The seat heater (lower cushion) failed on the '01 wagon, so the dealer (under warranty) replaced the heater element/seat cover. Now the seat cover looks quite different than the rest of the seat covers.
The car has the full leather option (unlike '01 sedans, '01 wagons came standard with only leather seating surfaces - full leather was an option). The original leather is quite smooth and shiny - really has an awesome feel. Even the pockets on the seat backs are full leather (unlike the "full leather" in the '02 c320). But the replacement seat cover is a heavily textured "dry" leather material with no surface gloss. This is not a case of the original being "worn" smooth - the materials are quite different.
Is this just natural variation in the leather cover, or has the dealer installed a "leather seating surface only" type cover? The part number they installed for the cover (from the invoice) is 210-910-58-46-9B50.
Thank for any advice/experiences anyone can share - I'm trying to decide if I should complain, or just ignore it and move on!

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2001 e320 wagon
2004 F350
2006 Crown Vic

I would definitely bring your concern to the attention of the Service Manager. Expect him to explain that leather varies from piece to piece, yadda, yadda, yadda. Then repeat that you're not satisfied and that the Service Department should have checked that the replacement seat cushion more closely matched the original before installing it. Unlike the old style seat heaters I understand that the new ones are integral with the leather cover therefore the seating surface gets changed by default. Check to see if the dealer still has the original seat cover. Perhaps they can adapt it some way so that retain the original cover material. If not, suggest that they replace the passenger seat cover so that at least both front seats match.

I had a similar problem with a replacement door panel with a leather insert for our 1992 300CE. The dealer damaged the door panel during removal to adjust the door glass. I insisted that they replace the door panel; however, I was dissatisfied with the appearance of the leather insert on the new panel ... didn't match the driver's door in color or texture. After a lengthy discussion the Service Manager agreed to have an upholstery shop install the original leather insert on the new door panel. Unless you complain the dealers do things the simplest, most cost effective way, not necessarily the right way.

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Fred Hoelzle

I have had the same experience. Learned to live with it.
The original leather was much nicer, though.

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)