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

[mbenzgoodyear]

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?

[benzboy87]

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.

[60Special]

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

[Veloce300DT]

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

[Mbz81]

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

[MBeige]

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