Leathrette / Sensatec durability issue
 

Sorry about not being positive about X3 this time. I do like the car a lot but... I don't know what to say.

I am extremely disappointed with the X3 seat sensatec fabric durability. I decided to go with a non-leather option because I was told by the salesman that it is more durable and easy to keep clean. Well the car has now 3500 km and the rear seat has been used twice by my wife (about 30 km driving total). All the other driving I have done alone. And no, we do not have a dog.

There are two very noticable scratches already. :bawling: One is on the very left piece of the backrest, the other is in the middle section of the seat itself. Then there are also smaller but noticable 'lines' on the same middle section of the seat. We have really tried to keep the car in good shape and treat it as nicely as possible.

What can I say. So much for an activity vehicle when it cannot manage a human being not to mention if there would be some real outdoor activity gear to haul... Attached a few pics for you to comment. I guess there is not a lot I can do about this since it most likely is considered 'normal wear and tear'?

- p

I have the same type of seat material in my X3. I have the dark black color and there are some scratches, but not that noticable. What caused the scratches? My two kids have spilled drinks on the seats, ice cream....you name it and all has come off quite easy.

We don't have so much as a mark on ours after 20,000 km. What product do you use to clean and condition the seats? Try something like Meguires Vinyl & Rubber Protectant and the marks will be reduced or even eliminated.

That's my thinking too. Stuff like that should just wipe off. But I think it has to be the mechanical stuff that is a cause. I don't have a clue what could have caused them. But since the seat has barely been used (like 30 mins) it must have been like an open jacket on the backrest (like pocket zipper) and a hand bag with a kind of belt type of lock and when that was grabbed it just slid a little.

Is there any way it could be a material defect? Even a slight?

- p

Since there is no dirt in the back and it basically is brand new I have not yet cleaned it at all. I take it that you have used that with good results? Is it found in Canadian Tire or what is a good place to look for it?

Thanks for the hint.

- p

Yes, you can find it at Canadian Tire. It's called Meguires Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner. I find it works very nicely on the sensatec seats and the black nylon inserts (which, by the way, my wife says is exactly like the bombproof material one of her Prada handbags is made of). With any luck, it will take care of the marks. The upside is that if you had leather seats, they probably would have been ruined by whatever made the mark.

Something else you should try, that I just discovered works beautifully on Sensatec seats as well as all other interior surfaces, is a microfiber cloth. You should be able to find them at any major market. You simply wet it with water, wring it out, and wipe down whatever it is you want to clean. It does an amazing job without the need for any cleaners. I took a closer look at my seat this morning and noticed several marks like the ones in your photo, and the microfiber cloth cleaned them off easily (as well as my wife's spilled Frappucino on the center console and passenger seat.

Another hot tip is that these cloths are absolutely the best things going for keeping stainless steel appliances clean and mark free. :thumbup:

I bought a bottle of Meguires Vinyl & Rubber Protectant and tried it on a small area. It did seem to smoothen the mark. However, I was not brave enough to wipe it all over since it seemed to add quite a bit of shine. Or does the shine go away once it dries out?

I also found a bottle of Meguires Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner but could not tell the difference of these two based on the description and usage label. So took the Protectant.

The microfiber is a good idea. I've had good experiences with those but never thought of using them on a car seat :thumbup:

Thanks, p

You should have bought the 'Cleaner/Conditioner'; it will clean, whereas the protectant will not. It does a nice job without leaving a slippery shine, and protects as well. It works well on all the synthetic surfaces, dash, etc. without making them shiny.

The microfiber cloths are awesome. $2.99 at Superstore for two.

Oops. I just noticed in my first post I accidentally called it 'Protectant' (named it correctly in my later post, though). Sorry to mislead you.

ive had friends in my backseats like everyday... ive put 4 wheels n tires thrown in my car and had only few minor scratches.. they come out easily with the microfiber towels though.. i have black sensatic.. mostly i find the marks to be like deoderant stains and they come out easily