Replacing leather and suede driver's seat upholstery
 

Hi all,

I've read through loads of threads about MB-Tex rips etc and how to replace the seat cover.

I'm looking at buying an e300 with real leather seats (half leather half suede) and there are some large tears on the lumbar support on the driver's seat.

I'm trying to work out if the leather and suede seat covers are also replaceable or does this mean I'll need a new driver's seat?

If I can find a leather and suede seat at a reasonable price from a dismantler (likely) can I swap them without having to code the new seat in or will I have to bring it to a MB dealership for this?
Thanks

Yes, you can also replace the leather. But real leather costs a lot more than MB-tex, at least on a W212. Not sure about W213 as the E300 was a W213 unless you're in a different country. In the US if the MB-tex was $250, real leather was more like $1000. The side pieces are a different part number. You should be able to swap it out without needing to bring it to an MB dealership unless you unplug some of the sensors in the seat. If you do that, make sure you disconnect the battery first before unplugging anything.

Seat Covers
 

Always find it interesting that manufacturers and others refer to them as leather seats. In actuality, they are just seat covers. Not much different from the good old days when people purchased them to protect their OEM seat covers.
Several years ago I had a car with leather "seats" and the dealer replaced driver's side under warranty because of how badly it had worn and cracked. They just slipped the old ones off and slipped the new ones on and attached them to same holding points.
As for cost, when I purchased my E350 in 2010, they wanted $1,000 extra just for the leather seat covers. I opted to keep the MB Tex and have not regretted it. Nine years later, no rips, tears, or noticeable wear. I do treat them with Lexol Vinylex about 1-2 times per year. In fact treat all the vinyl and plastic with it. Great product.