tdotjag

So I've had my 2012 for about 4 months (daily driver) and the drivers side left bolster looks like I've had my car for about 2 years. What do you guys use to treat your leather? I really want to maintain the matte look, so pls don't suggest anything that would leave a shiny finish.

Gremlin9

Just switch the sides, from passenger seat to drivers seat and it will last twice as long.

JimmyR

I have a 2010 model with the same issue. It is very common I believe. Like you I noticed it fairly early on - definitely less than a year old. Not helped by the large side bolsters getting in the way when you get in/out of the seat, plus I think the lap sash part of the seat belt rubbing over the bolster when you first put it on. I have been careful since then how I get in and out of the seat - use that Easy Entry setting or whatever it is that lifts the steering column up - and try to keep the lap sash under the bolster as you do up the seat belt.
If it helps in the almost 2 years since I first noticed it not sure it has got any worse by being careful as above and using leather care stuff fairly regularly.
I mentioned it at first service - got the old we will have a look sir - and then "normal wear and tear, if it gets any worse we will have another look"

Chargin55

I had the same problem with a bolster on a 500SL which was scuffed by a waist belt. I had the bolster rubbed back and repainted and it looked like new again. I asked the guy who did the work the same question about cleaning leather and was told the only way to do it properly was with a slightly damp cloth. If requiring stain removal use lightly soaped water. I have used expensive leather cleaners in the past and like you suggest the leather took on a shine, so I now wipe my seats over with a wrung out chamois which works very well.
I find the leather in the C63 is a lot softer than my prior owned Mercedes’. My C63 has only done low miles and signs of wear are already evident. When the leather is shot to hell I will get a good upholster to replace it like new again. At the end of the day it’s not an expensive exercise.

xxGenericSNxx

For you guys experiencing fast wear, might I ask if you have the premium Nappa Leather or the standard leather?

tdotjag

I have the nappa

b16

Had mine repaired by the dealer under warranty. They basically just restain and recondition it. Looked great afterwards!

HoozyerdaddyC63

Seriously? I would have never thought that would be something covered under warranty. What did you say to them to get it done?

Pickles

Wear on seat bolsters is a problem with many cars.
Careful entry & exit can do a lot to diminish the issue...by that I mean that I do not let any of my body touch the bolsters getting in & out.
Some people just don't give a stuff though....they'll actually SIT on the bolsters, really RUB them getting in & out etc etc.....a bit of extra care will go a long way.
Cheers, Pickles.

cptdaz

My fat *** always rub the booster when I get into the car, so yeah, that area is more wore down than the rest of the seat.

Chargin55

The easy entry steering wheel function only moves the wheel up about an inch in my C63. Can this be programmed to move more? In my E55 it was more like 2 to 3 inches and this makes entry a lot easier.

EkS

Are you guys programming one of your memory buttons for an easy exit?! If not, I suggest you do!

HoozyerdaddyC63

That's a good idea. Never thought of that.

JimmyR

Pretty sure it is the Nappa leather

CaliTheKid

If you wear a cell phone on your belt that will rub it as well.

b16

I told them I thought the wear was excessive. The dealer has a 3rd party they use for leather work and had him quote the job at ~$150. The SA brought out the service manager, explained the situation and the service manager decided to cover it. Great guys here at Walnut Creek MB!

CoolBDPhenom03

Do you have before and after pics? That's where I take my car too!

xxGenericSNxx

You seem to have confirmed my suspicions, tdogjag and JimmyR. Nappa leather, by nature, is a much more thin and fine grained leather than the standard kind used in the C63. I've got it on my 01 CLK55 and the 07 R63 and they do have some signs of wear but I don't think it's too bad (50,000 miles on each). Some areas are shiny on my CLK from the most touched areas (butt of driver's chair) and there's some small creases on my R's side bolster on the driver's side butt and seat back. I try to minimize the issues with leather care but it seems inevitable with this leather. I personally find the tradeoff worth it for having a very soft leather and it's very nice to touch. More leather conditioner?

b16

I can take after pics, I have no before pics. Imagine typical bolster wear at 50,000 miles?

CoolBDPhenom03

I'm almost there! Who did you work with? I usually go to Walter.