E350 with mbtex or leather?
Thread Starter
Newbie
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Datsun B210
E350 with mbtex or leather?
Hi. New to the forum. I'm looking into buying a 2010 E350 sedan. The strange thing I'm running into (at least it's strange to me!) is that the two closest dealers to me in upstate NY don't have E350s with leather. They're all mbtex. Moreover, rather than trying to get me to buy a car with the leather option, they keep trying to sell me on mbtex. I assume that's because they're trying to move cars on their lots.
Nevertheless, having browsed these (and other) forums, I was surprised at the popularity of mbtex for a $50,000+ car.
Are most people buying (or leasing) E350's with mbtex?
Thanks very much.
Nevertheless, having browsed these (and other) forums, I was surprised at the popularity of mbtex for a $50,000+ car.
Are most people buying (or leasing) E350's with mbtex?
Thanks very much.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
I'm leasing second car from MB with mbtex seats and love it. I don't see any difference between leather and mbtex.....Even tex looking much better after 4-5 years ..looks like brand new...
Last edited by aeggroup; Nov 10, 2009 at 11:41 AM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 187
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From: Westchester County, NY
2010 E350 4Matic w/sport package
MB-tex all the way. I have had leather in the past and I made sure there is no leather in my car and good thing because leather can't take the beating that MB-tex can!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: DC
2002 W210 M112 | 2021 X247 M270 | 2015 Audi SQ5 | 2015 VW Golf R
Not to bash mbtex but I have a C350 with mbtex and E350 with leather. Night and day difference. The mbtex feels like plastic/vinyl while the leather is soft and smooth (smells good too 
). Also, the MBtex smells funny. No doubt the Mbtex is more durable because it is synthetic and it is also easy to clean.
). Also, the MBtex smells funny. No doubt the Mbtex is more durable because it is synthetic and it is also easy to clean.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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2010 e350 4matic
love the mbtex. I have 2 kids that regularly ride in the car and cleanup on mbtex is a breeze. Also, the quality of mbtex has come a long way. Looks classy and is comfortable enough. I can't say I miss leather at all on my e350
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
regardless of the pros/cons of MBtex/leather, rule #1 of retail sales, customers are not coming back so you better sell them what you have.
PL
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From: Sweden
W166 ML350 BT
Yeah, I know that... We have a lot of them here, the reason for that is we have pretty high tax on cars but businesses doesn't pay that tax and therefore they buy reliable and comfortable cars for less money than normal people does. And then after millions of kms 
they can sell them and still get atleast some money.
And for me the MB-Tex feels like it's ment for those kinds of cars.
W212 Taxi equipped I like the mirror!
they can sell them and still get atleast some money.And for me the MB-Tex feels like it's ment for those kinds of cars.
W212 Taxi equipped I like the mirror!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Could not find any suitable E's with leather so I ordered one for Feb delivery. My ML550 also has leather and was a special order. For me its no contest leather is the way to go. I have had Tex on a prior car and on my 05 E. Big difference in feel, smell, touch and the leather is as durable and as easy to clean.
Thread Starter
Newbie
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Datsun B210
Thanks everyone for your replies. The cars I test drove had mb-tex and I have to admit that it didn't seem cheap at all. The interior on the e350 is beautiful.
I think the next step is to go back and compare the leather from another model (since they don't have any e350's with it) to the mbtex in an e350. I assume that if they have an e550, the leather in it will be the same as the leather that would come in an e350. Does anyone know if the leather in an S-class would be the same as that used in the E-class? (in case they don't have an e550)
Thanks again.
I think the next step is to go back and compare the leather from another model (since they don't have any e350's with it) to the mbtex in an e350. I assume that if they have an e550, the leather in it will be the same as the leather that would come in an e350. Does anyone know if the leather in an S-class would be the same as that used in the E-class? (in case they don't have an e550)
Thanks again.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
To sit on = Leather.
To have around you in the car = M-B Tex.
I like Tex equipped cars because maintenance is a breeze, and it wears better. If I were Leasing however, I'd go Leather no doubt.
One thing I can't do is SIT on Tex, it feels awful IMO, from the C-Classes I've driven where it feels like I'm sitting on rubbery/plastic, in which the 212's seem to have the same material.
Before the F.L in the 211 (and presumingly the 210's, etc.) they had genuine Leather inserts for the front seats, so that's what you'd sit on, was perfect IMO as it's the best of both worlds. People should really start writing/"demanding" to M-B to bring that back. They clearly dropped is as a cost saving measure, in which it never brought MSRP, etc. down.
To have around you in the car = M-B Tex.
I like Tex equipped cars because maintenance is a breeze, and it wears better. If I were Leasing however, I'd go Leather no doubt.
One thing I can't do is SIT on Tex, it feels awful IMO, from the C-Classes I've driven where it feels like I'm sitting on rubbery/plastic, in which the 212's seem to have the same material.
Before the F.L in the 211 (and presumingly the 210's, etc.) they had genuine Leather inserts for the front seats, so that's what you'd sit on, was perfect IMO as it's the best of both worlds. People should really start writing/"demanding" to M-B to bring that back. They clearly dropped is as a cost saving measure, in which it never brought MSRP, etc. down.
Last edited by K-A; Nov 10, 2009 at 08:30 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
To sit on = Leather.
To have around you in the car = M-B Tex.
I like Tex equipped cars because maintenance is a breeze, and it wears better. If I were Leasing however, I'd go Leather no doubt.
One thing I can't do is SIT on Tex, it feels awful IMO, from the C-Classes I've driven where it feels like I'm sitting on rubbery/plastic, in which the 212's seem to have the same material.
