Questions about different restoring the interor of a 85' 300D
 

I am considering restoring all of the interior of my 85' 300D. I know that I can get new seat covers for the 2 front and rear, but wanted to know how you can tell the difference between the MB tex and true leather? I recently spoke with a auto detail shop, and was quoted $2000 for new carpet, seat covers front and rear and a new headliner(which is in perfect shape). Of course this was "all orignal Mercedes" and was also quoted about $1600 for non-Mercedes.

I was just looking for some input as to having it done or me doing it myself, could I get out any cheaper? And how do you tell the difference between the MB tex and leather and what is the difference between the two?

The MB Tex feels thicker and has a different texture. It also has more "graining". Ask if you can get a sample of each (if mail order) or have them show you something Tex and something MB leather. Personally, I can only tell by touch or compairing side-by-side. I have heard that Tex outlasts leather.

MB Tex
 

Hello there!
At first I hated the stuff... just because it wasn't leather...no other reason...oh, and there was a smell that's unique to this textile...but other than that, this stuff lasts forever, doesn't "crinkle" and has resisted stains and scrapes better than any other seat material I've come across - including leather.
The only other manufacturer whose materials are equally supreme for wear and tear is Honda's cloth...also amazingly strong and wear resistant!
So..I'm a "tex fan" from here on in... I just won't say "vinyl" !!! *hahahaha

cheers
Steve/san francisco

I LOVE MB Tex soooooooooooooo much that I want to have my C280 re-upholstered in it. Its currently parchment leather which already looks older than the tex in my 300D.

mbenzgoodyear-
Have you thought about adding rear seat headrests?
This summer I plan on re-springing my 300DT's front seats, re-upholstering them, switching over to the W126 SEC pleated style headrests (buying 4 used ones and having an upholstery shop re-cover them in tex) and throwing them in. Theres a local MB upholstery shop that can add the rear headrests, so I'll have 4 headrests in total, all with the pleats in them like the W126 SEC, but in tex that matches my upholstery (naturally).

Theres somthing about rear seat headrests that I like. I guess its just a werid aesthetic fetish. LOL

well i have MB-tex in mine 93 benz and it still looks brand new no cracks or whatsoever i would recomend it over leather anytime

If you have your original vehicle data sheet on the back cover of the manual, it should be indicated whether you have MB-Tex or leather. On mine it says 154, Palomino MB-Tex. 254 is Palomino leather...

Interior codes have 3 digits

First digit will tell you what its made out of

First digit with "1" -MB tex

First digit with "2" -Leather

First digit with "3" -Velour

First digit with "4" -Amaretta

First digit with "5" -Exclusive Leather

First digit with "0" -Fabric

The Last digit will tell you color

Last digit is "1" -Black

Last digit is "2" -Blue

Last digit is "3" -Brazil

Last digit is "4" -Palomino, Saddle or Date

Last digit is "5" -Parchment, Cream or Mushroom

Last digit is "6" -Green

Last digit is "7" -Red

Last digit is "8" -Grey

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