Interior Cleaners and Protectants

[mindovermatter81]

Well I got some good advice on exterior products here and was now wondering what you all recommend for keeping the interior in tip top shape. I have a black leather interior. I would like to keep the nice leather smell going and maybe keep it from fading. As far as dash goes, a friend of mine says he doesn't use any armor all type products, because then it'll start to smell like armor all.. Then there's the wood trim... Thanks for your advice.

[infinitedrift]

This topic has been it on before...look fir it in the search box...some good stuff on that topic.

[szh]

Yes! And avoid Armor All like the plague. It dries out plastics and leather.

Lexol for leather (although I have heard good things about Leatherique too).

Z

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,I would second Leatherique as well. The boys in BMW forum land swear by the stuff replete with some pretty stunning before and after shots. And Armor All was either concieved by Satan or GM product planners to hasten the desire to get rid of your car.Cheers,M.L

[paperfootball]

The *new* armorall is a water-based silicone emulsion and is fine for use on all vinyl/plastic. The early formulation (in the 80's) was a dimethyl silicone, slovent-based product that would indeed dry out vinly and plastic. I personally do not dress my interior, but rather wipe it down with a damp microfiber, or Meguiars interior quick detailer. If I was going to dress the interior of the M I would probably use 303.

As for the leather--it is coated leather, Lexol was actually developed for uncoated leather. It will not harm it, but IMO should be used on what it was designed for. It is actually more important to keep coated leather *clean* as opposed dressed. Most leather failure is caused by oils in the body left on the leather, which turn to acid and begin to attack the coating. I would recommend wiping the leather *at least* weekly with a damp microfiber towel--pay close attention to areas that come into direct contact with the skin. Dress the leather as you see fit with any product that is desgned for leather--even a few times a year is fine. I personally use a product by leather masters, but really anything will work. Be careful around the perforated areas as they will collect dressing if applied too thick.

[mindovermatter81]

Well since I have more than one vote for it I'm thinking of getting Leatherique, although it seems Lexor is more easily available at retail shops. I'm assuming I'd want to get the clean and condition, probably the 32oz to try out..

http://leatherique.org/SearchR...yID=3

So then I'm gonna take it that only a damp cloth or Meguirs interior quick detailer for the dash. Anything in particular for the wood trim, or will the Meguirs work as well?

Man, not only having a nice new (to me) car is great, but being part of an online community makes it that much better!

[mindovermatter81]

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/....html

Read this and kinda scared me a bit..

[mindovermatter81]

I think I changed my mind and will get the Lexol Cleaner and Conditioner, at least for now, cheaper and more convenient to find. I've read nothing but great things about it.

[szh]

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/....html

Read this and kinda scared me a bit..

Wow. That is surprising and disturbing. I would not have expected that ... I have heard great stuff about the product (even have it sitting on my shelf - just have not gotten around to trying it out yet).

We have somebody at NICO who really did an outstanding job of restoring his car using it ... I will see if I can find that post and link it in.

Z

[szh]

Some good reads:

zerothread?id=282556http://forums.nicoc ... ?id=210401

This is the one that made me think that Leatherique is an excellent product:

zerothread?id=252714

Z

[paperfootball]

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/....html

Read this and kinda scared me a bit..

I can't say for sure because I didn't see that car in person, but I would bet my left arm that the arm rest was dyed before the sale of the car, the cleaner removed the dye and revealed the damage. I see this *al the time* here in my shop. Typically, the vehicles that come from the used cars lots(yes, even the "good" dealerships) use this method to cover up worn/damaged surfaces.

About the wood, I would just use the interior quick detailer. If you have any scratches I would use some Menzerna final polish, or PO106FF.

[mindovermatter81]

You guys are right though, I shouldn't really let one negative reviewput me off on what seems to be such a great product. I will still probably get get Lexor first, since I can get it at my local shops and if I feel like it does all I want it to, keep using it, otherwise, order some Leatherique.Thanks for all your great input and links.

[MagicM]

Of all the cars i've owned i never have once used any interior product care, even when several years pass they still look the same to me, with the exception to cracks in leather. but can't do anything about that.

[mindovermatter81]

I bet it also has alot to do with the weather where the vehicle is located. Here in El Paso it's hot and dry, so I'd bet that I'd need to keep my leather protected from the heat and dryness.

[szh]

I bet it also has alot to do with the weather where the vehicle is located. Here in El Paso it's hot and dry, so I'd bet that I'd need to keep my leather protected from the heat and dryness.

Yes.

You should also strongly consider putting UV tint material on your car if you are worried about the leather in hot climates.

Huper Optik ceramic tint is the way to go! Here: http://www.huperoptikusa.com/consumer_auto.cfm is the info.

Z

[infinitiandbeyond]

http://www.griotsgarage.com...the ONLY name you need for everything in detailing and more!!!