E39 M5 Is leather/alcantara seat trim a nice option?

[Paulburrell]

Whats your views on an E39 M5 with leather and alcantara trimmed seats?? Turn on or turn off when coming to resale time??

[mr sagoo]

It would definately put me off to be honest, I also think it may go against you come resale time, but that's just my opinion. Iv'e just bought one with and I absolutely love it they are a very special car if you get a good one.

[rassi]

In an E39 M5, it is actually not alcantara but something called "M cloth" - very soft, and probably grips you better when cornering, but IMHO just wrong on an M5. At a push OK on an M3, but on an M5 that exudes luxury full leather is a must.

[gizlaroc]

If it is £1000 cheaper than one with leather though, go for it and get a custom interior trim done.

Would be nice to have a brand new leather interior on an E39 M5 these days.

[belleair302]

Get the seats re-trimmed in Nappa by a leather specialist. £1500 will get the whole car done and not only will the leather aroma improve the atmosphere but the newer seats will grip better and enable you to appreciate what M5 ownership is all about.

Alcantara is great as a headlining but not great on cars outside of the two seater arena.

[Paulburrell]

Thanks for the input guys. You've confirmed my suspicions that most would see it as a tool for arguing the price down. I will definitely keep looking for a good all leather one. I've seen 2 for sale and hopefully will get to drive both this Saturday. Looking forward to irt as I've not driven a beemer before, let alone an M5. I wonder how the performance will compare to me previously owned GT3. Different animals I know but I reckon both are just about as quick in a straight line.

[maddernj]

If you need to compare then I am in Beckenham. Your more than welcome to have a look round mine to get a feel for the car.

[CarbonM5]

Paulburrell said:

Thanks for the input guys. You've confirmed my suspicions that most would see it as a tool for arguing the price down. I will definitely keep looking for a good all leather one. I've seen 2 for sale and hopefully will get to drive both this Saturday. Looking forward to irt as I've not driven a beemer before, let alone an M5. I wonder how the performance will compare to me previously owned GT3. Different animals I know but I reckon both are just about as quick in a straight line.

I doubt itd be much cheaper with the half leather if its has comm's pack ect,try find one with extended leather,A real treat.

Not sure about the GT3 comparison but let us know how it fares.

[gavm5]

Who are you buying the car for ?
Yourself or its future owner ?
No point in buying something that you are not happy with, I have fell foul of this in the past and I end up selling on just because I didnt do my home work.
Personally I like the half leather///M cloth interior, and almost bought a car with it except that the service history was crap.
It will be warmer in winter, cooler in summer and probably more grippy in the twisties.
It will also be harder to clean (leather is wipe down)
There has been a 2002 e39 M5 in Bluewater with leather/cloth combo advertised on here and looks like a good car AND its coming down in price.
These cars are as much a purchase of the heart as the head, just tread carefully and make sure you get a thorough checkover, by the time you come to sell it will be worth feck all the way the economy is going anyway so feck'em all and enjoy one while you can

[Paulburrell]

Gav

Thanks for the post that was obviously written from the heart of a true petrolhead. I agree 100% about who I'm buying the car for and the Bluewater example on here was the reason that I raised the question in the first place. I'm going to see a couple of all leather one's this weekend so I guess it suggests my preference is for the all leather option.

Regards

[mr sagoo]

The bluewater car would of sold before now if it wasn't for the half alacantra! There are enough around to be choosy without compromise, Have you seen the black one on autotrader in worcester! If I hadn't got mine last month I would be all over that one it looks superb.

[rswheelnut]

I like alcantara - but only if in good condition. Can look shocking on m sport cars i've seen where the bolsters have gone all shiny due to wear.

It surprises me how many e39 m5's have shocking seat colour combinations... - including red bits, blue bits. Looks really tacky. I hate the way leather can wear though too - cracked and or shiny looks pretty crappy.

Took me ages to find mine, adn one condition was interior leather had to look close to new. Mines a mint (first owner was a woman i think so she was prob nice and light and thin which helps preserve those bolsters) in black and grey which i personally like, but we each have our own tastes i guess...