Black Premium Leather (801) vs. Black Leather (201) -- Premium is cheaper??
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2016 GL 450
Black Premium Leather (801) vs. Black Leather (201) -- Premium is cheaper??
Looking at the current US SPC options, I found this confusing:
801: $1,370 (Premium Black Leather)
201: $1,620 (Black Leather)
-- am I missing something? Is there a difference in which surfaces are covered?
801: $1,370 (Premium Black Leather)
201: $1,620 (Black Leather)
-- am I missing something? Is there a difference in which surfaces are covered?
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Yes, you are. When you add the SPC charge of $250 to 801, they are the same price. But, that means if you order other special order items as well, you actually save money, in a way.
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
801A is Nappa Leather which is the same stuff used on many AMGs. Definitely nicer than the 201 leather in my opinion which is not as soft or as small grained as Nappa leather.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
801 Premium leather
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Feb 9, 2013 at 11:52 AM.
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From: Virginia
2013 ML350
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Hmm 801A might not be Nappa Leather then. A CL63 that I just ran the VIN on a few days ago listed it as having 801A leather- which I think is Nappa, but not positive. On my R63, I have 501A which they call Exclusive Leather on the data card and is in fact Nappa. So perhaps 801 is not- I'd have to see it in person to be able to tell.
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From: Cyprus
ML63 AMG W166, CLK200K, ML320CDI
In accordance with German Price list (pages 23 and 36 attached), Code 801 is Napa Leather. It is cheaper than normal leather only because it is an upgrade of Sports Package, which already includes upgraded upholstery and some other items. At the same time, as correctly pointed out, it is only available in Black and only with Sports Package. In Europe, it cannot be combined with Ventilated seats, which probably applies to US as well.
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From: SoCal
2013 ML550 Paladium Silver/Brown Satin Ash
As nice as the interior photos of GregW's looked, I didn't go for the Sports package since I wanted the multi-contour seats and vents....thinking the seat adjustments would be like the X5. Well, I was certainly wrong about that...they suck...and I now wish I ordered the Sports package instead.
The key thing is I was looking for is to have the side bolsters hold me snug, given that I also ordered ACTIVE CURVE and anticipated I'd need that support. Instead, any adjustment to the side bolsters feels more like lumps on either side of my back. I believe it's because MB uses air ballast that inflate, rather than mechanical action that brings in the side bolsters. Same with extending the seat bottom....rather than have it move out mechanically to support the underside of the legs, it inflates the front the seat, adding maybe an inch or so, but not much more feeling of support.
Adding to the problem is that the front of the seat will not tilt back when the seat is all the way down, as it has to be given my height. So, I can't create any 'under leg' support that way either.
Overall, the multi-contour seats are very disappointing. And on top of that, not reliable. I just had my ML in the shop for 12 days since they couldn't figure out how to fix the right passenger side air controls system that inflates the ballasts in the lumbar and sides and bottom.
I believe the Sports seats come with larger side bolsters. So, I imagine that would have worked out better. Plus they have the Nappa Leather, which is nicer. The standard leather does not feel very luxurious, as you would expect from a car this expensive...and not much better the the MBtex.
The key thing is I was looking for is to have the side bolsters hold me snug, given that I also ordered ACTIVE CURVE and anticipated I'd need that support. Instead, any adjustment to the side bolsters feels more like lumps on either side of my back. I believe it's because MB uses air ballast that inflate, rather than mechanical action that brings in the side bolsters. Same with extending the seat bottom....rather than have it move out mechanically to support the underside of the legs, it inflates the front the seat, adding maybe an inch or so, but not much more feeling of support.
Adding to the problem is that the front of the seat will not tilt back when the seat is all the way down, as it has to be given my height. So, I can't create any 'under leg' support that way either.
Overall, the multi-contour seats are very disappointing. And on top of that, not reliable. I just had my ML in the shop for 12 days since they couldn't figure out how to fix the right passenger side air controls system that inflates the ballasts in the lumbar and sides and bottom.
I believe the Sports seats come with larger side bolsters. So, I imagine that would have worked out better. Plus they have the Nappa Leather, which is nicer. The standard leather does not feel very luxurious, as you would expect from a car this expensive...and not much better the the MBtex.
Last edited by Masterbuyer; Feb 11, 2013 at 11:40 AM.
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
IMO 201 leather feels just like MBTex- no difference. The step up to Nappa Leather is huge- so soft and supple. If given the choice, I'd go for Nappa every day of the week provided it doesn't hinder the ability to get other options.
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2016 GL 450
I can't accept the loss of ventilation with the premium leather. That's unfortunate. I'll probably go for the multi-contour, which I had and appreciated on my E350 -- good for road trips.
My biggest problem with MBTex is that it's synthetic -- it will ever smell the way a car ought to smell.
My biggest problem with MBTex is that it's synthetic -- it will ever smell the way a car ought to smell.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
I can't accept the loss of ventilation with the premium leather. That's unfortunate. I'll probably go for the multi-contour, which I had and appreciated on my E350 -- good for road trips.
My biggest problem with MBTex is that it's synthetic -- it will ever smell the way a car ought to smell.
My biggest problem with MBTex is that it's synthetic -- it will ever smell the way a car ought to smell.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 81
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2016 GL 450
