Arnage Leather/Trim vs. earlier cars
Discussion
Back from another weekend in UK, looking at Arnages.
The leather on both GL and RL Arnages seems to be of a lower quality compared to end-of-range Turbo Rs. The latter has a thick, buttery feel to it, with liqorice-like pipings. Arnage leather looks thin and frail, almost all cars have these thin-line creases. Only the leather in the T Arnages looked more substantial and robust, maybe because of the diamond quilting.
Same when it comes to wood/details. Some Arnages have even slightly "milky" wood (like the birdseye maple on post-2000 MY XKRs which was also prone to fade/discolour), compared to the almost 3-D grain found in late-model SZ cars.
The worst detail of the Arnage is the ashtray in the rear doors. A cheap and nasty little plastic lid (even used in the post 2005 MY cars) - compare this with the chromed one in the SZ cars and their much more sculptured doorcards.
Bottom line: Arnages have great exteriors, almost like a sculpture. The SZ range is charming, provocative, with many nice details.
The leather on both GL and RL Arnages seems to be of a lower quality compared to end-of-range Turbo Rs. The latter has a thick, buttery feel to it, with liqorice-like pipings. Arnage leather looks thin and frail, almost all cars have these thin-line creases. Only the leather in the T Arnages looked more substantial and robust, maybe because of the diamond quilting.
Same when it comes to wood/details. Some Arnages have even slightly "milky" wood (like the birdseye maple on post-2000 MY XKRs which was also prone to fade/discolour), compared to the almost 3-D grain found in late-model SZ cars.
The worst detail of the Arnage is the ashtray in the rear doors. A cheap and nasty little plastic lid (even used in the post 2005 MY cars) - compare this with the chromed one in the SZ cars and their much more sculptured doorcards.
Bottom line: Arnages have great exteriors, almost like a sculpture. The SZ range is charming, provocative, with many nice details.
Rushmore, I agree with your observation. The leather trim in the Arnage T does seem to be aging much better than that in the pre 2002 models.
With the Arnage now being such good value, is there merit in buying a pre 2002 model and getting the front seats repaired or re covered? It doesn't cost as much as you might think, according to some posts on the BMW pages.
With the Arnage now being such good value, is there merit in buying a pre 2002 model and getting the front seats repaired or re covered? It doesn't cost as much as you might think, according to some posts on the BMW pages.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
A good example of the "rouched" leather and the bubbles on the airbag cover/steering wheel.
Unfortunately we do not have proper detailers/leather restaurators in Germany, there is a company called Lederzentrum offering all the parts for DIY but I am fairly rubbish at doing these things myself.
A good example of the "rouched" leather and the bubbles on the airbag cover/steering wheel.
Unfortunately we do not have proper detailers/leather restaurators in Germany, there is a company called Lederzentrum offering all the parts for DIY but I am fairly rubbish at doing these things myself.
This is odd because mine is nothing like this - seems very saddle like in quality, little creasing, definitely no roushing or bubbling. Mine is US spec, 2001 Red Label. Not sure what the difference is, if any. I did hear once that Magnolia leather deteriorates faster than others, but maybe folklore. Mine is Cotswold...and very comfy
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