Question: What's the difference between MONTANA versus NAPPA leather?......

FAST 5 · 31st October 2002, 00:46

Hi Guys,
Im looking into replacing the stock center arm rest of the M5 car. I have zero intentions to use the stock arm rest that craddles the cell phone. Called Pacific BMW and they told me that there is 2 versions of the center arm rest, that has the storage bin.
NAPPA leather and then theres MONTANA leather. Montana costs $264.00 and the NAPPA costs $439.00. What the BIG difference in the price? Is there a difference in quality, if so how much?
What type of leather would be in the M5 that has the SPORT interior "SILVERSTONE" ????
I know its a lot of questions. if anyone can answer them I'd be grateful. Thank you.
Robert

tfung · 31st October 2002, 00:57

the M5 would have the Napa leather... If you put in the Montanna leather in a dark colored interior, you would see the differences of the leather more than a light colored interior..

FAST 5 · 31st October 2002, 01:07

The car has Silverstone interior but the stock armrest is black, right? So, if this is correct then isn't black leather black leather, despite the difference in the name or even quality?????
Im confused, can you please expand on this???
Thanks terrance and others.
Robert

Hamann7 · 31st October 2002, 01:24

Robert:

You definitely want the Nappa leather for the M5. Montana leather is the type used in all other E39 cars as well as some E38s. The big difference is that Nappa is much softer and smoother to the touch. There is no real way to describe it unless you compare the two side by side. Nappa is more like kidskin or glove leather. Montana is more like sitting on a real hide, like a saddle if you will.

If I'm not mistaken, all current M cars use Nappa I think, well at least the M5 and M3 do... as well as certain versions of the 750iL.

Therefore, all E39 M5's use the Nappa leather. The big difference between the luxury and sport interiors was one was called Nappa Heritage and the other is called Nappa Point. Both feel similar, but I think the grain pattern is a bit different. I doubt you would notice the difference too much on a center armrest, but why mess with perfection?

Hope this helps.

Ashok Arora · 31st October 2002, 01:26

Montana leather is not available on the M5. I suggest the quality of leather inside BMW's is as follows:

1. Individual Connolly Leather (softest & most expensive)
2. Heritage
3. Nappa
4. Montana (hardest & cheapest)

There are significant differences in the 'hand' (feel) of these leathers and I recommend that you spend the extra if you want a close match. The only way to know for sure is to order both from your parts department, compare the two and return the one you don't want for a refund.

Ashok
2002 Carbonblack/Caramel

Hamann7 · 31st October 2002, 01:32

Well actually i think there may be a grade or two below Montana. My 7er has Montana and as hard as I thought it was, I think the 3er uses even cheaper leather-- it certainly does not seem to be the same grade of leather as my 740.

I think the 3-series leather is just noted as leather on the window sticker, where Nappa and Montana are specifcally noted.

FAST 5 · 31st October 2002, 01:40

I'd be in trouble without you guys. Thanks so much.
Robert

atomic80 · 31st October 2002, 02:25

I beg to differ. I ordered the Montana version before I even knew about the Nappa version. Honestly I don't think you would be able to tell the difference unless you REALLY looked/felt the leather up close. I've compared mine with the original armrest that came with the car and I can't tell the difference. That was when I decided to keep the Montana version rather than order the Nappa version.

Just my .02 cents.

FAST 5 · 31st October 2002, 02:30

WOW !!!!!!!!!
Im really happy and surprised to read your post. The two versions of leather are very different in price! Almost DOUBLE!!!
So if you honestly can not tell the difference, why spend almost 450.00 when you can get the other leather for approx. 270.00.
For the difference in the price, is it worth getting one or the other? thanks.
Robert

atomic80 · 31st October 2002, 02:42

The question on whether its worthwhile to you considering the huge price difference is purely subjective. Like I said before, I could not tell the difference between either leather types. I think that it would however be an issue if the leather color was lighter. But since it's black, the issue is a moot one.

I say go for the Montana version.