MB-Tex or leather....
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Silicon Valley
Obsidian Black C350
MB-Tex or leather....
Looking at moving from my e46 BMW to the new C-class. It would be my first Benz.
How well does the MB-Tex hold up? Is the leather worth the $$$?
How well does the MB-Tex hold up? Is the leather worth the $$$?
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Kirkland, WA
c300
Had 2 e46s, and 1 e90. The w204 doesn't have the side bolstering that the sport package seats do, so leather or not you won't have to worry as much about the scuffing.
I went mbtex, but I'm not a fan of really soft leather (kids in the car and a wife that's not easy on cars).
I went mbtex, but I'm not a fan of really soft leather (kids in the car and a wife that's not easy on cars).
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From: Brisbane, Australia
C200K (w204)
I never like vinly, always prefer leather, the smell alone is worth the $$$, yes i know the smell is from all those leather processing, but my nose love it 
I clean and condition the leather every 2 weeks or so, the process is not time consuming if you keep it in pristine condition, this way it should last very long.
MB-Tex will hold up much better than leather if you leave them both neglected. My parents E has MBtex and leather insert, clean the interior once every 6 month, if any, the MB Tex still look brand new after 5 years.
I clean and condition the leather every 2 weeks or so, the process is not time consuming if you keep it in pristine condition, this way it should last very long.
MB-Tex will hold up much better than leather if you leave them both neglected. My parents E has MBtex and leather insert, clean the interior once every 6 month, if any, the MB Tex still look brand new after 5 years.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: East Bay, CA
MB w204 C300 Sport, Audi B7 A4 2.0TQ, Porsche Cayman 981
I've had an E46 M3 with Nappa and an E60, E38, and E39 all with leather.
When I sat in a benz with MBTex, I didn't like the feel too much - it's a bit more "stiff" than I was used to. I'm certain that MBTex will hold up a lot better than leather especially if you don't want to take care of it. All leather interiors need attention every few weeks if it's regularly used.
I felt the W204 leather would be worth the $$$...but is it worth your wait? Most dealers order their inventory cars with MBTex. If you want leather, you will probably have to order.
...and as I have discussed in many threads...I'm currently on my 4th month waiting for my car to be delivered!
When I sat in a benz with MBTex, I didn't like the feel too much - it's a bit more "stiff" than I was used to. I'm certain that MBTex will hold up a lot better than leather especially if you don't want to take care of it. All leather interiors need attention every few weeks if it's regularly used.
I felt the W204 leather would be worth the $$$...but is it worth your wait? Most dealers order their inventory cars with MBTex. If you want leather, you will probably have to order.
...and as I have discussed in many threads...I'm currently on my 4th month waiting for my car to be delivered!
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From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
MB 2008 C300 sport, 2008 Rally blue Subaru Impreza 2.5 SI 1995 MB C280 W202
My W202 lasted 10 yrs and the older MB tex still look good. The new W204 are better quality MB tex than the older model. save money and save the cow..go for the MB Tex.
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From: SFV CA
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
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C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
I'm a vegetarian, so the fact MB offers MB-Tex makes me quite happy. That way I only have to feel guilty about the steering wheel and shift knob surrounding.
Furthermore, I get to enjoy a very nice seat. I think the MB-Tex is very attractive and very comfortable. I like it a lot.
Furthermore, I get to enjoy a very nice seat. I think the MB-Tex is very attractive and very comfortable. I like it a lot.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Melbourne
2007 GL500, 2007 E280
Got MB text on my W124 it's 18 years old and was used as a daily driver of the first owner, never had any special treatment to it, and it doesn't have 1 Crack, scratch or anything on it 
MB Tex FTW!
MB Tex FTW!
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From: SFV CA
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
I'm a vegetarian, so the fact MB offers MB-Tex makes me quite happy. That way I only have to feel guilty about the steering wheel and shift knob surrounding.
Furthermore, I get to enjoy a very nice seat. I think the MB-Tex is very attractive and very comfortable. I like it a lot.
Furthermore, I get to enjoy a very nice seat. I think the MB-Tex is very attractive and very comfortable. I like it a lot.
so do not feel guilty
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: North Jerzeee
Lexus IS 350 F Sport
Ive had my W204 since Oct 07 and 4000 plus miles ...i think the MB Tex is holding up very well I do zaino it occasionally even though its not leather 
but it keeps that nice new car smell. For those who are undecided whether to go for the Tex or spend the extra $$$ for the leather i would say 99% of my passengers didnt realize it wasnt leather 
??? Its not about being cheap or anything but why spend the extra $$$ when its not needed !!!
I do zaino it occasionally even though its not leather but it keeps that nice new car smell. For those who are undecided whether to go for the Tex or spend the extra $$$ for the leather i would say 99% of my passengers didnt realize it wasnt leather ??? Its not about being cheap or anything but why spend the extra $$$ when its not needed !!!
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From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
In simple terms, buy the leather for luxury, and buy the MB-Tex for durability.
As stated in a previous post, MB-Tex will still look good and feel good 20 years from now.
Leather looks nice and smells nice when new, but it must be maintained regularly (cleaned and treated). Otherwise it will deteriorate after a few years.
As stated in a previous post, MB-Tex will still look good and feel good 20 years from now.
Leather looks nice and smells nice when new, but it must be maintained regularly (cleaned and treated). Otherwise it will deteriorate after a few years.
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From: Southern Ohio
2008 C350 & other fine MB products
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From: MA
'24 Porsche Macan
I find the MB-tex more comfortable (the surface, not necessarily the seat) than several BMS'w I have owned. I found the leather in my E39 M5 very stiff compared to the "tex". I'm happy with it and don't find it to be any more of a problem in Summer than leather.
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From: DC Metro Area
08 C350 Sport
I have an BMW M3 and C350. M3 has nappa leather, it is soft, fragile and deteriorates quickly. I prefer MB tex, it is harder looks great, almost never shiney (Hate shiney stuff like Armorall or whatever that crap butter name is). Only issue with MB tex is feels little like plastic in cold days, but really easy to clean and care.
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C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
MB Tex feels nicer than the leather in cheap Fords and GMs.
I say always go for the MB-Tex. It holds up beautifully with little care. You need to treat leather from time to time if you chose that, and that can be such a pain to do it evenly so you don't get streaks plus not get it onto other surfaces, etc.
I say always go for the MB-Tex. It holds up beautifully with little care. You need to treat leather from time to time if you chose that, and that can be such a pain to do it evenly so you don't get streaks plus not get it onto other surfaces, etc.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Boston, MA
C300 Sport 4matic
Beige MB Tex vs Leather
OK, most people think MB Tex is pretty good and almost like leather. i assume we are talking about commonly found black MB Tex. I wonder what is the opinion on the light (beige) MB Tex variation? I think light colored interior is a bit more attractive ...
MB Tex feels nicer than the leather in cheap Fords and GMs.
I say always go for the MB-Tex. It holds up beautifully with little care. You need to treat leather from time to time if you chose that, and that can be such a pain to do it evenly so you don't get streaks plus not get it onto other surfaces, etc.
I say always go for the MB-Tex. It holds up beautifully with little care. You need to treat leather from time to time if you chose that, and that can be such a pain to do it evenly so you don't get streaks plus not get it onto other surfaces, etc.
