F55/F56 Leather Choices - Cross Punch or Lounge Leather
#1
#2
I never considered the Cross Punch, but did have every intention of getting Lounge Leather. I ended up not getting leather at all, as I swear I can "feel" the seams in the Lounge option. Gorgeous seats but I wasn't sure the seams would "soften" enough to not be felt. I would sit in both for a test drive if you can.
#3
#4
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: California Native still livin' in LaLa Land
Posts: 2,163
Received 510 Likes
on
384 Posts
We are enjoying the satellite grey lounge leather sport seats in our Clubman. The look is stunning. However not good if you have dogs or children climbing about. The lighter color shows dirt.
The sport seats are far from posh. BMW firm for sure. Power adjustment is nice, but not as adjustable as some other high-line cars. No memory feature for passenger, which seems cheap.
It's easier on the wallet to add all the pricey extras onto a lease, but if buying a car new, it is a stiff tariff to pay unless you really want the look and the bells and whistles.
The sport seats are far from posh. BMW firm for sure. Power adjustment is nice, but not as adjustable as some other high-line cars. No memory feature for passenger, which seems cheap.
It's easier on the wallet to add all the pricey extras onto a lease, but if buying a car new, it is a stiff tariff to pay unless you really want the look and the bells and whistles.
#5
I have had my Cooper S for a little over a year now. It has satellite grey leather. They are different seats than the standard sport seats in leatherette. They are a bit wider and have adjustable lumbar support. The one compliment I get from my friends when they first sit in my car is: " Wow! These seats are so comfortable!" I've had loaners from the dealer with the leatherette and didn't find them quite as comfy. They feel more sticky to the touch which could be a good thing if you're jamming through some turns, but I find that my seats hold me in just as well, and me being woman, I Didn't think I'd like the feel of the seats on a hot summer day while wearing a dress.
I havent sat in the cross punch but from what I have learned about leather through my interior design studies is: that if it's perforated, it's usually a lower grade of leather. Meaning it's not full grain and doesn't breath as well as non full grain, this being the necessity for the perforations in the leather (i.e. The cross punch design). Don't take my word for it, I have no idea if this is indeed the case for Mini or any other car manufacturers seats, but a good indication is usually the price. You do get what you pay for, whether you need/like it or not. Leather costs more. Good quality leather costs even more. Ultimately it comes down to what is comfortable to you. My decision was purely aesthetics based, as satellite grey is more maintenance than black, but I love them!
I havent sat in the cross punch but from what I have learned about leather through my interior design studies is: that if it's perforated, it's usually a lower grade of leather. Meaning it's not full grain and doesn't breath as well as non full grain, this being the necessity for the perforations in the leather (i.e. The cross punch design). Don't take my word for it, I have no idea if this is indeed the case for Mini or any other car manufacturers seats, but a good indication is usually the price. You do get what you pay for, whether you need/like it or not. Leather costs more. Good quality leather costs even more. Ultimately it comes down to what is comfortable to you. My decision was purely aesthetics based, as satellite grey is more maintenance than black, but I love them!
#7
Trending Topics
#8
While spec'ing out a F56 I looked at 100's of F56's to check out their interiors. Most were leatherette. Very few had leather. I think leather is rarely ordered due to the high cost. The only seat option that I heard rave reviews for was Black Pearl seats. I have them, and love them too.
Last edited by BMBULBE; 01-02-2017 at 03:53 PM.
#10
Thank you! They aren't that difficult to keep clean. I've had blue denim transfer, grease from mechanic and normal dirt build up all come off with meguires leather wipes. I used to wipe them down weakly but have been pretty lazy lately. I just picked up some meguires spray cleaner/conditioner to use with a terry cloth. The wipes dry up quick, so I'm hoping this method will be more efficient. The wipes are probably better for light touch ups.
This is a picture of my "dirty" seat. I haven't wiped it down in over a month. Not too bad....
Last edited by Lucila; 01-03-2017 at 08:07 AM.
#11