vinnieg

I have been thinking about changing my front seats (2013 GLK 350) from MB-Tex to leather. Nothing wrong with the MB-Tex just hoping Leather seat is softer. Does anyone know if the leather seat has more padding or feels softer?

erlomd

it does...feels softer and more velvety to the touch...but padding wise, I didn't see much of a difference...I was given a GLK Loaner with leather in Los Angeles once and it was nice but nothing too different than the MBTEX. I love the MB TEX since its so easy to clean and maintain. but theres nothing like opening the door and getting a blast of fresh leather in your olfactory.
if you think its worth the cost, then by all means up grade. My self however, do love the simplicity of the MBTEX and after 3 years with the car, I have traveled cross-country in twice and I can tell you I have never felt more comfortable in a car ride.

mjhawkins2346

My previous sled was a C Class with a black leather interior and honestly the MB Tex seems softer if even a bit artificially soft and a bit rubbery in the GLK. I've gone back and forth. I like the smell but the MB Tex seems a bit softer and certainly lasts longer.

mikedr

This can easily be done. You just need to find a quality upholstery shop. If you're in Az, I can give you the name of one.

MKenM

Not worth the time, effort or $. MB-Tex looks better after years of use and requires little to no maintenance. Never going to get your investment back and the next owner won't care or pay extra for it. That is unless you're going to keep the car forever, even then it is not worth it.

LesF

My last 3 cars have been mb-tex and I find maintenance is so much easier than leather although if it were std like on the older models I wouldn't turn it down.

Rdub

I would second that, even as I have many pieces of home furniture that are leather. Another issue is leather will require regular cleaning and treatments, that go way beyond wiping with 100% cotton toweling with diluted car soap and a clear water wipe down.

JDROCKS

Is there a way to determine if the vehicle came with leather vs mb tex? Sorry as I cannot see what came with our used GLK.

cergun

mine has leather and pattern is slightly different.(there are more pieces to it). it also feels thicker. Let me know if you need a photo.

JDROCKS

Yes pls., I want to compare

cergun

I hope this helps.

cergun

my personal preference is leather for 3 reasons.
1. Real leather does not make me sweat, artificial does.
2. 80's mercs have leather seats which still looks perfectly fine, newer ones wear out quicker.
3. I ride bikes too and it is known that real leather (jackets, suits) is much more abrasion resistant then any artificial products.

Keep in mind, this is a personal opinion and it may be wrong but if I have choice, I go with leather, always.

rmfnla

I like the feel and smell of leather as well but we got our GLK to take the dog so MB-Tex semed like the way to go.

Funny thing is we put a velour seat cover on the back seat so she wouldn't slide around so we probably could have gone with leather after all, but from what I understand most GLKs come with the Tex so it might not have even been available.

vinnieg, there all sorts of leather replacement covers available; just Google it. Or, try a local upholstery shop; they can not only swap it out to leather they can add additional padding if you want that as well.

Let us know how it goes...

vinnieg

Thanks. That is the best advice I have heard so far.

cetialpha5

Just use a vin decoder, there's several out there. Here's a couple:

http://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes

or

http://www.auto-parts.spb.ru/cat/cat...&client=dr2000

You can also sign up for a free EPC-Net account from Mercedes if you're in the US, takes longer to get all the feature codes though.

JDROCKS

Thanks for the pictures, really helped verifying what I have

JDROCKS

Really helpful links, showed everything I have on the car. Bookmarked.

JDROCKS

Would I still be able to use leather cleaners and leather balm to the MB-Tex? Just wondering as I have some autoglym products.

rmfnla

The cleaner should be fine but leather balm is intended to moisturize to keep the leather from drying out; I don't think that will do much more than just coat the MB-Tex...