My 335i is about a month old and of course I love it. Should I put anything on the leather to protect it and should I treat it on a regular basis? Thanks in advance to anyone who answers.

My 335i is about a month old and of course I love it. Should I put anything on the leather to protect it and should I treat it on a regular basis? Thanks in advance to anyone who answers.
Yes to both questions, if you take care of it on a regular basis the leather will last 15-20+ years.

What should I use?

What should I use?

I personally use Meguiar's Gold Glass Leather Spray (http://www.autogeek.net/megoclrilesp.html). It is easy to find, cleans safely and does a great job at providing a nice feel and matte look. This is perfect for maintaining leather, but if the leather is in desperate need of attention, then there is a better option...

Another recommendation is Lexol Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/lexsprayleat.html) and the Conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/lexsprayleat1.html). This is also a very popular choice and works great. This will do a bit better job when the leather is in bad condition as the two step process will work a little better cleaning the leather however I have found the conditioning properties about the same as the Meguiar's spray. A nice middle point if you will.

Personally, I would never use Lexol because it takes too much time compared to the Meguiar's spray to maintain, and doesn't do a good enough job when leather is in dire need of attention. This is when you might consider Leatherique. They have a cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/leprcl.html) and conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/lereoil.html) two step process that does nothing short of a fantastic job at giving the leather its maximum restoration. Autogeek has a fantastic Leatherique Leather Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/le16ozkit.html) deal where you get tools as well for virtually the same price as the cleaner/conditioner.. They do sell their restoration products (http://leatherique.org/restoration_products.htm) that will actually fill in leather cracks AND redye leather, but this is a whole weekend project.


STAY AWAY FROM Zymol Leather cleaner; it cleans TOO well and will strip the dye off your BMW leather. Tried this both on my dad's e38 and mine and I couldn't believe how harsh it was.

Leather Care (Natural Uncovered Leather):
1. Cleaning-is an essential part of caring for your leather upholstery; use a water-based cleaner to re-hydrate the leather use a pH balanced cleaner around 7.5 - 8.0 as a high pH cleaners may cause premature aging. It not only removes the dirt and oils (which can, over time, break down the leathers hide and the stitching, it can also damage the protective coating of covered leather) a water-based cleaner will also help to maintain the moisture balance in the leather. This is important for keeping the leather supple and makes it less likely to absorb spillages.

A wipe over with a damp cloth on a regular basis (every week/two weeks) is recommended to remove surface dust and dirt and add moisture to the leather. Do not spray a cleaner directly on the leather.
Use an applicator sponge or cloth to apply the cleaning solution. Spraying a cleaner on hot leather can cause spotting and discolorations.

Do not spray a cleaner directly on the leather. Use an applicator sponge or cloth to apply the cleaning solution. Spraying a cleaner on hot leather can cause spotting and discolorations.

Methodology-
1. Use a soft horse hair brush (Groit's Leather & Interior Brush) to remove any dust or grit from the seams and vacuum the seating areas dust
2. Apply a cleaning solution (Water /Woolite® or Dreft® 6:1 ratio or higher) on to an applicator pad (this Mesh towel is double woven micro fibre, made to be safe and scratch-free for all leather and vinyl finishes - http://poorboysworld.com/microfiber.htm (http://poorboysworld.com/microfiber.htm)

2. Conditioning - vegetable-based tanned natural leather loses its fat liquors and it dries out and these need to be replaced with suitable oils. Leather is a fibrous substance, which normally absorbs liquid, but the biggest obstacle to good absorption is that the leather pores have become blocked, i.e. use of a silicone product on the leather, or a heavy wax build up caused by previously used products. I would suggest a thorough cleaning of the surface with

Rejuvenator Oil - known for its ability to soften even cardboard hard leather, a complex blend of animal oils and proteins, Collagens and other beneficial ingredient, it will not stain or discolour leather, by making the larger oil droplets into a microscopically fine emulsion it can be readily absorbed into the leather fibres. Simply massage into the leather with your hands, and let it be absorbed into the fibres, its' unique capillary action forces the oils and proteins into the leather and the dirt out.

Allow product to be absorbed into the hides for several hours on a sunny day, or overnight. Warmth makes the leather fibres pores open allowing the proteins and collagens to be absorbed readily. Park the car in direct sunlight, cover seats with black plastic trash bags, and roll up the windows to create a steam room to allow the Rejuvenator to fully penetrate into the hides.

