How to find out if a W211 has genuine leather?

[MLAM]

Hi all,

Sorry if this post is in the wrong section.

I'm looking at E-Class's with my dad and we have seen one which we quite like the look of, the owner states black leather.

Just curious to know apart from spec checking the car, how do you know if it has Artico or the Real deal?

Any advise appreciated.

Thanks

 

[turbopete]

i believe that artico is flat on the door trims, whereas the real deal is ruffled IIRC. someone more knowledgeable will confirm this 1 way or the other soon though

i also THINK that the artico wears better than leather. i could be wrong on this too though

 

[Developer]

Leather will smell and crease.

Artico doesn't do either.

If you request the datacard (on here or though a dealer) the upholstery will have a code, one for leather, one for Artico.

EDIT - you'd need the VIN.

Pete is right about the doorcards - mine with Artico are flat.

 

[Miffy]

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=70826&page=61

 

[wheelie]

i believe that artico is flat on the door trims, whereas the real deal is ruffled IIRC.

Agreed chap mine is the real deal and the door cards are "ruffled".

Pete

 

[whitenemesis]

And mine are nappa and are dead flat. So that scuppers that theory!

 

[wheelie]

And mine are nappa and are dead flat. So that scuppers that theory!

:lol: oh dear ... Well mine looks like leather, smells like leather and wears like leather so god knows :lol:

Pete

Mind you there is a chance I'm writing complete bollocks! :lol:

 

[whitenemesis]

One cannot tell (easily) by appearance, that's how good MB made the artificial stuff!

The datacard will reveal all.

Oh, and nothing wrong with Artico/MBTex, ask any taxi driver!

 

[television]

Many on here have had problems with the Artico,,, this has no smell and leather does, Leather does stretch on the squab, artico does not.

On most the door cards are artico, if the grain on thew seats is the same then it is artico

 

[mxs]

Nowt wrong with artico in my eyes, easy to keep clean and not so slippery as leather, horses for courses I suppose.

 

[television]

Nowt wrong with artico in my eyes, easy to keep clean and not so slippery as leather, horses for courses I suppose.

Very true Probably as many have some problems with either product

 

[MLAM]

Thanks for all the feed back gents, I have got the VIN and requested data card on it

I think its more of a personal preference about the car having real leather given the price tag of the car when it was new .

I've seen artico and to the untrained eye you really wouldn't know any better unless you was told so.

 

[television]

Thanks for all the feed back gents, I have got the VIN and requested data card on it

I think its more of a personal preference about the car having real leather given the price tag of the car when it was new .

I've seen artico and to the untrained eye you really wouldn't know any better unless you was told so.

Opening the door of the car should tell you from the smell, Artico does not smell and leather does

 

[peterwhayward]

And mine are nappa and are dead flat. So that scuppers that theory!

Mine too.

 

[hawk20]

Choose AvantGarde models. They are all leather. And a better ride than the Sport.

 

[S.Speed]

Mine is Artico and the door cards are ruffled !!
Not that I am being awkward or anything.

 

[television]

My door cards are what one might call ruffled, quite a hard speckly material, though it it skin a the center console

 

[S.Speed]

Apparently mine is leather after all.
Peter (Whitenemisis) checked my VIN number and confirmed that fact.
On some mercs they "plasticize" the leather. To my mind that defeats the point of having leather.
Never forget going for a spin in a friends Aston Martin.. They smell fabulous (Like a shoe shop) and that sound . . . . .

 

[television]

Apparently mine is leather after all.
Peter (Whitenemisis) checked my VIN number and confirmed that fact.
On some mercs they "plasticize" the leatbher. To my mind that defeats the point of having leather.

I knew that you had some quality about you Simon