Leather or vinyl on R129?

[KenSilver]

I think I can identify which is leather or vinyl on my interior for cleaning, but I'd like some independent confirmation. Which parts are leather and which are vinyl/MB-tex? I've put what I think in brackets:

1. Rear ledge/cover (leather)
2. Roll bar (leather)
3. Seat sides and backs (vinyl)
4. Headrests (vinyl)
5. Door side panels (vinyl)
6. Top of windscreen (vinyl)

Thanks!

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening blue-black on black leather, xenons, no headlight wipers (from choice).
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey on grey leather, best in country!
~1991 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG on tan leather, wife's (but my polishing)
~1992 Honda US s/wagon, black/grey
ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice)

[Gilly]

There were some made which had leather in some of the areas you have marked as Vinyl. Some of them had vinyl/MB Tex on the top of the center console also. I've seen some with leather and even hand-stitched leather on the center armrest, and also on the header trim (top of the windshield). I believe most if not all had leather headrests. Possibly for some markets the seating area and headrests were MB Tex.

Gilly

[KenSilver]

Thanks Gilly,

Maybe I can't tell them apart as much as I thought, and maybe a lot of my 'vinyl' is actually leather.

So I wonder how I should clean it? Treat it all as leather? I suppose leather products won't hurt vinyl after all, but won't give it the best look.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening blue-black on black leather, xenons, no headlight wipers (from choice).
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey on grey leather, best in country!
~1991 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG on tan leather, wife's (but my polishing)
~1992 Honda US s/wagon, black/grey
ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice)

[Gilly]

I think probably treat it all as vinyl, yes.
There is a forum here for detailing cars, you could try asking there.

Gilly

[DslBnz]

The leather should be treated with a luke warm damp cloth with soap. Easy smooth application. No cleaner at all, as it will take the color out and ruin the seat.

The vinyl can be cleaned with a cleaner like Fantastic, and sprayed with a protectant like Armorall, or whatever you'd prefer.

[geno]

I have a 94 500SL and the seat sides are leather. I believe the whole interior is leather, but I'm not absolutly sure.

[Rick Miley]

Originally posted by DslBnz
The vinyl can be cleaned with a cleaner like Fantastic, and sprayed with a protectant like Armorall, or whatever you'd prefer.

OMG, please don't do that! "A cleaner like Fantastic," namely Formula 409, took the finish right off my MB Tex console cover within seconds. You do not want to use such a harsh cleaner. The best stuff for vinyl is Vinylex, by the makers of Lexol.