Leather Interior
10-08-2020, 06:04 PM
#1
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Leather Interior
Does anybody know definitively what is and isn't leather in the standard (not Nappa or Designo) leather interior? I know that the seats are leather but the center console lid remains MB-Tex.
The door panel inserts have different stitching but are they (and the door handles) real leather or still MB-Tex? Does anything else apart from the seats get real leather with the standard leather interior option?
The door panel inserts have different stitching but are they (and the door handles) real leather or still MB-Tex? Does anything else apart from the seats get real leather with the standard leather interior option?
Last edited by ccww; 10-08-2020 at 06:57 PM.
10-08-2020, 06:22 PM
#2
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I just looked and would have to say the only leather in there is the seat surfaces. The console seems to be skinned with a material that is ironclad and not MB-tex. The door inserts appear to be MB-tex also. The handles are the same material as the center console cover. Once again, it seems more tough than MB-tex, but it might just be MB-tex. Whatever, the only leather is the seat/back surfaces of the actual seats.
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10-08-2020, 06:26 PM
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2012 E550 sedan 2019 E63 Wagon
Does anybody know definitively what is and isn't leather in the standard (not Nappa or Designo) leather interior? I know that the seats are leather but the center console lid remains MB-Tex.
The door panel inserts have different stitching but are they (and the door handles) real leather or still MB-Tex? Does anything else apart from the seats get real leather with the standard leather?
The door panel inserts have different stitching but are they (and the door handles) real leather or still MB-Tex? Does anything else apart from the seats get real leather with the standard leather?
Read your data card here https://www.lastvin.com it will say semi-aniline leather, Nappa leather, leather, or imitation leather (MB-tex).
10-08-2020, 06:29 PM
#4
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I just looked and would have to say the only leather in there is the seat surfaces. The console seems to be skinned with a material that is ironclad and not MB-tex. The door inserts appear to be MB-tex also. The handles are the same material as the center console cover. Once again, it seems more tough than MB-tex, but it might just be MB-tex. Whatever, the only leather is the seat/back surfaces of the actual seats.
10-08-2020, 06:32 PM
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I just looked and would have to say the only leather in there is the seat surfaces. The console seems to be skinned with a material that is ironclad and not MB-tex. The door inserts appear to be MB-tex also. The handles are the same material as the center console cover. Once again, it seems more tough than MB-tex, but it might just be MB-tex. Whatever, the only leather is the seat/back surfaces of the actual seats.
10-08-2020, 06:36 PM
#6
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Not everything that looks like leather in the interior is actually leather. MB mixes MB-Tex and leather in various spots. I've read on the S-Class forums that only Exclusive Nappa interiors and S600/AMG interiors have real leather door panels. I would assume if this is the case that standard leather W212 door panels are also MB-Tex, but was hoping that somebody would have specific knowledge of it. I can't find anything in the dealer order guides about it.
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10-08-2020, 06:41 PM
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Not everything that looks like leather in the interior is actually leather. MB mixes MB-Tex and leather in various spots. I've read on the S-Class forums that only Exclusive Nappa interiors and S600/AMG interiors have real leather door panels. I would assume if this is the case that standard leather W212 door panels are also MB-Tex, but was hoping that somebody would have specific knowledge of it. I can't find anything in the dealer order guides about it.
Did you check your vin? There are several codes in them that denote if you have doors or dash or seats in leather, and will specify normal(just the word leather), nappa, aniline or mb-tex.
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10-08-2020, 06:55 PM
#8
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There is an overall three-digit upholstery code where the first digital represents material (1=MB-Tex, 2=Standard Leather, 8=Nappa Leather) and the last two digits are a color code. There is also a code that indicates if the headliners (and associated trim pieces) are fabric or Alcantara and a code that indicates the leather steering wheel. However, there are no codes that indicate more specifics, like if a door panel or console cover is leather or MB-Tex.
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10-08-2020, 07:31 PM
#9
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I have the same question too. My car has the AMG sports pack seats the vin lists 230A LEATHER 231A LEATHER - BLACK/ANTHRACITE. WDD2120562A028590
Are my seats Napa, and are the door panels also leather?
Would be great if someone can have a look and tell me
Are my seats Napa, and are the door panels also leather?
Would be great if someone can have a look and tell me
10-08-2020, 07:33 PM
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Yes, I use VIN decoders quite a bit, specifically the one built into WIS/EPC. I have naturally decoded my VIN but more frequently decode the VINs of potential donor cars.
There is an overall three-digit upholstery code where the first digital represents material (1=MB-Tex, 2=Standard Leather, 8=Nappa Leather) and the last two digits are a color code. There is also a code that indicates if the headliners (and associated trim pieces) are fabric or Alcantara and a code that indicates the leather steering wheel. However, there are no codes that indicate more specifics, like if a door panel or console cover is leather or MB-Tex.
