on my 300D I am looking at redoing the front seats. How do I tell if I currently have leather or MB tex. I will say that the drivers side has some "cracks" in it.
thanks,
Jim
'85 300D
'95 E320
'97 CRV

As far as I know, Mercedes didn't use the Tex until the C220 of 1994. I may be wrong. Anyway, I have the C220 w/ tex and there is no way it would crack. If you think its leather, it probably is b/c I can really tell mine isn't.

MB tex has been used for a long long time

My 84 300D turbo is mb tex. You can tell because its not real leather. The smell, feel, touch, looks, etc. MB tex is kind of like plastic/vinyl type texture.

MB tex usually does not crack, although I did make it crack in my 92 300D. Another way of telling is on the piece you plan on replacing, take a terry cloth and some dye removing solution and rub vigorously and if it comes off then its leather. I wouldnt really recomend that method.

If the seating surface has 10 perforated pleats that are about an inch wide it is MB tex. If the seating surface has 4-6 big squares it is leather.

CJ,

On my 86 190D 2.5 (that i wrecked and sold recently), anyway, it looks just like my other ones, but it is leather and not squares.

It was also a limted edition too, so it might just be an exception.

On the older models (82-85 300D's), I have never seen them in squares so far.

another way is to get ur VIN number and run it by the dealer, they will pull all the info off your car and options, etc.

thanks for the replies everyone
 

I will call the VIN in to the dealer today and see what they say.
Jim
'85 300D
'95 E320
'97 CRV

Is it MB...
 

Easiest way to tell? Take a spot you don't care about, and see if it melts. MB Tex does, leather doesn't. Also, if you can see the back of the material, MB Tex looks like cloth.

85 300d? definately Tex. Never saw one with leather.

Whoops, I thought I was wrong, maybe I read that it was going to be the last car to use, I don't know. Sorry!

My W116 300SD has leather seats with 6 pleats that run all the way from the front to the back. It's definitely leather because it's so ripped I can see the back of the hide.

Does anyone have a source for just the bottom replacement covers? It seems they always want you to buy them in sets, and my backs are perfect.

Thanks, Patsy

Call Express Automotive @1-800-940-0123. They will sell you any peice you want. Their quality is as outstanding as their prices.

Also, TX BILL has the right answer regarding how to tell leather from MB TEX. The channels run all the way to the front of the seat cushion, leather stops about 6" from the edge of the seat.

Thanks Bill for the lead, also my leather pleats go all the way to the front and rear edge. I guess the W116 has different seats. Just wanted to reiterate that. Thanks again!

havent they been using mbtex for ages? i remember my uncles 1971 280SE had black mb tex, it wasnt leather thats for sure. mb tex is the best, outdoes leather so much more, id consider redoing the interior of our 450 from leather to mb tex


1979 450 SEL 6.9
1988 260E
1989 300TE
1999 ML320

My '84 300D has black leather, and it was in bad shape when I got it about a year ago. Shortly thereafter, I heard about Leatherique. I ordered a few of their products and rejuvenated my interior, and I don't regret it. MB-Tex has its advantages, but a supple leather interior is a far cry classier.

(Just an opinion. This post is not an endorsement of the fine line of Leatherique products...but it should be)

I always thought my dad's 300Cd had leather but I will check. It feels way softer than mom's tex. Both my cars are leather and I kinda wish I had Tex. that crap is industructible. If you guys want to refresh your tex or leather, go to an upholstery or car paint shop and have them match your interior color(where it is not faded). You then just lightly spray the seats and door panels with a mist and it will cover the cracks and bring back the monotone look it should have instead of being 5 different shades of beige. Dye is a beutiful thing and easy to use. If you think I'm wrong, polish your shoes.

My trusty 1971 250 has beige Tex upholstery. Looks like the real thing. Easy to clean and care for. It can get a little sticky in the summer though. People always assume it is leather, who am I to tell them otherwise? :)

My 300E has black leather - beautiful to sit on and you can't beat that leather smell but it requires a lot of care. I thoroughly hand-clean the seats every two months with MB Leather Conditioner and Cleaner - works great but it is a lot of work!