Heritage Edition - Leather Quality

[stonepa]

It‘s possible the material has changed, but the MBTex from the ‘70s and maybe the ‘80s was awesome.

I agree. I have owned MB products with MB Tex, including a 1988 300TE 4Matic and a 1992 500SEL, both bought by me new. MB's attitude at the time was that they only sold leather interior cars in the North America markets because buyers were too stupid to realize leather was an inferior product. This is an actual quote from one of their interior design engineers.

 

[bloc]

I agree. I have owned MB products with MB Tex, including a 1988 300TE 4Matic and a 1992 500SEL, both bought by me new. MB's attitude at the time was that they only sold leather interior cars in the North America markets because buyers were too stupid to realize leather was an inferior product. This is an actual quote from one of their interior design engineers.

I will say this.. aside from one spot where something breached the surface, my 14yr old MBTex looks factory new, with what I’m betting is virtually no maintenance. Find me some leather that will do that.

 

[iowacruiser]

You guys have any recommendations on conditioner or leather protection for the HE seats?
I’d like to keep the seats looking good for as long as I can, especially the bolsters...

 

[MTN2SND]

You guys have any recommendations on conditioner or leather protection for the HE seats?
I’d like to keep the seats looking good for as long as I can, especially the bolsters...

I went with Escape Gear full coverage protection. I've got 6 year old and 9 year old boys, so the only real option was to just cover the seats.

 

[WCDAVE]

You guys have any recommendations on conditioner or leather protection for the HE seats?
I’d like to keep the seats looking good for as long as I can, especially the bolsters...

Don't forget to clean your leather first. Smearing conditioner on dirty leather makes things worse. I use a Lexol cleaner (available at most auto parts chain stores) then Griot's Garage leather conditioner - typically a once a year activity when it's warmer out and the leather absorbs and dries better making the process faster. I haven't done the HE yet - too new, but will use the same protocol I've outlined above.

 

[bloc]

You guys have any recommendations on conditioner or leather protection for the HE seats?
I’d like to keep the seats looking good for as long as I can, especially the bolsters...

Leatherique is flat out amazing.