I just purchased a used 1999 C230K and have never owned a MB before. The exterior color is black and interior is parchment. A friend of my wife commented that he believes the interior is "Mercedes fake leather." I thought the seat faces were real leather - what interior materials did Mercedes use in the 1999 C series. What's next, I find out the burl trim is actually plastic?

Welcome to MB Shop:

Burl trim is usually a thin layer of real wood laminated over other materials to prevent it becoming a hazard during an accident, and I believe that is what is on your car, as on my C230. I don't know of an MB that uses plastic wood.

The Mercedes 'fake leather' is called MB Tex, and the reason I bought my 1998 C230 is that it was the last year this was available on my car in the US. As far as I know, MB Tex is only available outside the USA on MBs after 1998 because of a MB USA corporate marketing decision. (However, I believe some models may use sections of MB Tex on the leather interiors at high wear points, but may be wrong on that!) Many knowledgable MB enthusiasts prefer MB tex to leather because it lasts longer and requires much less care. Leather was available for my 300E and my C230 - I didn't want it, only MB Tex!

There are number codes on your car that will let a MB dealer tell you the color and fabric type for your car. Go to them, not your 'friend', who seems to be trying to make you feel badly about your purchase! Some friend!

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

Your car has high quality genuine leather seating surfaces. I have a '99 C280 and I have researched it. go to MBUSA.com, there is a section called "15 year overview". Lots of good information. btw, enjoy the car. I love mine.