Suede vs leather

[m3f_chemicals_b2f60131b9]

As the M3-3.2 came to Australia with both choices, which is easier to live with. Id probably prefer the leather, but leather ages alot quicker. :beer:

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

Alcantara (the suede-like stuff) absolutely rocks.



My mate's just got his new S4 in Alcantara and it's so sweet... just like the new M3 CSL.



I'd give my left vader for Alcantara interior...

[m3f_stephen]

i have the alcantara interior and it's very good. i think it wears better than leather and you don't slide about in your seat when cornering.

[m3f_chemicals_b2f60131b9]

Yep I like the Alcantara (fake suede) better. It just makes the cabin look more funky.

[m3f_hotchilippr]

Leather is a more expensive product and more durable than suede. Leather has top grain which makes it more resistant with a higher shear range. Suede, on the other hand, is the by product from the splitting process and does not have the same physical characteristics.

Both products require care, however, you can't use the same leather care products on them. Leather gets several coats of pigments plus aniline, suede gets aniline only and more susceptible to stains and dirt (probably you need a duster after a few months).

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

I think its a matter of personal preference. I like leather personally. :-P

[m3f_Tpb31_67f747186d]

One thing about suede also, is that you get rub offs on it. What I mean by that is from my experience, lint from your clothes rub off onto the suede, so you have patches of lint that you have to clean up at times. It comes off quite easily. But in my opinion, Leather is easier to keep clean.

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

Alcantara is not suede, same rules do not apply.

[m3f_chemicals_b2f60131b9]

Alcantara is not suede, same rules do not apply.



This is the fake suade they use in furniture which gives the suade look, and is much more durable. :antismili

[m3f_bmwm3n528]

Alacantara or Suede always looks good when it's newish...but if you've got in in a area that gets a lot of wear (steering wheels, side bolsters, or about anywhere on the seats) when it get's worn it get's shiny...also you cannot clean it as easily as you could leather if you say, spilled a liquid on it or something..



Comes down to Alacantara/Suede is very unpractical, but at the same time it's very nice, especially on the seats where you've got zero movement

[m3f_Angella_c036ec6b5f]

Alcantara is not suede, same rules do not apply.





yeah, I read that and was wondering what he was talking about... nice exagerated post though.



that'd be sweet! wish we had it in the us...

[m3f_Aguapolo17_aa5e21fb6f]

My 2002 Infiniti G20 had black leather seats with grey suede inserts and door panels. I had the car for a year and a half, and the suede showed no signs of wear, nor did it ever look shiney or worn.

[m3f_hotchilippr]

Suede will deteriorate faster...no top grain. Being in the tannery business for LONG LONG time.

[m3f_Angella_c036ec6b5f]

good thing it's not suede, huh?