Talk to me about MB-Tex
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
I have MB tex on my GL350 and had to cover it with sheepskin covers because they feel extrememly unreal. They have a slight oily unnatural feel when you lightly scratch them with your nails (relative to a dry grainy feel of new leather).
I really wanted leather like on my other cars, but bought it because the Monroney label stated "leather inserts". That was a misprint and MBUSA compensated me for the mistake. Made sure to order leather on my E350. After paying over $1500 for the option, I discovered that the door panels, armrests and back map pockets are really MB-tex unlike what was stated on MBUSA.com. Once again, MBUSA kindly compensated me for the mistaken statement. Only the seat surfaces and headrests are leather.
That said, both MB-tex and Standard leather are no comparison to the higher end Nappa variants. The leather on my Porsche's are so much better in feel and suppleness. My favorite is on my 600. Now, that is what Mercedes leather used to (and should) be!
I really wanted leather like on my other cars, but bought it because the Monroney label stated "leather inserts". That was a misprint and MBUSA compensated me for the mistake. Made sure to order leather on my E350. After paying over $1500 for the option, I discovered that the door panels, armrests and back map pockets are really MB-tex unlike what was stated on MBUSA.com. Once again, MBUSA kindly compensated me for the mistaken statement. Only the seat surfaces and headrests are leather.
That said, both MB-tex and Standard leather are no comparison to the higher end Nappa variants. The leather on my Porsche's are so much better in feel and suppleness. My favorite is on my 600. Now, that is what Mercedes leather used to (and should) be!
Last edited by dbtk; Nov 27, 2011 at 08:50 AM.
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From: NY
2014 E550 4matic,, sold 2012 E 350 4matic,,sold 2010 e350 4w,sold 2002 e320 se
I was skeptical about the MB tex I have,,however,,the dealer performed a Dupont treatment inside and outside the entire car no charge..I wear blue police style pants to work and back,,and i notice a slight blue tint on the driver seat,,a damp towel and its gone.
I had the full ash leather in my 02 E and took really good care of it,,and after 9 1/2 yrs all the care couldnt stop small surface creases .It wasnt a problem because they cleaned right up and the leather was great.
Wonder how the MB tex will look in 9 yrs
I had the full ash leather in my 02 E and took really good care of it,,and after 9 1/2 yrs all the care couldnt stop small surface creases .It wasnt a problem because they cleaned right up and the leather was great.
Wonder how the MB tex will look in 9 yrs
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Example of label:
Last edited by YYZ-E55; Nov 27, 2011 at 11:01 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,097
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From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
YYZ-E55, yes, thanks for your keen observation. I actually bought OEM covers made for the R-class, which also has the built in airbags. They only cover the center portion of the seat cushions and back rest, and are a perfect fit. They are actually provide great warmth in the winter and protection from hot vinyl in the summer.
P.S. I like the Premium leather on that GL photo (yours?).
P.S. I like the Premium leather on that GL photo (yours?).
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2020 G63, 2021 E450 All-Terrain Wagon
I have MBTex on my GL and my drivers seat has so much wear, it turned really oily and shiny. It looks disgusting, especially considering the seats are black. I cleaned the interior daily with microfiber for the first year or so, which is why the grain also turned smooth and melded together. My S with 55,000 miles and nappa leather wears SOOOOOO much better than the GL with tex. I only got my E with tex because it's a lease, but please, get leather or non black tex if you want to avoid the shiny look. I have 3,000 miles on the E and the drivers seat is already turning hard and not soft like the passenger seat or the head restraints, which don't have much wear. On the 2010 GL with 45,000 miles, the seats feel unreal like dbtk said.
Last edited by newyorktoLA; Nov 27, 2011 at 01:30 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
YYZ-E55, yes, thanks for your keen observation. I actually bought OEM covers made for the R-class, which also has the built in airbags. They only cover the center portion of the seat cushions and back rest, and are a perfect fit. They are actually provide great warmth in the winter and protection from hot vinyl in the summer.
P.S. I like the Premium leather on that GL photo (yours?).
P.S. I like the Premium leather on that GL photo (yours?).
Here's mine: https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...etec-pics.html
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
So to summarize it appears that MB tex is the best thing since sliced bread but it may also be the biggest piece of crap out there.
I think I'll look for a car that has the features I want and just take whatever interior is available.
I think I'll look for a car that has the features I want and just take whatever interior is available.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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2012 E350 4matic
most 350s i have seen have the MB-tex. i dont think i have ever seen a 350 on a lot with leather. hell i would prob opt for MB-tex in a 550 if it would have been avail. just looks better longer. but its a trade off. you just have to decide whats really important to you i guess. i see the benefits on both sides.
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From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
On leather equipped cars, the door pins are made of gold, with diamond stars on top of each. Of course, the door panels, dash top, center console storage covers, arm rests are vinyl/plastic, regardless of MB-Tex or leather seat covers.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Los Angeles
2012 C250 Sport
Our family has had MB w/ real leather and those w/ MB tex. MB tex doesn't look, feel, or smell like real leather (if you're looking closely). It also doesn't peel, crack,or age like real leather. Can't speak to the experiences others have mentioned in this thread, but the MB tex in our cars seemed impervious to just about everything.
In the 1990s, MBs leather was (IMHO) the standard by which all mainstream cars were judged. This isn't the case anymore.
