timmynabenz

I'm just curious how rare having the premium leather upholstery is on the Sport w203's vs. the MB-Tex upholstery that comes stock.

I know its uncommon, but I've noticed it seems really uncommon, my guess is that most people who got entry level Benz's didnt have or want to spend the money on something like that

samaritrey

i have seen a few with it but i think they were all luxury models. except for my dads c32 i think that was leather

omg its nate

Interior leather "Twin" (111)

timmynabenz

ive never heard that?

omg its nate

I just ran my vin and thats what it said. I have no idea what leather I have. I am a noob.

http://old.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/

peanutbutterguy

That site says I have "Leather Twin (118)", however it looks totally different than the picture above.

bdgdl08

From my understanding (and I could be completely off base) is that is the MB-Tex before '07 - it had leather inserts surrounded by MB-Tex. In '07, they went to full MB-Tex (what I have). My grandfather purchased the car as his first Mercedes (at 89 years old). He was a very frugal man, and didn't special order, or get any options. I have the sunroof package and automatic. That's it.

LILBENZ230

I have the leather "twin" as well. The last year of the leather inserts was 2005.

henry418

Is one way to tell apart leather and MB Tex the door?

I've seen some pics of cars with the real leather option and it seems like there's folds of the leather on the door. My car doesn't have those folds, just smooth.

I don't know if I have leather or MB-tex, which is why i'm asking.

LILBENZ230

Yes the door gives it away.

Glyn M Ruck

Full wonderful leather & perfect - great smell. The double stitching gives it away & rouched door panels.

lkfoster

In day to day use how much difference is there between MB-tex and full leather? I've been told that the MB-tex actually holds up better to harsh use than leather.

johnand

Yes, that is what I was told too. Also looked at a lot of used C-Classes and the MB Tex ones always looked in better condition than leather ones. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Leather needs to be cared for properly on a regular basis to have good longevity. MB Tex needs really no care or maintenance to last.

When I bought my car, I ordered it and debated back and forth. Finally decided in my case it wasn't worth the $1600 up charge for leather. If you buy a used one with leather, you won't see that kind of difference. In fact, just look at all the C-Classes for sale. Most are advertised as leather, but the reality is very few do truly have leather.

e24kgold

My door inserts are perforated, which I guess is the MB-Tex??

johnand

Yes.

02C32guy

I have the Napa leather package and it feels nice and looks good, but I have to cover the seats with a blanket anytime my dog gets in the car. The leather is quite a bit softer than the MB-Tex and my dogs nails dig right into it. So much In fact, sometimes I put down the back seats and make him deal with it. Whatever I had in my '00 C280 sport was bullet proof. I almost miss it from that standpoint. I can't be certain about this, but I think the Tex has more of a grain to it. That's how I usually spot it.

bdgdl08

I like not having to worry so much about my seats They get dirty and clean up easily.

CrunchyMike

My first post on MBWorld!!

I have the Premium Leather, but only because it came in a package. I actually like the MB-Tex a lot better.
...and you're right, it's got a lot more grain in it.

--Mike

timmynabenz

your in ladera? nice, im not far

AdidasC230

MB Tex here, like how it doesnt look worn, although the centers are wearing like they are leather kind of.

CrunchyMike

Yup, moved here about 5 weeks ago.

nrg_mike

I've had 2 of my 3 cars in Leather. My 02 Coupe and 05 C320 are leather and my C300 is MB Tex. We looked at the new shipment of C classes for 2010 and there are hardly any w/ Leather as an option. Out of 14 page, we saw 2! lol

Glyn M Ruck

Yep - this argument rages on & on - esp on the 204 forum. 204's look awful without leather with their plain plastic door panels.

My car has South African leather & is as new after 6 years. Different markets - you can't give away a Benz here without leather. Our leather is a lot tougher than the stuff out of Europe & I love the double stitching. I think MBTex looks low rent & reminds me of taxis (known as taxi leder in Europe) - It's certainly durable.

It's a pity they don't double stitch MBTex for the US. Americans seem to have a love affair with the stuff. In SA only farmers buying C180's order the stuff as a special order. Otherwise all cars are full leather.

bdgdl08

I completely agree about the 204s. All the loaners here are dark grey/black and everything is just a sea of grey plastic.

timmynabenz

+1 no offense to the 204's but I actually like my 203 more than 204's which is why i havent gotten one, the interior just looks so cheap IMO compared to my 203, and my factory nav pops out too so im all good hahaha