mk5 gti leather seats

[adamk]

looking around at a few gti's recently and noticed on a couple the the forwardmost edge of the drivers side seat bolster is a bit rough and breaking up.

Is this common and just due to rough ownership, the last one i looked at its almost the only thing on the car that looks worn.

Also if it is an issue is it a cheap fix ?

thanks

[jessv3]

the tartan has similar issues. Im guessing its just the design of the seats, they are buckets and cop more abuse then a flatter seat.

[Fixxxer]

It seems common for both leather and cloth seats. The side support gets brushed when I get out of the car, hence it is likely to wear quicker. I'm not too sure if it is my seating position or the design of the seat (I suppose it's both), but I find it harder to get out of my Mk5 than I did with my Pug 206gti, which had huggier seats.

Fixxxer

[adamk]

on an search i did on here there was some talk of being able to claim it on warranty or does it just come down to wear and tear ?

[jb747]

The condition of the leather in a number of cars seems to be a concern.

My R32 has beige leather, and after 60,000kms and three and a bit years, the leather is still like new. But, we don't wear jeans, and the leather is cleaned and conditioned religiously. On the other hand, I had a good look at an R32, younger than mine, in a sales yard, and the grey leather seats were in such poor condition that I'd think that any buyer would have been faced with an immediate retrim.

I've been looking at Audis lately, and I'm amazed at the very high percentage (over half I'd estimate) of cars which have leather that is showing all sorts of wear. Crap leather, or lack of TLC? I really don't know, but leather can, and should, last a long time with only a little care.

[Ideo]

The condition of the leather in a number of cars seems to be a concern.

My R32 has beige leather, and after 60,000kms and three and a bit years, the leather is still like new. But, we don't wear jeans, and the leather is cleaned and conditioned religiously. On the other hand, I had a good look at an R32, younger than mine, in a sales yard, and the grey leather seats were in such poor condition that I'd think that any buyer would have been faced with an immediate retrim.

I've been looking at Audis lately, and I'm amazed at the very high percentage (over half I'd estimate) of cars which have leather that is showing all sorts of wear. Crap leather, or lack of TLC? I really don't know, but leather can, and should, last a long time with only a little care.

I have an 01 Audi S3 that has 160 on the clock.

Yes, there is some creasing on the leather on the bolsters, but overall it is better condition than R32s and Golfs with leather I have been looking at with lower kms and are newer cars.

A lot depends on what sort of driving you do - longer trips you get out of the car less, and it is getting in and out, not sitting in them, that cases the problem.

[jessv3]

I've been looking at Audis lately, and I'm amazed at the very high percentage (over half I'd estimate) of cars which have leather that is showing all sorts of wear. Crap leather, or lack of TLC? I really don't know, but leather can, and should, last a long time with only a little care.

I came from 2 Audi's before the GTI and would have to disagree. I had a B5 A4 with black leather and it showed very little signs of wear, it was 96 model and still smelt like new. I also had a C5 A6 a which had nappa cream leather in it, it still looked in better condition then my GTI seats even though it had a few small creases on the drivers seat but it was 10yrs old when i sold it and 150,000kms.

Maybe the newer Audi's aren't as good, but i think the main reason the GTI has issues is because of how raised the bucket seats are, im not exactly a big guy but feel as though if i was any bigger i wouldn't fit in the seat properly and probably wear it even faster..

[jb747]

Sorry, I didn't mean to give the impression I was comparing Audi leather with VW leather. It's just that I've been interested in picking up a 2nd hand Q7 (as a tow vehicle), and have looked at quite a few lately. Whether it is the standard of the leather or how it's treated, a very high percentage seem in poor shape....

[aDg3]

Hey guys,

My gti mkv is 3.5 yrs old and is also showing wear and tear signs only on the driver side where the right side of your back would be closest to. It was conditioned no less then 8mths ago - so maybe I need to do it more often but is there anyway I can repair this? It's not torn, only worn down a bit.

Cheers.
aDg3.

[TomC]

Mine for one are still in very good condition after 4 years but can't explain what I'd be doing differently - we all get in and out of the car to drive it

But I do think the design of the side bolsters does have something to do with it. The way they stick out, almost in a triangle shape, is far more angular and pronounced than in many other buckets I've sat it. Not only that, but they have a very square edge to them also. I reckon this combination would definately be more exposed to wear...

[aDg3]

Mine for one are still in very good condition after 4 years but can't explain what I'd be doing differently - we all get in and out of the car to drive it

But I do think the design of the side bolsters does have something to do with it. The way they stick out, almost in a triangle shape, is far more angular and pronounced than in many other buckets I've sat it. Not only that, but they have a very square edge to them also. I reckon this combination would definately be more exposed to wear...

Exactly right - maybe because I do shorter trips and have to lift my a55 outta the car it probably puts more pressure on it. I will be getting some throw over seat covers this weekend as I'ma keep my baby for a while.

[Rxticle]

I have knocked a few buttons off my right rear pockets getting in to the gti. This bolster is the only part of the seat that is showing wear.

[j_man]

When shopping for my gti I found 80% of cars would have the wear and tear on the driver's door side bolster.. very common and very annoying. I ended up finding a really good nick car which was a bit older but better condition than the others I was looking at. I now make an effort to step up and around the bolster to try and keep it mint!

[thezoneR32]

I use a special wheelchair lift to get me in and out of my car so as not to scuff the leather.

[Fatherless One]

I employ several servants to place me into my seat and buckle me in, good if you've got the funds lol