[robbyb83]

Hello,

I am about to place an order for an M550i xDrive. I have gone back and forth about ordering with leather dash ($700 option). I looked at several 540i's in the dealership with sensatec dash, which is standard on the M550i, and really thought that they looked fine. I also saw a 7 series with full leather dash, and it looked good too. Unfortunately, I have not been able to see a 2022 M550i in person for comparisons. I'm not concerned about the cost, but a sales assistant at my local BMW dealership said that the full leather is more likely to fade in the sun that synthetic sensatec. Is this true?

Does anyone with sensatec dash regret not getting full leather? Does anyone with full leather have fading and regret not just getting the sensatec option? This will be in a car with ivory white nappa leather seats for reference.

Thanks and happy holidays!

Robby

[r1cero]

I have sensatec and would prefer real leather. Even went to the upholstery shop inquiring about redoing it in leather but got told it's not doable since it is already glued to the dashboard and removing it would make a mess.

I wouldn't worry about fading, specially if you have a garage and don't plan on keeping it for more than 5 years.

[robbyb83]

Originally Posted by r1cero

I have sensatec and would prefer real leather. Even went to the upholstery shop inquiring about redoing it in leather but got told it's not doable since it is already glued to the dashboard and removing it would make a mess.

I wouldn't worry about fading, specially if you have a garage and don't plan on keeping it for more than 5 years.

Thank you. This is very good information. I do have a garage, but park outside at work 4 days a week, and usually keep my cars for a long time (10 yrs).

[dscabra]

My car has the leather dash and is four years old. It looks like new still with no fading. I do use a sun screen when I park the car outside during the day at work.

[robbyb83]

Originally Posted by dscabra

My car has the leather dash and is four years old. It looks like new still with no fading. I do use a sun screen when I park the car outside during the day at work.

Attachment 2772583

Thanks. That looks really nice. I think I’m gonna get the full leather.

[jsf721]

I have the sensatec in both my wife’s and my 530 and 540 and it’s totally fine for me. I have a full leather dash in another non BMW and it’s nice but it’s a bit of a pain to keep protected from UV.

I’m totally fine saving the 700 bucks for other toys l
Or options.

[robbyb83]

Originally Posted by jsf721

I have the sensatec in both my wife’s and my 530 and 540 and it’s totally fine for me. I have a full leather dash in another non BMW and it’s nice but it’s a bit of a pain to keep protected from UV.

I’m totally fine saving the 700 bucks for other toys.

Thanks for your input. I’m not sure I would know the difference if I got sensatec, as I’m likely never going to have a direct comparison with full leather, just wanna make sure I’m considering all variables of a custom order.

Sounds like 2 for leather, 1 for sensatec.

[jsf721]

I’ve got 2 with sensatec so you can break the tie.

In the end it’s your car and I don’t believe either will make or break your experience with this awesome vehicle.

Originally Posted by robbyb83

Thanks for your input. I’m not sure I would know the difference if I got sensatec, as I’m likely never going to have a direct comparison with full leather, just wanna make sure I’m considering all variables of a custom order.

Sounds like 2 for leather, 1 for sensatec.

[m_fife]

Originally Posted by robbyb83

Thank you. This is very good information. I do have a garage, but park outside at work 4 days a week, and usually keep my cars for a long time (10 yrs).

CQuartz Leather 2.0

CARPRO CQUARTZ Leather 2.0 - Kit - Hydrophobic & Oil Phobic, Safe on All Car Leather, Resistance to UV, Denim Dye Coloring, Abrasion and Stains (30ml Kit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YXNK6LS...PBSFP3MA82TA05

I have full leather in my M5. This stuff is incredible!! Every surface is covered.

[DNYC1919]

I pretty much have my 21 540 with all options except dhp and rear shades/heated seats which I don't mind not having. I do mind not getting sensatec dash. Something about the car feels a little cheap when everything looks real nice but the dash is just plain rubber.
So although I have neither I would say go with the leather.

