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      04-29-2015, 08:06 PM   #1
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Leather Cracking

Anyone having leather cracking on the side bolsters? I am a very fit guy and the right side driver side bolster is really cracked while the left is not. I hardly feel them while driving. Car has 5k miles.

Ps. They replaced my steering wheel already for leather imperfections.

Picture 2 and 4 have cracking the other 2 do not.
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Last edited by mrkhanna16; 05-05-2015 at 08:27 PM..
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      05-05-2015, 07:12 PM   #2
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Leather is like our skin, it requires moisturizer. Use BMW leather cleaner/conditioner once or twice a year to avoid cracking. I've been using BMW care products for years, love it. The first weekend I own any new BMW, I wipe it down with BMW leather conditioner. If there's any issues with staining, the dealer can't blame it on the product.

I also use the BMW vinyl protectant once a year as well, they smell and works great - no greasy feel like other products.
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      05-05-2015, 07:42 PM   #3
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I have done nothing to my leather since I took the car last June (I just conditioned it this past weekend), drove it all winter and the leather looks as good as new other than normal wrinkles, etc. I have found that the Merino has held up very, very well and I haven't been careful with it nor did I do anything to it.
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      05-05-2015, 08:20 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JNoSol View Post
Leather is like our skin, it requires moisturizer. Use BMW leather cleaner/conditioner once or twice a year to avoid cracking. I've been using BMW care products for years, love it. The first weekend I own any new BMW, I wipe it down with BMW leather conditioner. If there's any issues with staining, the dealer can't blame it on the product.

I also use the BMW vinyl protectant once a year as well, they smell and works great - no greasy feel like other products.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
I have done nothing to my leather since I took the car last June (I just conditioned it this past weekend), drove it all winter and the leather looks as good as new other than normal wrinkles, etc. I have found that the Merino has held up very, very well and I haven't been careful with it nor did I do anything to it.
Hi guys, thank you for your replies, I updated the thread with pics of what the leather looks like on one seat to another. I am a very skinny guy, my ass does not get hugged by the bottom bolsters(don't know actual name). and the side of the seat would never be touched.
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      05-05-2015, 08:23 PM   #5
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I must be blind, because I don't see any cracks in your seat. Looks fine to me.
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      05-05-2015, 08:26 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
I must be blind, because I don't see any cracks in your seat. Looks fine to me.
haha, I posted 4 pics, 2 have cracking. The other two are to show how different the texture is. Maybe I'm on crack...
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      05-05-2015, 08:27 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkhanna16 View Post
haha, I posted 4 pics, 2 have cracking. The other two are to show how different the texture is. Maybe I'm on crack...
I see leather texture - not cracks. Looks fine.
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      05-05-2015, 08:40 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkhanna16 View Post
haha, I posted 4 pics, 2 have cracking. The other two are to show how different the texture is. Maybe I'm on crack...
I see leather texture - not cracks. Looks fine.
Yep. Normal wear = more character
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      05-06-2015, 12:27 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkhanna16 View Post
haha, I posted 4 pics, 2 have cracking. The other two are to show how different the texture is. Maybe I'm on crack...
That leather is wrinkled not cracked, just from normal use...
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      05-06-2015, 01:17 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
I see leather texture - not cracks. Looks fine.
This! Cracks! Haha! This place is a riot!
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      05-06-2015, 05:05 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkhanna16 View Post
Hi guys, thank you for your replies, I updated the thread with pics of what the leather looks like on one seat to another. I am a very skinny guy, my ass does not get hugged by the bottom bolsters(don't know actual name). and the side of the seat would never be touched.
Well, now that we see pics it looks 100% normal. Nothing at all wrong here. Cheap leather won't do this because it is tougher but a soft, nicer leather will wrinkle because it is a natural. Go enjoy your car and stop worrying
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      05-06-2015, 05:39 AM   #12
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Is this a joke....or one of those 3D images I stare at a certain way for an image to pop out.


Joking obviously, but there is not one thing wrong I can see in these pictures. That is normal behaviour for real leather. It wrinkles and creases, cracks are more what I would describe as a crease which goes through the texture of the fabric top to bottom. Think like a crack on a glass surface.
Check your skin at certain areas of flexing, creased and wrinkled right...now when I rock climbed a lot my palms and finger tips would get small cracks in the skin that would hurt and even bleed. It was easily solved by using certain conditioners and balms.

