Leatherette seat is tearing

CHARLEYBROWN · 08-27-2009, 11:42 AM

I didnt notice this happening until a piece flaked off and then I noticed how its tearing along the seat! They are leatherette and the car just turned 30,xxx miles. (06 330i still under warranty) am I screwed or will BMW replace it?

And srry about the crappy iPhone pix.. I am at work and thats the only camera I had...

Nakkamura · 08-27-2009, 11:45 AM

Damn that sucks. I thought leatherette was supposed to be sturdier than leather..

CHARLEYBROWN · 08-27-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nakkamura

Damn that sucks. I thought leatherette was supposed to be sturdier than leather..

thats why this doesnt make much scence to me. Its cracking and flaking of. And now that the first peice came off its getting alot worse alot faster...

memento · 08-27-2009, 11:52 AM

When I was looking for a 2006 325xi, one of the ones I saw had it's leatherette starting to do the same thing. and on mine, I can see where it is starting to get weak. The location just to the left of where yours is.

I wouldn't expect leatherette (vinyl) to be stronger than leather, just cheaper.

BM2006i · 08-27-2009, 11:59 AM

charleybrown:
I have the same problem with my 06', only on my driver's seat. it is obviously NOT caused by a foreign object. It has a crease or crack(4 inches). i took it back to the dealer and they told me it's not covered.
has anyone got it replaced or fixed under warranty?

rambalu80 · 08-27-2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nakkamura

Damn that sucks. I thought leatherette was supposed to be sturdier than leather..

I thought the same. My CA told me that leatherette would last longer as well handle more abuse than leather and he preferred it to leather.

CHARLEYBROWN · 08-27-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM2006i

charleybrown:
I have the same problem with my 06', only on my driver's seat. it is obviously NOT caused by a foreign object. It has a crease or crack(4 inches). i took it back to the dealer and they told me it's not covered.
has anyone got it replaced or fixed under warranty?

It is actually my drivers seat as well. I am waiting for my local BMW dealer to call back so I can explain and see what they have to say. *Fingers Crossed!*

txusa03 · 08-27-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nakkamura

Damn that sucks. I thought leatherette was supposed to be sturdier than leather..

What information have you read that tells you that it is sturdier than leather?

crazed792 · 08-27-2009, 12:14 PM

I just assumed it would require less maintenance than leather, myself. I would assume it to be as sturdy as other leatherette trim I've seen. Yours doesn't seem to match my second assumption. Mine still looks good, but we'll see what the future brings.

From the spots I can see in your pic, the seat bottom looks like something tore across it, and the side one could perhaps be caused from the seat belt? Once started, I would assume it would get worse quickly.

CHARLEYBROWN · 08-27-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazed792

From the spots I can see in your pic, the seat bottom looks like something tore across it, and the side one could perhaps be caused from the seat belt? Once started, I would assume it would get worse quickly.

I know the pix suck but in person you can easily see that it is cracking from sitting in the seat and that nothing tore across it. And yes the other part is from the seat belt and I read that is common with leather. Guess leatherette as well. Still havent heard back from the dealer. I will post when they call me...

txusa03 · 08-27-2009, 12:29 PM

real or not, if you dont maintain it, it will not last. The things I hear alot with leatherette is that it require less maintenance but could this lead to premature failure of the product??? Just a thought.

crazed792 · 08-27-2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHARLEYBROWN

I know the pix suck but in person you can easily see that it is cracking from sitting in the seat and that nothing tore across it. And yes the other part is from the seat belt and I read that is common with leather. Guess leatherette as well. Still havent heard back from the dealer. I will post when they call me...

I see. Any chance you keep your wallet in your back left pocket and have it fit about where that crease is when you sit? It still would have to be wear, I think. None the less, I would be upset in that case if it weren't covered.

CHARLEYBROWN · 08-27-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazed792

Any chance you keep your wallet in your back left pocket and have it fit about where that crease is when you sit?

no only because i never sit on my wallet. hurts my a** and that would be the right packet. Also I just bought the car last month so i didnt notice the cracking until the pieces started flaking off. But the wallet reason could be what caused this from the previous owner...

MrDummy · 08-27-2009, 01:17 PM

I doubt it will be covered as BMW is very rigid on the whole wear and tear BS. Plus it being 3 years old, like mine, they will say it is normal.