[saw1]

I have the sensatec and the portion on the drivers side door upper wore out a large spot where my elbow sits. Not sure if the leather would have done the same. It was a hassle but ended up being replaced under warranty.

[saw1]

Originally Posted by dscabra

My car has the leather dash and is four years old. It looks like new still with no fading. I do use a sun screen when I park the car outside during the day at work.

Attachment 2772583

That looks like sensatec to me.

[SteveinArizona]

I have Nappa upholstery and the leather dash and I think they look great together. But if your upholstery is Dakota/Vernasca/Sensatec, the Sensatec dash will look just as good as it is pebbled as are the surfaces in those other seating materials. But if you go for the Nappa or Merino (which I wholeheartedly endorse), then go for the leather dash as it is Nappa and will mate will with the seats.

[JCaliX6]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I have Nappa upholstery and the leather dash and I think they look great together. But if your upholstery is Dakota/Vernasca/Sensatec, the Sensatec dash will look just as good as it is pebbled as are the surfaces in those other seating materials. But if you go for the Nappa or Merino (which I wholeheartedly endorse), then go for the leather dash as it is Nappa and will mate will with the seats.

Your all ready all in on this car. Go all the way get the leather dash! Give that ride the love she needs

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by robbyb83

Thanks for your input. I’m not sure I would know the difference if I got sensatec, as I’m likely never going to have a direct comparison with full leather, just wanna make sure I’m considering all variables of a custom order.

Sounds like 2 for leather, 1 for sensatec.

You will definitely notice the difference if your upholstery is Sensatec/Dakota/Vernasca. The leather dash is smooth Nappa and the others are pebbly. Very, very different.

[robbyb83]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

You will definitely notice the difference if your upholstery is Sensatec/Dakota/Vernasca. The leather dash is smooth Nappa and the others are pebbly. Very, very different.

So you would say leather dash is a no brainer given I will have ivory nappa seats, to keep the textures consistent.

[Cabbage]

Originally Posted by robbyb83

So you would say leather dash is a no brainer given I will have ivory nappa seats, to keep the textures consistent.

I don't mind the SensaTec with the Nappa. I honestly haven't thought about it once tbh lol

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by robbyb83

So you would say leather dash is a no brainer given I will have ivory nappa seats, to keep the textures consistent.

Absolutely. Also, the leather dash includes the door tops which is a nice touch. My car is normally garaged at my house. If I am out and parked for more than a half hour, I put up a windshield cover to protect the dash. My car is now 4 years old and the dash looks brand new.

[Joe-BMW33]

I have the full leather dash and let me tell you, it is really nice, especially matched with the alcantara head liner. Really make a difference to overall luxury of the interior. In terms of wear and tear from sun, take care of it and treat it. Leather is certainly more durable than vinyl or plastic in terms of sun damage.

[ejlover06]

Originally Posted by r1cero

I have sensatec and would prefer real leather. Even went to the upholstery shop inquiring about redoing it in leather but got told it's not doable since it is already glued to the dashboard and removing it would make a mess.

I wouldn't worry about fading, specially if you have a garage and don't plan on keeping it for more than 5 years.

My car has neither sensatec not leather Maybe it would be easier to do a leather cover on mine I should ask it Thanks for the idea

[Opie55]

I cannot speak to the new 5 series specifically, but just be aware that much of what BMW calls "leather" on any surface but seats is often not really what you and I think of as leather. I can tell you for sure that the extra-cost "leather" dash, center console and door panels in my $116,000 F12 6 series (with nappa seats) are made of what is called "bonded leather" in the leather industry. Bonded leather is ground up leather scraps mixed with other fillers and binders and adhered to a cloth backing.

[Brucelinc]

I have the Nappa Leather seats but the sensatec dash. I didn't want to spend the extra $700. However, in my opinion, the sensatec dash just looks like a piece of rubber. There is contrast stitching so it is not horrible looking but leather would likely look much better.