Does somebody know how to make the difference (in the picture) from a MB tex seat to a real leather on a 300SD 1981-85 W126?

Post the VIN and someone on the forum can tell you whether the car came with leather or tex. The only way I can tell in photos is by crack and tear patterns.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Is interior material code found in the VIN or is it just on the data plate?

It's probably on the abbreviated data plate on the radiator frame, definitely on the full data card with the manual and sometimes there's a data card under the back seat or in the trunk, and can be deciphered from the VIN using the EPC.

I figure s/he'd have the VIN for a Carfax check.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Sixto, I ran a full Carfax on both my W201's and neither disclosed the type of interior, let alone the original color of the exterior or interior. Have you ever actually checked interior or exterior colors/materials on the EPC?

I meant 92300SE might have the VIN handy from having checked Carfax. Carfax won't tell you about options. The EPC will if it's a late enough model.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Was there a photo posted? In most Mercedes, the leather seats differed from the MB-Tex in the "tuck & roll" shapes of the seats. I believe that the leather panels were used horizontally more often in the backrest portions, whereas MB Tex is typically shaped and "stitched" vertically. If you have access to the car, there are data plate codes on the radiator support that should provide the material/color code for the interior. Finally, a good close up inspection will let you know leather from vinyl.

It seems to me the general rule is - if it's in good shape it's MB tex. The other way to tell is to get to the back of the material, e.g. under the seat - cows don't have the cloth backing.

I have an 81 SD with MBtex seats and an 81 Sd and a 86 SE with leather. The MBtex seats are rolled and pleated clear to the edge of the seat while the leather seats have a cross piece about 6 inchs wide on the front edge and sides of the seat.photo is the leather in SD I love the leather seats in these cars...........

William Rogers

Attached Thumbnails

 

Leather feels nice (and looks nice in good condition) whereas MB-Tex lasts well and is great if you have kids.

The cream-beige MB-Tex interior in our '90 300TE is in these pictures:
http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/pics/W124_56194.jpg
http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/pics/W124_56195.jpg

The blue leather interior in my '90 190E-2.3 Sportline is in these pictures:
http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/pics/W201_49436.jpg
http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/pics/W201_49437.jpg

If you want to see more of my cars (including interiors), have a look at pictures that have accompanied my posts on another forum here:
http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/showlink.asp?parentid=50&catid=2007&subname=Greg%20in%20Oz

__________________
107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.

Not sure about the W126. but in the W124 it is extremely EASY to tell if it is MB-Tex or leather covering the seats:

MB-Tex stiching runs vertical at the center of the backrest (at both front and rear seats).

Leather seat stiching runs horizontal.

The stiching on cloth covered seats (which has never been available in the U.S.) runs the same as the MB-Tex seats. So, M.B. emphasizes the stitching difference only for leather.

By the way, far all those who are still unsure about the MB-Tex terminology, it is just plain and simple VINYL!

__________________
A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]