If you really want leather, go for it. But, unless you sit naked in your car, I don't really think you're doing to notice a huge difference. However, there also isn't a huge difference in price.
BTW, MB tex *can* be French-stitched (as I assume it was in our 2003 e320) but, for whatever reason, MB has decided not to do that for US-bound cars anymore. Too bad. ::shrug::
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From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
Be warned that those diamond studs are actually cut crystal, despite what the MB brochure and MBUSA.com state. If you salesperson insists they are diamond take his/her word for it and then contact MBUSA for some juicy compensation for misrepresentation.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
FYI, here is what "real" Mercedes leather looks like after 39 years. These are original the original Cognac pebbled leather seats on my 600. (I've only had to replace the bottom cushions of the front seats, however.)
And YYZ-E55, I love how the GL550 package looks on your car. I wish they offered it U.S. versions. That steering wheel is sick!
And YYZ-E55, I love how the GL550 package looks on your car. I wish they offered it U.S. versions. That steering wheel is sick!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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E350
The reason is that this subject has been beat to death
and as soon as you get a few responses the floodgates open and both camps start firing away. Kinda like posting about Bose in an audiophile forum.
IMO this sums it up pretty well. Wouldn't it be funny if Hyundai tried selling their Genesis or Equus cars with "Hy-tex." They would get no respect.
and as soon as you get a few responses the floodgates open and both camps start firing away. Kinda like posting about Bose in an audiophile forum.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I have MBTex on my GL and my drivers seat has so much wear, it turned really oily and shiny. It looks disgusting, especially considering the seats are black. I cleaned the interior daily with microfiber for the first year or so, which is why the grain also turned smooth and melded together. My S with 55,000 miles and nappa leather wears SOOOOOO much better than the GL with tex. I only got my E with tex because it's a lease, but please, get leather or non black tex if you want to avoid the shiny look. I have 3,000 miles on the E and the drivers seat is already turning hard and not soft like the passenger seat or the head restraints, which don't have much wear. On the 2010 GL with 45,000 miles, the seats feel unreal like dbtk said.
Maybe Americans just can't apply the material as good as the Germans.... Or maybe U.S built Benzes get gipped with crappier materials as a running prank by the Germans.
Also, MB Tex is as "Mercedes-Benz" as the Star on the hood, as I've said before. The argument can be made that one doesn't see it fit toward their perception of the brand, but it is a historically as Mercedes as it gets. Also, Hyundai, like most manufacturers could and many do, offer Vinyl, but none hold a candle to MB Tex. Plastic/Vinyl, just like Leather, just like metal, steel, etc. vary in material quality, and when it comes to seats and the like, nobody's vinyl touches M-B's.
Last edited by K-A; Nov 28, 2011 at 12:36 AM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
How about, "Mercedes-Benz, Engineered to have the best interior plastics". 
It baffles me as to how you may not realize that even with a Leather equipped car, 99% of the interior around you is plastic. If you're implying that plastics can't vary in material quality , you're strongly mistaken, and I'd urge you to sit in a Chevy something-or-other and then a Mercedes to see how you then feel about how wide the gap on rich to cheap plastics can be. In fact, Mercedes has some of the poorest Leather in its E-Class, but the best vinyl (seats).
It baffles me as to how you may not realize that even with a Leather equipped car, 99% of the interior around you is plastic. If you're implying that plastics can't vary in material quality , you're strongly mistaken, and I'd urge you to sit in a Chevy something-or-other and then a Mercedes to see how you then feel about how wide the gap on rich to cheap plastics can be. In fact, Mercedes has some of the poorest Leather in its E-Class, but the best vinyl (seats).
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 519
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From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
Good slogan for the MB. BMW can use "HPFP's like no other" and Audi can use "a face you won't soon forget" or " a face that makes a bulldog look cute."
The good news is, for those bothered by plastic interiors, a modest amount of cash makes the problem go away.
Relative to the total price of a car, $1,650 isn't that much more to cough up to make the problem go away and get leather if that is a concern. And if one leases, that's only about a $10 per month uplift, give or take.
A cheap fix either way.
The good news is, for those bothered by plastic interiors, a modest amount of cash makes the problem go away.
Relative to the total price of a car, $1,650 isn't that much more to cough up to make the problem go away and get leather if that is a concern. And if one leases, that's only about a $10 per month uplift, give or take.
A cheap fix either way.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
That's exactly why I think complaining about M-B Tex is ridiculous. Either you're a cheapskate who doesn't want to fork over the extra cash, or.... well.... I can't find any other reasons.
MB Tex has its benefits, which many consumers do appreciate, AND, the argument that it's "un-Mercedes" is false and all in ones head, as it technically and factually isn't the case at all.
MB Tex has its benefits, which many consumers do appreciate, AND, the argument that it's "un-Mercedes" is false and all in ones head, as it technically and factually isn't the case at all.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
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E350
Unfortunately with Mercedes it'a a bit more complicated. As I pointed out on another thread the majority of the dealers in the northeast only have P1 cars with MB-tex on the lot. Everything else is special order.
Senior Member
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E350
Wood, capeting, headliner, etc. also make up a significant portion.
Higher end cars (and models by the same manufacturer) certainly do have higher quality plastics. Most folks just don't want plastic on the seats of a $60K automobile.
