Ironzey

Hello again,

My '89 300E has a pretty decent looking interior there are no holes or cracks or anything majorly wrong with the seating surface. I'm pretty sure that it's MB-TEX it's stood up to 15 years of use and it still looks good. However, there is a slight problem with the hardness of the the seating suface the "leather" is really hard. Is there anyway to soften it? Is it really MB-TEX? What should I use for cleaning and restoration? I've already searched but no one seems to address cleaning and care of MB-TEX. BTW how do you tell the difference?

Thanks again.

Sam 325i

MB-Tex is a vinyl material. You will visibly notice the difference between MB-Tex and Leather.
Don't quote me, but MB-Tex'd cars should have a more plasticy material on teh door panels whereas Leather has a flush, cloth door panel.

To clean it and possibly soften, I highly recommend Vinyl-x.
$8.95 at Pepboys, but often they dont have any in stock or don't carry it.

Sam

SUNILP

if you have a leather interior and want to soften it, the best stuff I have found is called leatherique. It's about 40 bucks but really worth it!

Kestas

Ditto on Leatherique. If you do a search, you'll find a lot of people swear by this product. Don't use neatsfoot oil!... it'll destroy the stitching!

wingless

Based on these recommendations I have ordered the protectant and cleaner.

Ironzey

isn't that stuff for real leather? wouldn't it be a waste on mb-tex?

wingless

According to their web site, that their products are designed to clean, treat and protect leather. At no point does their information indicate that these products are designed for MB Tex.

Kestas

I believe you guys are right - I doubt leatherique would treat MB-Tex. But if Ron-Z said his seat material has hardened, I suspect it may be leather.

One way to tell would be with close examination of the edges, perhaps with a magnifying glass. Compare it with known leather and vinyl.

wingless

The Leatherique Prestine Clean instructions state: "This process may be used on vinyl areas to soften and condition." However, the Rejuvenator Oil is not defined for use with vinyl.

JamesBrown

What do you guys think of the Zymbol Leather Cleaning/Conditioner kit? I've used it on my leather jacket and wallet and works well to take of some of the grime and soften it.

wingless

The Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil and Prestine Clean have arrived. I have used this on my interior and am very satisfied with the results. I also would recommend these products for leather and vinyl cleaning and protection.