Before the F.L in the 211 (and presumingly the 210's, etc.) they had genuine Leather inserts for the front seats, so that's what you'd sit on, was perfect IMO as it's the best of both worlds. People should really start writing/"demanding" to M-B to bring that back. They clearly dropped is as a cost saving measure, in which it never brought MSRP, etc. down.
To have around you in the car = M-B Tex.
I like Tex equipped cars because maintenance is a breeze, and it wears better. If I were Leasing however, I'd go Leather no doubt.
One thing I can't do is SIT on Tex, it feels awful IMO, from the C-Classes I've driven where it feels like I'm sitting on rubbery/plastic, in which the 212's seem to have the same material.
Before the F.L in the 211 (and presumingly the 210's, etc.) they had genuine Leather inserts for the front seats, so that's what you'd sit on, was perfect IMO as it's the best of both worlds. People should really start writing/"demanding" to M-B to bring that back. They clearly dropped is as a cost saving measure, in which it never brought MSRP, etc. down.
Member
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From: Central US of A
Barolo S550, 2010 E, 1966 SL & others.
Let me just say that I have watched the progression of MB-Tex, and the 2010 Tex is not what any of us are use to seeing from past versions. New Tex is higher standard, and its resiliency is hard to equal. I too would consider myself a leather preference guy, but after seeing and actually using the 2010 Tex - I find the difference between the two material choices is now a non-issue.
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 127
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From: TN
2010 E350
Let me just say that I have watched the progression of MB-Tex, and the 2010 Tex is not what any of us are use to seeing from past versions. New Tex is higher standard, and its resiliency is hard to equal. I too would consider myself a leather preference guy, but after seeing and actually using the 2010 Tex - I find the difference between the two material choices is now a non-issue.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Let me just say that I have watched the progression of MB-Tex, and the 2010 Tex is not what any of us are use to seeing from past versions. New Tex is higher standard, and its resiliency is hard to equal. I too would consider myself a leather preference guy, but after seeing and actually using the 2010 Tex - I find the difference between the two material choices is now a non-issue.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 30
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From: Florida
2010 E350
Leather is Leather and Vinyl/Plastic what ever you want to call it is just that, Vinyl/Plastic. I don't care what kind of fancy name MB uses " MBtex" it's still phony leather and it's not the same when sitting on mbtex for long drives. I actually paid extra for the leather option on my 350..
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Good gracious the opinions on this one are interesting and anything but objective. Don't listen to anyone on this. Try it yourself by sitting in an E550 sedan as this has leather standard and is exactly what you would get in the E350 if ordered with leather. If you prefer that, order a car with leather. Appearance wise, only the seat material and the stitching pattern is different. The material on the doors on the 212 are identical with MB tex or leather. Personally (stop listening now per above, the feel of the MBtex is very good and easily the best of the synthetic leathers I have seen. I would have no problem with it and I would instead to spend the money (1500+) on additional options...like P2 or the drive-dynamic seat etc. Good Luck
, the feel of the MBtex is very good and easily the best of the synthetic leathers I have seen. I would have no problem with it and I would instead to spend the money (1500+) on additional options...like P2 or the drive-dynamic seat etc. Good Luck
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 312
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C350 Elegance
If the car appointment and options is important to you, as much as its dependability and overall comfort, you will find that leather brings along a better quality interior. I agree that MBTex is fine, durable, easy to upkeep...
but Mercedes is a matter of luxury and plush for intimate enjoyment, not only rolling on the road, but riding it or driving it.
Pay special attention to the options, because the standard appointment might not be to your standards if you come from a fully equipped previous model.
Don't let the dealer push you into what does not have all you wish, luxury is not relinquishing...
but Mercedes is a matter of luxury and plush for intimate enjoyment, not only rolling on the road, but riding it or driving it.
Pay special attention to the options, because the standard appointment might not be to your standards if you come from a fully equipped previous model.
Don't let the dealer push you into what does not have all you wish, luxury is not relinquishing...
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 102
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From: Central US of A
Barolo S550, 2010 E, 1966 SL & others.
Good gracious the opinions on this one are interesting and anything but objective. Don't listen to anyone on this. Try it yourself by sitting in an E550 sedan as this has leather standard and is exactly what you would get in the E350 if ordered with leather. If you prefer that, order a car with leather. Appearance wise, only the seat material and the stitching pattern is different. The material on the doors on the 212 are identical with MB tex or leather. Personally (stop listening now per above, the feel of the MBtex is very good and easily the best of the synthetic leathers I have seen. I would have no problem with it and I would instead to spend the money (1500+) on additional options...like P2 or the drive-dynamic seat etc. Good Luck
, the feel of the MBtex is very good and easily the best of the synthetic leathers I have seen. I would have no problem with it and I would instead to spend the money (1500+) on additional options...like P2 or the drive-dynamic seat etc. Good Luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Good gracious the opinions on this one are interesting and anything but objective. Don't listen to anyone on this. Try it yourself by sitting in an E550 sedan as this has leather standard and is exactly what you would get in the E350 if ordered with leather. If you prefer that, order a car with leather. Appearance wise, only the seat material and the stitching pattern is different. The material on the doors on the 212 are identical with MB tex or leather. Personally (stop listening now per above, the feel of the MBtex is very good and easily the best of the synthetic leathers I have seen. I would have no problem with it and I would instead to spend the money (1500+) on additional options...like P2 or the drive-dynamic seat etc. Good Luck
, the feel of the MBtex is very good and easily the best of the synthetic leathers I have seen. I would have no problem with it and I would instead to spend the money (1500+) on additional options...like P2 or the drive-dynamic seat etc. Good Luck