There is an overall three-digit upholstery code where the first digital represents material (1=MB-Tex, 2=Standard Leather, 8=Nappa Leather) and the last two digits are a color code. There is also a code that indicates if the headliners (and associated trim pieces) are fabric or Alcantara and a code that indicates the leather steering wheel. However, there are no codes that indicate more specifics, like if a door panel or console cover is leather or MB-Tex.
I totally understand the frustration, they are not clear. Have a look at this, https://parts.mercedesbenzofdurham.c...M/5752596.html On the armrest there is only 2 options nappa leather or cloth with different colors? So if looks like leather is Nappa leather?
10-08-2020, 07:46 PM
#11
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Whether the door panels are leather is an active question.
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10-08-2020, 07:57 PM
#12
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I totally understand the frustration, they are not clear. Have a look at this, https://parts.mercedesbenzofdurham.c...M/5752596.html On the armrest there is only 2 options nappa leather or cloth with different colors? So if looks like leather is Nappa leather?
I searched for the armrest in EPC and the fabric, MB-Tex, and standard leather interiors do indeed share the same part. So we can confidently say that the door pull/armrest is NOT leather for the standard leather interior. However, the questions of the door panel insert material remains and cannot be answered simply by comparing part numbers because the stitching is different.
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10-08-2020, 08:25 PM
#13
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Even if those door inserts are leather I think it would be a waste of money to switch them out. You aren’t really in contact with them much and no one will ever know. If you all are telling me my inserts are leather then I just failed the touch test.
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10-08-2020, 08:52 PM
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You can quickly tell if you clean your finger with soap, then dry it. Then rub above the armrest, it will squeak, that is MB-tex, rub the insert it should not that is leather. Go back and forth. Test with a rear seat, to remove usage as a possibility.
Try that with a Designo car above the insert (wifey's E212). I am stealing her interior.
10-08-2020, 09:10 PM
#15
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I would be much more tempted by a leather armrest since it’s a touch-point, but that’s the same part as the MB-Tex interior. Would love the Nappa but it’s extremely hard to find from wreckers.
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10-09-2020, 10:55 AM
#16
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You can quickly tell if you clean your finger with soap, then dry it. Then rub above the armrest, it will squeak, that is MB-tex, rub the insert it should not that is leather. Go back and forth. Test with a rear seat, to remove usage as a possibility.
Try that with a Designo car above the insert (wifey's E212). I am stealing her interior.
Try that with a Designo car above the insert (wifey's E212). I am stealing her interior.
10-09-2020, 02:33 PM
#17
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Correct.
The trick is on the wetness of your finger. Real leather will absorb water (the little your finger had absorbed when you dried you finger). Fake leather will reject it making squeak.
Last edited by S. Madman; 10-09-2020 at 02:46 PM.
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10-09-2020, 08:09 PM
#18
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I spent a lot of time in EPC and on parts websites today researching the issue. While there are different part numbers for the door panel inserts with the standard leather option and the MB-Tex option, they're almost exactly the same price, so I believe that both are MB-Tex and only differ in the stitching pattern. The door armrests and center console armrest are exactly the same part numbers on the standard leather and MB-Tex cars.
On Nappa leather cars the door panel inserts, door armrests, and center console armrest lid are far, far more expensive, likely indicating that they are indeed Nappa leather.
Here are my notes on the matter if anybody is interested. Note that the prices are approximate and for my interior color, Silk Beige (_15):
On Nappa leather cars the door panel inserts, door armrests, and center console armrest lid are far, far more expensive, likely indicating that they are indeed Nappa leather.
Here are my notes on the matter if anybody is interested. Note that the prices are approximate and for my interior color, Silk Beige (_15):
Front Doors
Armrests - Identical for Standard Leather and MB-Tex
MB-Tex Front Door Insert, Right - $105
MB-Tex Front Door Insert, Left - $110
Standard Leather Front Door Insert, Right - $107
Standard Leather Front Door Insert, Left - $68.15
Nappa Leather Front Door Insert, Right - $452
Nappa Leather Front Door Insert, Left - $452
Nappa Leather Armrest, Right - $382
Nappa Leather Armrest, Left - Availability Unknown
Center Console Armrest Cover
MB-Tex/Standard Leather Option - $320
Nappa Leather - $1070
Rear Doors
Armrests - Identical for Standard Leather and MB-Tex
MB-Tex Rear Door Insert, Right - $109
MB-Tex Rear Door Insert, Left - $109
Standard Leather Rear Door Insert, Right - $107
Standard Leather Rear Door Insert, Left - $107
Nappa Leather Rear Door Insert, Right - $452
Nappa Leather Rear Door Insert, Left - $478
Nappa Leather Rear Armrest, Right - $420
Nappa Leather Rear Armrest, Left - Discontinued
Armrests - Identical for Standard Leather and MB-Tex
MB-Tex Front Door Insert, Right - $105
MB-Tex Front Door Insert, Left - $110
Standard Leather Front Door Insert, Right - $107
Standard Leather Front Door Insert, Left - $68.15
Nappa Leather Front Door Insert, Right - $452
Nappa Leather Front Door Insert, Left - $452
Nappa Leather Armrest, Right - $382
Nappa Leather Armrest, Left - Availability Unknown
Center Console Armrest Cover
MB-Tex/Standard Leather Option - $320
Nappa Leather - $1070
Rear Doors
Armrests - Identical for Standard Leather and MB-Tex
MB-Tex Rear Door Insert, Right - $109
MB-Tex Rear Door Insert, Left - $109
Standard Leather Rear Door Insert, Right - $107
Standard Leather Rear Door Insert, Left - $107
Nappa Leather Rear Door Insert, Right - $452
Nappa Leather Rear Door Insert, Left - $478
Nappa Leather Rear Armrest, Right - $420
Nappa Leather Rear Armrest, Left - Discontinued
Last edited by ccww; 10-09-2020 at 08:12 PM.
