- Mercedes-Benz: How to Remove Wrinkles and Creases From Leather Interior
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
Are my seats leather or MB Tex?
Many of the E Class sedans have faulty wood trim that fades very quickly. MB has been very good about replacing all the wood trim under warranty. Our 2010 had the problem about two years ago and our dealer did the replacement in one day, leaving the interior looking just like new, with absolutely no signs that anything had been taken apart. The photo you posted shows wood that appears to be faded, but I'm not sure. Good luck.


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OP, if you want details on your car build, post your VIN in this thread or PM some of the members who can pull the data card for you.
Last edited by thefisch; Apr 5, 2015 at 06:51 PM.
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Last edited by noka; Apr 5, 2015 at 08:39 PM.
The quickest way to determine if a W212 has leather interior is to look at the directions for the seat stitching: the bottom sections of real Leather seats have fore and aft stitching (MBTex is crossways) and the seat backs have vertical stitching (MBTex is horizontal).
There is no difference between the stitched door panels on a leather interior compared to a MBTex interior. As of MY2014, both the door panels and seats have stitching in a contrasting colour (e.g. grey stitching with black upholstery).
The 2nd interior photo posted by Diamond White W212 appears to be more accurate for colour reproduction.
Last edited by DerekACS; Apr 5, 2015 at 09:50 PM.
The quickest way to determine if a W212 has leather interior is to look at the directions for the seat stitching: the bottom sections of real Leather seats have fore and aft stitching (MBTex is crossways) and the seat backs have vertical stitching (MBTex is horizontal).
There is no difference between the stitched door panels on a leather interior compared to a MBTex interior. As of MY2014, both the door panels and seats have stitching in a contrasting colour (e.g. grey stitching with black upholstery).
[OT]: I guess everything has gotton cheaper. I remember some older cars I had with full leather (e.g. on rear of headrest and seat back). One was my '86 Audi CS Quattro (black with red interior). It was a 5-cyl/5-spd and such a fun car to drive. The rear window's defogger element spelled the word "Quattro" and when it melted snow it spelled it out. So cool!
Last edited by noka; Apr 6, 2015 at 07:33 AM.
Sorry my eyesight is not as acute and my knowledge not as vast as someone with your level of intelligence and expertise.
There was no need to reply with a smart *** comment.
Apology accepted.
I have MB-Tex in my car and was unfamiliar with the difference in pattern on the seats. I thought that by running the VIN, he could not only get the Build Code whether MB-Tex or Leather but also the entire list of options including
Engine #s, Transmission #'s and date of delivery to original selling dealership.




Remember that you will need to treat it with leather products, BUT treat all the vinyl and plastic with a vinyl/plastic product.
I use Lexol Leather Cleaner and Preservative for leather. Lexol's Vinylex is really good for vinyl and plastic, but somewhat difficult to find. Cost a bit more and most people who go to auto parts stores either don't treat vinyl/plastic at all or use the cheaper products.
I do my vehicles about every six months or so.
Last edited by El Cid; Apr 7, 2015 at 11:25 AM.
Remember that you will need to treat it with leather products, BUT treat all the vinyl and plastic with a vinyl/plastic product.
I use Lexol Leather Cleaner and Preservative for leather. Lexol's Vinylex is really good for vinyl and plastic, but somewhat difficult to find. Cost a bit more and most people who go to auto parts stores either don't treat vinyl/plastic at all or use the cheaper products.
I do my vehicles about every six months or so.
I also give 2 thumbs up for Lexol. Works great and doesn't harm leather.








