Leather(ette) concerns

[mrogers]

It's pouring rain today, for the first time since I bought my '97 540i the other week, and naturally as I got in and out of the car today some rain fell onto the seats. Immediately thereafter there seemed to be lighter-colored spots (I have the sand interior) where the rain fell, which concerned me. So here's my question: rain can't permenantly harm the leather, can it? I'd think those light spots are just wetness and they'll dry; if they didn't, I think that would be ridiculous, but you never know... I've got Lexol on order, but it won't be here untill Tuesday, so as of now I haven't put anything on the seats.

Here's my other question: how do I tell if I have leather or this leatherette that I keep hearing about? If I had to guess, I'd say I have leatherette, but how can I tell for sure?

[Maz]

From my experiences is that Water does not damage leather!! Its just good to wipe it off when its on there or after you are done driving!! I have lived next to the beach my entire life and have been driving and drove cars to the beach with Leather seats, and I would never worry because I know if you got water on them all you have to do is wipe it off with a towel or any kind of cloth. It hasnt failed me yet!!

[sp0rky]

water wont hurt them, as some leather cleaners i used ask you to wipe the seat down thoroughly with water first.

You have a 540, most likely it's leather, i dont think you see too many leatherette seats (if any) in 540s.

Its really hard to tell the difference between the two. I dont even know what to tell ya there, sorry. Im sure someone else can help you out with that one though.

good luck!