MBTex vs leather
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From: Central Washington
MBTex vs leather
Wife drove X254 and convinced herself she needs one. Very hard to find leather even on a loaded vehicle. Every sales person I spoke with says MB Tex shouldn’t be a problem, even with two large dogs who believe the car belongs to them. I haven’t had a car without leather for years. It seems that years ago when I got my first E CLASS MB Tex had some issues. I spend some time on the W 222 forum but I haven’t read about any issues lately, but I wouldn’t expect to as I assume most S Class vehicle come with leather. Has anyone had issues with MB Tex? Does it wear well? Does I discolor? Tear or rip easily?
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Wife drove X254 and convinced herself she needs one. Very hard to find leather even on a loaded vehicle. Every sales person I spoke with says MB Tex shouldn’t be a problem, even with two large dogs who believe the car belongs to them. I haven’t had a car without leather for years. It seems that years ago when I got my first E CLASS MB Tex had some issues. I spend some time on the W 222 forum but I haven’t read about any issues lately, but I wouldn’t expect to as I assume most S Class vehicle come with leather. Has anyone had issues with MB Tex? Does it wear well? Does I discolor? Tear or rip easily?
Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Wife drove X254 and convinced herself she needs one. Very hard to find leather even on a loaded vehicle. Every sales person I spoke with says MB Tex shouldn’t be a problem, even with two large dogs who believe the car belongs to them. I haven’t had a car without leather for years. It seems that years ago when I got my first E CLASS MB Tex had some issues. I spend some time on the W 222 forum but I haven’t read about any issues lately, but I wouldn’t expect to as I assume most S Class vehicle come with leather. Has anyone had issues with MB Tex? Does it wear well? Does I discolor? Tear or rip easily?
Note that quite some differences in MB-Tex have been reported across models and years. It means MB doesn't buy enormous bolts of MB-Tex from one supplier factory, and make all seats for all models with it.
Seats and seat cover materials are made by several seating suppliers, in several factories around the world. Therefore there is some variation. So its best to take a look to see if you like it. Generally MB-Tex is good, but there have been reports to the contrary. I wouldn't be concerned with it.
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Joined: Sep 2022
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From: Central Washington
Convinced me. Wife pulled plug on on 2023, loaded with driver assistance,AMG, Pinnacle, Night Package, Hate the panorama sun roof but good luck trying to find one without it. Now to try and encourage dealer service dept to get the software fix downloaded. I’m sure they’re not sitting on a pile of fuel pumps so that recall will have to be scheduled. Many thanks to those who responded.
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MB-Tex generally is indestructible. There have been rashes of reports of seam splitting and scuffing, mostly on E-Class. The MB-Tex on my W166 will be the last thing on the car to deteriorate, it is robust on that car.
Note that quite some differences in MB-Tex have been reported across models and years. It means MB doesn't buy enormous bolts of MB-Tex from one supplier factory, and make all seats for all models with it.
Seats and seat cover materials are made by several seating suppliers, in several factories around the world. Therefore there is some variation. So its best to take a look to see if you like it. Generally MB-Tex is good, but there have been reports to the contrary. I wouldn't be concerned with it.
Note that quite some differences in MB-Tex have been reported across models and years. It means MB doesn't buy enormous bolts of MB-Tex from one supplier factory, and make all seats for all models with it.
Seats and seat cover materials are made by several seating suppliers, in several factories around the world. Therefore there is some variation. So its best to take a look to see if you like it. Generally MB-Tex is good, but there have been reports to the contrary. I wouldn't be concerned with it.
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Joined: Jul 2019
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
W222 doesn't have MB-Tex in the US, Leather as the lowest option.
I actually preer the feel of MB-Tex to Leather on MB. MBs leather usually feels quite grained, stiff, and firm, while the MB-Tex is a little softer and more supple to me.
Also, much easier to care for, much more durable, doesn't take on oils and change color nearly as fast
I actually preer the feel of MB-Tex to Leather on MB. MBs leather usually feels quite grained, stiff, and firm, while the MB-Tex is a little softer and more supple to me.
Also, much easier to care for, much more durable, doesn't take on oils and change color nearly as fast
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Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Keep in mind that suppliers produce to car companies’ specs. Systemic defects like seam splitting or perforation splitting are usually car company specification (design) failures notwithstanding the fact that car companies throw their suppliers under the bus for things like this on a regular basis.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
The different suppliers definitely have variations in product, for example I sat in an MB-Tex equipped EQE Sedan and EQE SUV back to back recently and the SUV seat centers felt much smoother and nicer and higher end, like they were emulating a Nappa surface, compared to the Sedan which was more grained.
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2025 GLE450
Wife drove X254 and convinced herself she needs one. Very hard to find leather even on a loaded vehicle. Every sales person I spoke with says MB Tex shouldn’t be a problem, even with two large dogs who believe the car belongs to them. I haven’t had a car without leather for years. It seems that years ago when I got my first E CLASS MB Tex had some issues. I spend some time on the W 222 forum but I haven’t read about any issues lately, but I wouldn’t expect to as I assume most S Class vehicle come with leather. Has anyone had issues with MB Tex? Does it wear well? Does I discolor? Tear or rip easily?
MBWorld God!
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Adient, Magna and Lear are majors in this space. Lear produces for MB Vance. Don’t know where MB buys seats for all vehicle models. No way to know where the good stuff comes from.
Keep in mind that suppliers produce to car companies’ specs. Systemic defects like seam splitting or perforation splitting are usually car company specification (design) failures notwithstanding the fact that car companies throw their suppliers under the bus for things like this on a regular basis.
Keep in mind that suppliers produce to car companies’ specs. Systemic defects like seam splitting or perforation splitting are usually car company specification (design) failures notwithstanding the fact that car companies throw their suppliers under the bus for things like this on a regular basis.
I am curious, did the suppliers (like the fuel pump supplier) changed things in the production process without notifying MB?