I think the guy said a lot of it has to do with the weight of the owner of the vehicle to, as in my salesmen. As I ask the cond. of the interior b4 I even came out and looked at my car.

the previous owner was a little chick according to the SM who owned my car b4 I bought it, so all my seats are in like new condition.

CHARLEYBROWN · 08-27-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDummy

I doubt it will be covered as BMW is very rigid on the whole wear and tear BS. Plus it being 3 years old, like mine, they will say it is normal.

I think the guy said a lot of it has to do with the weight of the owner of the vehicle to, as in my salesmen. As I ask the cond. of the interior b4 I even came out and looked at my car.

the previous owner was a little chick according to the SM who owned my car b4 I bought it, so all my seats are in like new condition.

Yeah I have a feeling your right. I am just really dissapointed. I have had 3 mustangs older then my 330i with way more miles and nothing close to this happened. And on those they were both leather and vynal. Leather on the contact points and vynal everywhere else. Held up much better then these seats.

stressdoc · 08-27-2009, 01:37 PM

I have over 30k on my 09/2006 build 335 and the leatherette seats are in showroom new condition despite all kinds of abuse -- three boys, hauling lots of stuff, I play sand volleyball a lot, etc. The 'ette on my E90 seems a lot tougher (thicker and rougher surface) than the thinner softer stuff that was on my E46. Maybe there was a change from the 330 to 335. Or maybe there is a beige / black difference, because the black gets hotter and absorbs more sun radiation.

I would guess no cracks or other wear problems for my seats for at least another five years.

CHARLEYBROWN · 08-27-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

I would guess no cracks or other wear problems for my seats for at least another five years.

This seems to be most peoples expirience with leatherette... Mabey the prev owner was a big fat a**... the car did come from Florida so it was exposed to more sun/heat then other places...

stressdoc · 08-27-2009, 02:13 PM

It looks smoother than the stuff in mine too. Regardless, BMW seating material should not fail like that under normal use. Wear and tear? I just had my wiper blades replaced for free. If they replace brakes etc., why not seats? Probably because they are so pricey. If it were my car I would start to view this as a good excuse to get some Recarros or other lightweight racing seat. Tell the dealer you will be happy to settle for a set of those Euro BMW Performance seats.

F32Fleet · 08-27-2009, 03:49 PM

There are a ton of vinyl seat repair kits out there. You alse might want to begin applying some protectant on the seats. UV + Heat make plastic brittle.

srcstc · 08-27-2009, 03:50 PM

Had the same problem in the same spot in my E46 but after the warranty expired. Get it replaced while you can. Abnormal wear.

McLuVan · 08-27-2009, 04:03 PM

bring it to your dealer
they might cover it

Frosty · 08-27-2009, 04:21 PM

I have 82,000 miles on my black leatherette seats.. still like new.. just me and my girl drive it though.... I'm under 200lbs

I always wondered about the seat ocupant detectors if they will be wear points, I can see their outline just under the surface...

