Hello,

Can anyone tell me how to distinguish Leather seats vs. MB-Tex on a '83 300SD? I have looked at a number of these cars and noticed that some have the "pleats" on the seat bottom that go all the way to the front edge of the seat. Others seem to have a "smooth" front portion with only the rearward half being pleated.

Which is MB-Tex and which is leather? Is this what distinguishes the two?

Also, what type of wood was on the interior of these cars? I know the difference between Burl & Zebrano and know what they look like, but what came standard on a 300SD? (1983 model)

Thanks
Neal

As for what type of wood. 300SD should have Zebrano unless it's a grey market/private import Euro Spec. Euro Spec usually have choice of wood in the car.

As for MB-Tex and Leather. MB-Tex actually feels harder and less flexable(compare to leather). It's hard to tell it on the board, but I try my best here...

Try find an obvious spot where there are enough lights. Press your thumb in(or do whatever, just bend the surface so that the leather/MB-Tex will flex), while pressing, look around the spot where you press in, if it's smooth, and smooth all the way into where you press, then it's MB-Tex. If you can see a lot of lines(looke like crack/fine scratch, but really isn't)around where you press, and lines gone when you let go...it's leather.

I know it's confusing, it's hard to explain....hope this helps...

P.S. Leather gets crack lines easier than MB-Tex, and is more soft. MB-Tex feels as if there's a very flexable rubber/plastic layer underneath....

Andy Kuo

i suggest you write to MBZ and request for a copy of your car's window sticker. This will tell you which came with your car.
Here's their number 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, and ask for Client assistance center.

I requested mine and got a copy in about a month. The window sticker in my case listed the seats as Palomino leather.

emmy
91 560SEL