Napa leather vs Buffalo leather

DiegoR · 1st May 2011, 09:07

Just wondering what was std for leather equipped M5's or what was more expensive option, napa leather or buffalo leather. What is the main difference in look and texture, as well longevity?

jorijori · 2nd May 2011, 07:26

I've seen in person a couple of buffalo M5s (in recent times) and the surface is rough and looks like cracked leather but is not and is thicker. I don't know about durability but it is thick and rough.

I have US & German M5 brochures and I never see a word Nappa was mentioned but buffalo was stated as option. My car has factory leather interior and I was hoping it's Nappa but the grain appears to be embossed unlike Nappa which has a very fine grain and is very soft and supple when you touch it.

HD91 · 2nd May 2011, 09:54

Nappa was standard on some markets, like United States, Canada and Brazil. In Germany and most other European countries it was an option. Buffalo is always an option and for RHD cars it wasn't even available (only through BMW Individual). The most expensive type is complete nappa leather though (meaning leather dashboard, headliner in nubuk etc).

DiegoR · 2nd May 2011, 15:35

My car is german spec but has the buffalo leather option. Yes, this buffalo leather is thicker, rough but seems it will stand up better in ages/use vs the nappa leathr which is softer and skinner? But looks like the nappa leather is a more expensvie, luxury leather over the buffalo leather counterpart.

bubba966 · 2nd May 2011, 22:08

Friend has a stock '93 M5 so it's got the regular nappa leather. My '95 M-Sport has the buffalo leather. Both cars are black on black. His car has 93k or so miles. Mine has 183k miles on it. My leather has only just started to barely show wear on the drivers side seat bolster (same place all sport seats wear). His leather even at half the miles doesn't look nearly as good as mine. The buffalo may not be as "fancy" as the other options. But it sure holds up better...

DiegoR · 2nd May 2011, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubba966

Friend has a stock '93 M5 so it's got the regular nappa leather. My '95 M-Sport has the buffalo leather. Both cars are black on black. His car has 93k or so miles. Mine has 183k miles on it. My leather has only just started to barely show wear on the drivers side seat bolster (same place all sport seats wear). His leather even at half the miles doesn't look nearly as good as mine. The buffalo may not be as "fancy" as the other options. But it sure holds up better...

THIS! THis is exactly what I was thinking.....in the end Buffalo is better IMO

Thanks for share

Usual Suspect · 3rd May 2011, 07:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD91

Nappa was standard on some markets, like United States, Canada and Brazil. In Germany and most other European countries it was an option. Buffalo is always an option and for RHD cars it wasn't even available (only through BMW Individual). The most expensive type is complete nappa leather though (meaning leather dashboard, headliner in nubuk etc).

That is what my 92 is equipped with..Complete Nappa. Really sweet actually.

Nikosx · 3rd May 2011, 08:40

My 92 has brand new Nappa and alcantara. So there.

DiegoR · 3rd May 2011, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikosx

My 92 has brand new Nappa and alcantara. So there.

Got pictures?

kalevera · 3rd May 2011, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiegoR

Just wondering what was std for leather equipped M5's or what was more expensive option, napa leather or buffalo leather. What is the main difference in look and texture, as well longevity?

(water) buffalo is preferred for longevity, you will see E23 745s/E24 M635s with buffalo interiors in quite acceptable shape (though the rest of the car is worn out)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubba966

My '95 M-Sport has the buffalo leather.

If it is a US spec car with the original interior, it is bison leather. Some '95 production 525/530/540 used bison leather. I've yet to see a US VIN E34 of any sort that had a buffalo interior from the factory.