You should do constant maintenance on your seats with a good cleaner and leather conditioner/protectant. And of course be mindful of the type of clothes you have on and whether you're a "slider" when you sit or a "riser".

Sliders slip and slide into position in and out = more wear.
Risers put one foot in the car then sit in the seat and bring the other foot in. Then put one leg outside to rise out of the seat and pull the other leg out = less wear.
Doesn't work for everyone and differs by car/type, but works for me in my M3.

I'm a paranoid seat worrying riser.
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      05-06-2015, 07:00 AM   #13
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What did you condition it with? I used leather masters and im not a skinny little dude. But my seats are fine. .
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      05-06-2015, 07:45 AM   #14
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Zaino leather care works wonders for me too
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      05-06-2015, 07:47 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmk08
What did you condition it with? I used leather masters and im not a skinny little dude. But my seats are fine. .
How do you like leather masters. Do you have experience with Lexol? Curious about the difference
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      05-06-2015, 10:05 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
I see leather texture - not cracks. Looks fine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JNoSol View Post
Yep. Normal wear = more character

Quote:
Originally Posted by cars88 View Post
That leather is wrinkled not cracked, just from normal use...
Quote:
Originally Posted by 04RC51 View Post
This! Cracks! Haha! This place is a riot!
Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
Well, now that we see pics it looks 100% normal. Nothing at all wrong here. Cheap leather won't do this because it is tougher but a soft, nicer leather will wrinkle because it is a natural. Go enjoy your car and stop worrying
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blksnowflake View Post
Is this a joke....or one of those 3D images I stare at a certain way for an image to pop out.


Joking obviously, but there is not one thing wrong I can see in these pictures. That is normal behaviour for real leather. It wrinkles and creases, cracks are more what I would describe as a crease which goes through the texture of the fabric top to bottom. Think like a crack on a glass surface.
Check your skin at certain areas of flexing, creased and wrinkled right...now when I rock climbed a lot my palms and finger tips would get small cracks in the skin that would hurt and even bleed. It was easily solved by using certain conditioners and balms.

You should do constant maintenance on your seats with a good cleaner and leather conditioner/protectant. And of course be mindful of the type of clothes you have on and whether you're a "slider" when you sit or a "riser".

Sliders slip and slide into position in and out = more wear.
Risers put one foot in the car then sit in the seat and bring the other foot in. Then put one leg outside to rise out of the seat and pull the other leg out = less wear.
Doesn't work for everyone and differs by car/type, but works for me in my M3.

I'm a paranoid seat worrying riser.
Thanks guys for the info, I won't worry anymore! and Im definitely a riser haha.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dmk08 View Post
What did you condition it with? I used leather masters and im not a skinny little dude. But my seats are fine. .
Quote:
Originally Posted by tofuking View Post
Zaino leather care works wonders for me too
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew115 View Post
How do you like leather masters. Do you have experience with Lexol? Curious about the difference
I guess I should condition my leather, on previous cars (e92 M3/ 09 335) I have done nothing. I have heard the names of Zaino, Leathrique, Leather Masters, and a couple other. Which is the most efficient for my concerns? and Thanks again for the help!
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      05-06-2015, 12:26 PM   #17
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I use herbal essences conditioner. My car seems to really enjoy it. A little TOO much...
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      05-06-2015, 12:43 PM   #18
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It's the ass crack
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      05-06-2015, 12:48 PM   #19
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how about the spot where you sit? I am noticing more cracks or actually 'stretching' per the definition in this thread in that area than any other and its very very apparent even though I treat and condition my leather.

p.s. I have SS interior
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      05-06-2015, 01:41 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VDBimmer View Post
how about the spot where you sit? I am noticing more cracks or actually 'stretching' per the definition in this thread in that area than any other and its very very apparent even though I treat and condition my leather.

p.s. I have SS interior
Sounds normal also. Although I've noticed that the guys with color seats seem to have much more questions. Leather is going to stretch, wrinkle, crease and have some give. It is skin after all, and this is supposed to be a soft quality leather so I would expect to see this behaviour.
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      05-06-2015, 05:33 PM   #21
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I would laugh if a customer brought this up in service department.

I don't see anything in the pictures.
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      05-06-2015, 05:44 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blipit_ View Post
I would laugh if a customer brought this up in service department.

I don't see anything in the pictures.
Thats cool man, glad you are laughing. You are a real winner . Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
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