[BB_cuda]

I have a 2011 LCI 335d. I just purchased 2 rear door panels that came from a 2007 335i. The ebay tags had a vin on the door panels so I ran the decoder for grins. It was an N54 car as it should have been. The panels have the manual shades within them

Enough of the niceties. I noticed the 2007 pre LCI panels had a more deep grain to the upholstered inserts. The decoder said schwarz dakota leather.

My 2011 is also grau dakota leather. The upholstered inserts on my 2011 panels feel more fake and the grain is very fine and material feels thin. My rear panels also have the manual sunshades in them as car had the option package for the rear power shades and rear side shades.

Did BMW cheap out and put fake material on the door inserts of LCI? Please don't say I have the pleather interior as the seats themselves are real leather. My car was on the high end of options and had an MSRP of ~ $57,3xx. I can post picture of sticker if you wish. thanks

[costasb]

I think a quick indicator of leather panels is the seam that is stitched directly across the middle. The faux/pleather panels do not have this seam.

That's at least how I've identified them in the past - not sure if it's 100% accurate, however.

Post a pic if you can.

[Serf27]

Pleather door panels will have 1 solid piece of pleather on the insert with out the stitching running through the middle.
The armrest on the pleather panels will also be 1 piece and be rounded out where it meets the wood trim.

Leather has stitching on the insert and on the arm rest.