~Frost

08-27-2009, 11:42 AM	#1
CHARLEYBROWN Private First Class 7 Rep 176 Posts Drives: 2006 330I 6MT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Oklahoma City iTrader: (0)	Leatherette seat is tearing I didnt notice this happening until a piece flaked off and then I noticed how its tearing along the seat! They are leatherette and the car just turned 30,xxx miles. (06 330i still under warranty) am I screwed or will BMW replace it? And srry about the crappy iPhone pix.. I am at work and thats the only camera I had... Attached Images __________________ 2006 Sparkling Graphite 330I 6MT V713 H&R Touring Cup Kit
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08-27-2009, 11:45 AM	#2
Nakkamura New Member 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: Alpine White 328i Coupe Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Damn that sucks. I thought leatherette was supposed to be sturdier than leather..
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08-27-2009, 11:52 AM	#4
memento Enlisted Member 8 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2006 Titanium 325xi E90 6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Schenectady, NY iTrader: (0)	When I was looking for a 2006 325xi, one of the ones I saw had it's leatherette starting to do the same thing. and on mine, I can see where it is starting to get weak. The location just to the left of where yours is. I wouldn't expect leatherette (vinyl) to be stronger than leather, just cheaper.
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08-27-2009, 11:59 AM	#5
BM2006i Second Lieutenant 96 Rep 272 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	charleybrown: I have the same problem with my 06', only on my driver's seat. it is obviously NOT caused by a foreign object. It has a crease or crack(4 inches). i took it back to the dealer and they told me it's not covered. has anyone got it replaced or fixed under warranty?
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08-27-2009, 12:14 PM	#9
crazed792 Captain 16 Rep 616 Posts Drives: 2007 328i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SL,UT iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 328i [0.00]	I just assumed it would require less maintenance than leather, myself. I would assume it to be as sturdy as other leatherette trim I've seen. Yours doesn't seem to match my second assumption. Mine still looks good, but we'll see what the future brings. From the spots I can see in your pic, the seat bottom looks like something tore across it, and the side one could perhaps be caused from the seat belt? Once started, I would assume it would get worse quickly. __________________
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08-27-2009, 12:29 PM	#11
txusa03 Major General 550 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	real or not, if you dont maintain it, it will not last. The things I hear alot with leatherette is that it require less maintenance but could this lead to premature failure of the product??? Just a thought. __________________ under construction!
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08-27-2009, 01:17 PM	#14
MrDummy →сяuisiиg iи му вмш← 66 Rep 1,642 Posts Drives: 2010 Space Gray 328i Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Unemployment Capitol of America iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 BMW 328i [0.00]	I doubt it will be covered as BMW is very rigid on the whole wear and tear BS. Plus it being 3 years old, like mine, they will say it is normal. I think the guy said a lot of it has to do with the weight of the owner of the vehicle to, as in my salesmen. As I ask the cond. of the interior b4 I even came out and looked at my car. the previous owner was a little chick according to the SM who owned my car b4 I bought it, so all my seats are in like new condition. __________________ SuPerMoD @ MassMonsterz.com A "Happy" Owner of a Metallic Space Gray 2010 BMW 328i ProGaMeR on the XboX 360
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08-27-2009, 01:37 PM	#16
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	I have over 30k on my 09/2006 build 335 and the leatherette seats are in showroom new condition despite all kinds of abuse -- three boys, hauling lots of stuff, I play sand volleyball a lot, etc. The 'ette on my E90 seems a lot tougher (thicker and rougher surface) than the thinner softer stuff that was on my E46. Maybe there was a change from the 330 to 335. Or maybe there is a beige / black difference, because the black gets hotter and absorbs more sun radiation. I would guess no cracks or other wear problems for my seats for at least another five years.
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08-27-2009, 02:13 PM	#18
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	It looks smoother than the stuff in mine too. Regardless, BMW seating material should not fail like that under normal use. Wear and tear? I just had my wiper blades replaced for free. If they replace brakes etc., why not seats? Probably because they are so pricey. If it were my car I would start to view this as a good excuse to get some Recarros or other lightweight racing seat. Tell the dealer you will be happy to settle for a set of those Euro BMW Performance seats. __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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08-27-2009, 03:49 PM	#19
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3606 Rep 10,367 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	There are a ton of vinyl seat repair kits out there. You alse might want to begin applying some protectant on the seats. UV + Heat make plastic brittle.
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08-27-2009, 03:50 PM	#20
srcstc Major 82 Rep 1,365 Posts Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (9)	Had the same problem in the same spot in my E46 but after the warranty expired. Get it replaced while you can. Abnormal wear.
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08-27-2009, 04:03 PM	#21
McLuVan Lieutenant General 304 Rep 13,114 Posts Drives: ///M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Socal~818~ iTrader: (1)	bring it to your dealer they might cover it __________________
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08-27-2009, 04:21 PM	#22
Frosty Colonel 780 Rep 2,638 Posts Drives: M240i - 2021 - 6MT - Join Date: May 2006 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	I have 82,000 miles on my black leatherette seats.. still like new.. just me and my girl drive it though.... I'm under 200lbs I always wondered about the seat ocupant detectors if they will be wear points, I can see their outline just under the surface... ~Frost __________________ M240i Coupe (6MT) (2021: 6/2021 build ) Accord Coupe (6MT) (2017) 335i Coupe (6MT) (2007: 9/06 build SOLD 8/2016) Prelude (5MT) (1995)
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