3. Protection -this product provides a water-based protection for all leather types (except Nubuck) and will help to re-hydrate the leather hide, while providing protection against oil, water, and alcohol based stains, as well as providing resistance to the effects of daily soiling It places an invisible, breathable barrier between you and your leather. Protect your leather first, and then follow a routine of cleaning and re-protection, this way you are not actually cleaning the original surface, but cleaning from the surface of the protection – Leather Master Protection - http://www.topoftheline.com

3a. Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) Protection - you should consider additional sunscreen protection (especially if you own a convertible) leather conditioners typically do not offer any UV screening. The best solution is to use an ultra violet radiation (UV) radiation protection (303™ Aerospace Protectant) bonds to vinyl, finished leather, coated leather and leaves a lustrous, non-oily, non-greasy repellent finish, repels water, dirt, dust, oils, sweat, lotions, ink marks, etc.

Application - this product should be sprayed onto a cloth and the surface to be protected should be wet, not just damp with the product. Use a clean, dry cloth and agitate to ensure the protected surface is dry (this product does not air-dry) After application allow 60 minutes for product to cure, use a 100% cotton cloth to lightly buff surface. 303™ Aerospace Protectant – http//:www.autogeek.net

TOGWT ™ Copyright © 2002-2007. Jon Miller, all rights reserved

Another recommendation is Lexol Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/lexsprayleat.html) and the Conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/lexsprayleat1.html). This is also a very popular choice and works great. This will do a bit better job when the leather is in bad condition as the two step process will work a little better cleaning the leather however I have found the conditioning properties about the same as the Meguiar's spray. A nice middle point if you will.


I use the Lexol products on the steering wheel only and Leatherique RO and PC on the seats...it takes me less than ten minutes to do the steering wheel and the Lexol products leave it both clean and smooth...

My 335i is about a month old and of course I love it. Should I put anything on the leather to protect it and should I treat it on a regular basis? Thanks in advance to anyone who answers.
If you have covered parking at work and at home, your brand new car shouldn't need much in the way of leather conditioners for a few months. Just keep the leather clean by periodically wiping it down with a damp, clean towel, and clean the debris out of the seams with a soft brush.

My current favorite leather conditioner (for leather that doesn't need much conditioning) is Spinneybeck. I use it about three to four times a year. You can purchase it at LeatherZ. (http://www.leatherz.com/)

Leatherique is great for older leathers that need some TLC. It can also be used to maintain newer leathers. The restoration process is rather time-intensive, which is why I prefer the Spinneybeck product on newer leathers.

It is possible to "over-condition" leather and clog the pores with any conditioner, so don't slather it on too heavily or too frequently.

Autogeek.net has proudly carried Leatherique products for many years because they are quite simply some of the best leather care and restoration products on the market. Leatherique products were developed for leather restoration and that’s exactly what they do. They feed and nourish old, worn-out leather back to health. Leatherique products are beneficial to automotive, equestrian, and antique leathers, and leather upholstery.

How do Leatherique products work?

Leatherique Pristine Clean and Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil work with a capillary action. The proteins, cleaners, and conditioners find their way deep into the natural pores of the leather and force out the dirt, perspiration, air pollution, and other toxins that dry out and destroy the fibers of the leather, depleting the fibers strength and flexibility, and causing them to deteriorate. Perspiration, and the salts left after its evaporation, easily find their way into the leather fibers. Notice on an older car, the areas where a person rests their hands or arms, steering wheel, arm rests break down the quickest.

We recommend a preventative maintenance "face lift" three to four times a year, once prior to the winter season to prevent cold crack of leather, and once before the heat of the summer to prevent deterioration and shrinkage of heat which result in continued cracking of leather. Use Leatherique Prestine Clean as a maintenance cleaner and conditioner in one easy step, once every few weeks. Leatherique Prestine Clean and Rejuvenator Oil may be applied with your hands as heat helps it penetrate. Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil and Prestine Clean are safe and natural even for use on equestrian leathers!

How much Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil and Prestine Clean do I need?

The quantity will depend on the age of the leather and the condition. A new car or sofa will require maintenance applications of 3-4 times per year, so a pint is sufficient. For an older car or sofa, or a project that is already dry, spider web cracking, cracking, or stiff, you will need a quart as multiple applications will be required. Remember it took several years for your leather to become dry, and will take some time for it to become good as new!

I've read that Sinneybeck's is goo, but I know Leatherique is good.