10-10-2020, 06:27 PM
#19
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I have seen MB-Tex cars have these same inserts on the doors as my 215A-equipped car. No surprise there.
What about headrests? I was under the impression that the part where your head would touch is real leather.
I'm assuming you're looking for donor cars that had leather but not ventilation. I wish I had that option. The seat ventilation is useless and the seats have so many perforations it's hard to even judge the quality of the leather. It also seems that their tracks don't let them go as low to the floor as the MB-Tex seats did in my tester 2016 I had for a bit, and the ventilated seats are stiffer and less comfortable in my experience. Not that any W212 has particularly good seats.
What about headrests? I was under the impression that the part where your head would touch is real leather.
I'm assuming you're looking for donor cars that had leather but not ventilation. I wish I had that option. The seat ventilation is useless and the seats have so many perforations it's hard to even judge the quality of the leather. It also seems that their tracks don't let them go as low to the floor as the MB-Tex seats did in my tester 2016 I had for a bit, and the ventilated seats are stiffer and less comfortable in my experience. Not that any W212 has particularly good seats.
10-10-2020, 06:30 PM
#20
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I have seen MB-Tex cars have these same inserts on the doors as my 215A-equipped car. No surprise there.
What about headrests? I was under the impression that the part where your head would touch is real leather.
I'm assuming you're looking for donor cars that had leather but not ventilation. I wish I had that option. The seat ventilation is useless and the seats have so many perforations it's hard to even judge the quality of the leather. It also seems that their tracks don't let them go as low to the floor as the MB-Tex seats did in my tester 2016 I had for a bit, and the ventilated seats are stiffer and less comfortable in my experience. Not that any W212 has particularly good seats.
What about headrests? I was under the impression that the part where your head would touch is real leather.
I'm assuming you're looking for donor cars that had leather but not ventilation. I wish I had that option. The seat ventilation is useless and the seats have so many perforations it's hard to even judge the quality of the leather. It also seems that their tracks don't let them go as low to the floor as the MB-Tex seats did in my tester 2016 I had for a bit, and the ventilated seats are stiffer and less comfortable in my experience. Not that any W212 has particularly good seats.
10-10-2020, 06:50 PM
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I spent a lot of time in EPC and on parts websites today researching the issue. While there are different part numbers for the door panel inserts with the standard leather option and the MB-Tex option, they're almost exactly the same price, so I believe that both are MB-Tex and only differ in the stitching pattern. The door armrests and center console armrest are exactly the same part numbers on the standard leather and MB-Tex cars.
On Nappa leather cars the door panel inserts, door armrests, and center console armrest lid are far, far more expensive, likely indicating that they are indeed Nappa leather.
Here are my notes on the matter if anybody is interested. Note that the prices are approximate and for my interior color, Silk Beige (_15):
On Nappa leather cars the door panel inserts, door armrests, and center console armrest lid are far, far more expensive, likely indicating that they are indeed Nappa leather.
Here are my notes on the matter if anybody is interested. Note that the prices are approximate and for my interior color, Silk Beige (_15):
10-10-2020, 06:51 PM
#22
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For the amount of money the dealers want, I think you will do better finding a good auto upholstery shop in your area and have them quote the price for matching what leather you have to all the other areas that aren't. A good Auto Upholstery shop can do wonders at a fraction of the cost of dealer parts.
10-10-2020, 07:31 PM
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I had the headliner in my 2001 C320 recovered at a local upholstery shop, and the results were BETTER than factory.
I have no dog in this debate, as I have MB-Tex in my car (both C320 and E350) and wouldn't have it any other way.
10-10-2020, 07:45 PM
#24
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And there are enough complaints here about factory leather scuffing, tearing, etc, to make the aftermarket upholstery shop sound like a primary option.
I had the headliner in my 2001 C320 recovered at a local upholstery shop, and the results were BETTER than factory.
I have no dog in this debate, as I have MB-Tex in my car (both C320 and E350) and wouldn't have it any other way.
I had the headliner in my 2001 C320 recovered at a local upholstery shop, and the results were BETTER than factory.
I have no dog in this debate, as I have MB-Tex in my car (both C320 and E350) and wouldn't have it any other way.
10-10-2020, 08:15 PM
#25
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Definitely don’t try and retrofit the system for ventilated seats. They are horrible.
