I was convinced on getting leather in the W204, but the dealer actually tried to talk me out of it and said the new MB Tex (same as W203) stands up much better. I've had leather in a few cars and found it to be difficult to maintain, especially in hot climates and with kids, etc.

I'm now wondering if I should go with the MB-Tex now...

 

My 560SEC is ninteen years old, and the leather still looks new. MB leather is extremely durable and easy to care for, I cannot having my car upholstered in plastic for durability.

 

What color leather do you have in it? I'm leaning toward one of the lighter colors and am worried about stains, etc. (i've got young kids).

I would most definately prefer the leather...just don't want to have it start to change color on me 3 years from now.

 

Palamino, which is the equivalent of what is now savannah beige. I know someone who even has a light creme interior on his 560SEL and that looks fantastic. Leather care products can take care of almost anything your kids can dish out. My 300D had a blue interior and my mother had a 300E with burgundy, no worries about fading as long as you make some sort of effort to protect your car from the sun, which will damage the paint and other upholstery anyway.

 

Thanks. I think you've convinced me to go ahead and get the leather.

Makes me wonder why he tried to talk me out of it though...either they don't get much of a markup on leather or all of the models on their way to the dealerships are not leather and they don't want to have to order cars while those are sitting there.

 

I believe the reason the salseman tried to talk you out of leather is that when the get trade-ins, the MB Tex upholstery is ususlly good no matter how it was neglected. Leather can easily be ruined by abuse and neglect.

 

From an environmental concern, vinyl gases and leeks toxic chemicals onto your legs and hands from the seats and steering wheel which causes more interior pollution that we breathe and absorb.

I'd rather have leather, as it's natural.

 

I have ash leather, which is almost white. For some reason it looks like new, although I have kids.

 

The steering wheel is always leather wrapped in the US even in cars with MB Tex.

The MB Tex is extremly durable and looks great even after a while. I have a 2005 C-Class so it is the last year with the leather inserts, and despite regular care and conditioning the leather portion has creases and doesn't look as good.

 

MB Tex is durable and lasts long. MB Leather lasts longer than some other makes but it still requires maintenance.

 

Ironically the more expensive the leather (like the Napa in the higher end models) the worse it wears.

 

bump

 

Does the leather seats look exactly like the M-Tex? Stitching on the leather seats? Am about to order the car, so it will be appreciated if any owner with leather seats will post photos. TIA.

Decided on Iridium Silver....what do you think will look better; all black or the 2-tone black and grey?

 

Same experience here. I think it will take longer to get your car in with leather and they may have lots of units coming in with M-Tex that they want to push.

 

There are very small visual differences. Which are you getting luxury or sport? Because the differences show more in the luxury. I have pictures of each to post, but they will have to wait for the morning. I have 8:30 class and it is now 2:30.

 

Am ordering the C350 sport, pmb600. Yes, please post pictures and thanks in advance. Much obliged.

 

Ok so here are the pictures I promised:

Sport Sedan with MB Tex:
-Has no leather on the doors
-Front seats have a different design than Luxury sedan
-Perforated MB Tex on seating surfaces



Sport Sedan with Leather:
-Has the same seat design as with MB Tex
-No perforations on the seats
-Stitching on the door panel under the wood and on arm rest
-Leather covering door arm rest and panel on the door below the wood

 

Luxury Sedan with MB Tex:
-Has no leather on the doors
-More basic design on seats than with leather option
-Perforated MB Tex on seating surfaces



Luxury Sedan with Leather:
-No perforations on the seats
-Stitching on the door panel under the wood and on arm rest
-Leather covering door arm rest and panel on the door below the wood
-Different seat design pattern, vertical "ribs" similar to W203 post-facelift luxury sedan

 

Don't ever find out how they "tan" leather. They use some seriously toxic chemicals. And automotive leather is very far removed from real leather.

 

Although I'm sure it's less toxic for occupants than vinyl.

 

Thanks for posting the photos pmb600!
Decisions, decisions......

 

No problem, sorry they aren't all from the same perspective, I had to search to find everything I needed. The only one I took was the Sport interior with Leather.

 

All of you guys that are worried about the toxicity of leather or MBTex need to get out more or get educated. Trust me, the interior of your car will not hurt you. Unless you park in the garage with the engine running, that is.

Now you did it. You get called.

 

You haven't exactly given a compelling reason for us to trust you. Back up your opinions with fact next time newbie.

 

I can see clearly now that my decision to order Cashmere Beige leather was the right one.

Thanks for the pix.

My car on the car carrier Graceful Leader has left Jacksonville after offloading and should be heading for the Panama Canal. Due at Port Hueneme 10/8.