash because my build is getting so expensive and a leather dash initially seemed "unnecessary." However after reading all the comments on here praising the leather dash, I'm worried about making a mistake by leaving it off, especially since i'm souping the car up with so many other things! Maybe I'm not quite understanding the difference in look and where exactly the leather will be. Oh, if only "extended" Merino meant extending to the dash as well!!

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by amphiprion

Not yet mentioned, but something I personally enjoy is that full-leather interiors have a more potent and rich leather smell which lasts much much longer..

True. Also the headrests on comfort seats also feel softer and comfortable (i have dakota comfort now but noticed on another X5 with merino). Top door panels if you lean your arm also softer (compared my former F15 without leather dash to newer 2017 that i currently own). Also rear of front seats are in some softer material not sure if thats leather (anyways not so important).

[akhter]

Originally Posted by mweir

So if you get the extended Merino and the leather dashboard, what kind of leather is the dashboard? Is it also Merino? Or something else?

It's the same type of leather. The color varies by seat color I.e. it's not always same color as seat.

[bavaria22]

Originally Posted by CINISI

My comment about Kia was that you can find similar stitch patterns that can also be seen in high end cars/SUVs.
I never once said the quality compared to what's in the BMW.

My dislike is of the stitch pattern and NOT quality of materials used. Can we move on now?

Originally Posted by bimmer2019

I'm having trouble deciphering from the pictures, but is the non-leather dash truly plastic or is it going to be some kind of other material like sensa tec or something? I'm opting for a lot of the upgrade packages/options and initially thought of leaving out leather dash because my build is getting so expensive and a leather dash initially seemed "unnecessary." However after reading all the comments on here praising the leather dash, I'm worried about making a mistake by leaving it off, especially since i'm souping the car up with so many other things! Maybe I'm not quite understanding the difference in look and where exactly the leather will be. Oh, if only "extended" Merino meant extending to the dash as well!!

Not sure about the US model but in Germany the SensaTec is only available on the M50d. For all other models it seems to be soft plastic stuff.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by bimmer2019

I'm having trouble deciphering from the pictures, but is the non-leather dash truly plastic or is it going to be some kind of other material like sensa tec or something? I'm opting for a lot of the upgrade packages/options and initially thought of leaving out leather dash because my build is getting so expensive and a leather dash initially seemed "unnecessary." However after reading all the comments on here praising the leather dash, I'm worried about making a mistake by leaving it off, especially since i'm souping the car up with so many other things! Maybe I'm not quite understanding the difference in look and where exactly the leather will be. Oh, if only "extended" Merino meant extending to the dash as well!!

Go see a 5 series without leather dash and a 7 series with leather dash. You dealer will surely have both. For me it was a very expensive option but coming from an f15 without it I wanted a bigger upgrade on interior and decided to go for it.

Without leather it's soft plastic with fake stitching like a civic turbo (yeah I have one of those).

[bavaria22]

Originally Posted by CINISI

Make sure you check out the new Wrangler. They also have a leather dash on some trims.

Appreciate it. But I think I'll stick with "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE".

PS: Leather dash also includes the upper portion of the doors, in the front AND the back. I want to make sure my kids also get the real leather!!!

[bavaria22]

Originally Posted by CINISI

You said you're walking around parking lots looking for leather dashes.
Manufacturers have been making this optional for a few years now. Even so that the new Wrangler has recently opted the option. BTW you haven't experienced "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" until you've taken a Wrangler offroad. Something that I wouldnt recommend you try with a BMW and im not talking about dirt roads.

If you search around you'll see there are common issues associated with leather dash which include fading and cracking because they're directly exposed with the elements. The temps here range 100 degrees during the change in seasons which can also affect materials causing shrinking and expanding.

In the end all that matters is that you like it.

Cheers!

Agreed that a Wrangler will go places a BMW never will. But I am not buying it to go offroad.

Regarding the issues with fading and cracking: 99% of the time mine will be parked in a garage (@home and @work) so no problem for me.

As you put it, in the end everyone chooses their own build.

[mbhammer]

Driving a 2019 C300 loaner while my AMG is at dealer for annual maintenance. Was blinded this morning when sun reflected up onto windshield off of shiney plastic dashboard/gauges ferring.

BMW non-leather dashes appear to be a matte finish, to minimize the risk of such reflection blindness. Leather even less reflective.

I opted for leather dash on my G05 build. Using my experience this morning to feel better about the $1,200.

[bjcarls]

I know its been said. I'll always order a leather dash, I look across it every time I drive, sit at a stop light, etc. It's a must for me, same as leather quality, it just feels so good.

[maze446]

Originally Posted by CINISI

The justifications for leather dash in the thread are amusing.

I was just peer pressured by my buddy. Never seen the leather dash. Don't have it in my F15. Don't know if it's worth it. But, I ultimately said what the hell.

[JustChris]

Does adding leather dash not also mean the door tops also become leather. I think it does lower down the models. Thus pretty good value IMO.

[bjcarls]

Originally Posted by CINISI

The justifications for leather dash in the thread are amusing.

To be straight, couldn't you say that about any car/BMW/decision. Why drive a BMW then? Lot's will get you from A to B.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Does adding leather dash not also mean the door tops also become leather. I think it does lower down the models. Thus pretty good value IMO.

All 4 door tops get leather as well.

[bimmer2019]

Thanks for everybody's input. I emailed my CA to ask about adding leather dash to my order which has merino. This is what he wrote: "Leather dash is not available with sport package. Even with non sport package the dash is sensa tec leather."

Are both of these statements true? I didn't think leather dash is excluded as an option with m sport package?

[ScottMZ3]

Originally Posted by bimmer2019

Thanks for everybody's input. I emailed my CA to ask about adding leather dash to my order which has merino. This is what he wrote: "Leather dash is not available with sport package. Even with non sport package the dash is sensa tec leather."

Are both of these statements true? I didn't think leather dash is excluded as an option with m sport package?

That is false information (for the US anyway). In fact the leather dash REQUIRES you order either the M-Sport Package (ZMP) or the Convenience Package (ZCV - which is also included in M-Sport package). You don't even need to get the Merino leather to get the leather dash. The type of leather on the dash will be the same as the leather on the seats you choose.

Below is our order from the BMW My Garage portal. M-Sport with the Leather Dash option. We also have the Tartufo Leather for the interior.

[bimmer2019]

Thank you. That's what I thought too. So if we don't opt for leather dash, will it be plasticky or sensa tec?

[ScottMZ3]

Originally Posted by bimmer2019

Thank you. That's what I thought too. So if we don't opt for leather dash, will it be plasticky or sensa tec?

It will be the soft touch material (not hard plastic). I don't know what it is made from, but it won't be Sensatec or have the stitching on it.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by ScottMZ3

It will be the soft touch material (not hard plastic). I don't know what it is made from, but it won't be Sensatec or have the stitching on it.

It's rubbery material with fake stitching so it looks like cheap leather.

[ScottMZ3]

Originally Posted by akhter

It's rubbery material with fake stitching so it looks like cheap leather.

In the US there isn't any stitching on the dash unless you get the Leather Dashboard.