[1230vani]

Is it more sensitive than standard leather (e.g. Dakota)?

[lindros2]

Looks better, smells better, is more durable (> 5 years - although my Cinnamon Brown Dakota held up real well).

[dbs600]

Came across this very good post:

Nappa, Merino, Novillo, and Dakota are all chrome tanned hides

All are dyed through - i.e. they are drum dyed - the color is not only on the surface

All are finished with a sprayed on micro pigmented finish that covers minor imperfections and evens out the surface - this spray contains varying proportions of pigment and dye . A spray with little pigment and/or mostly aniline dye would be used in the case of fine quality hides that require less correction.

I suspect.....

Nappa and Merino are "full grain" hides that are aniline dyed and sprayed with a micro- pigment . Full grain leather by its nature normally consists of a better selection. Hides are usually graded as 1, 2, 3, and 4 qualities - one is the top selection, but there is never a sufficient quantity of number ones to fulfill a requirement hence the need to even out variations with micro-pigments.

Novillo starts out as a less fine assortment - more imperfections - I suspect the "full grain"
is buffed off - and this will yield "top grain". Novillo is corrected further by using a heavier application of micro-pigments.

Dakota....contains few ones and twos and many three graded hides - the hides may or may not be buffed off, but they are absolutely sent to the to the embossing department, where they are embossed with an overall pattern that obscures and even outs imperfections. Afterwards the hides are sent to the spray line where they are sprayed with a very strong - probably 100% pigmented finish. When you scratch a Dakota hide - you are scratching through the pigmented finish.

In general, hides finished with a very fine micro pigment will have more natural leathery properties. More pigmented finishes will yield a harder more artificial feel.

Furthermore, finer hides will not be 100% chrome tanned but vegetable tanned or some combination of vegetable and chrome (re tanned skins) - these are rarely if ever used for automotive applications.

jus' my 2 cents....

[1230vani]

Awesome link, thanks a lot. The funny thing is that I am still on the fence whether to take nappa or not. Have leather dash that looks like nappa but it is not individual leather, so it just might have that "nappa" effect. The thing about the leather dash is that it is quite easily scratched (on the lower part I have two scratches - passanger seat of course ).
So if nappa scratches as easily, then makes no sense to have it in the back with kids.
Having said all of that, the look, smell and feel of nappa is something else altogether, so I still might go for it.

[mlai]

Originally Posted by 1230vani

Awesome link, thanks a lot. The funny thing is that I am still on the fence whether to take nappa or not. Have leather dash that looks like nappa but it is not individual leather, so it just might have that "nappa" effect. The thing about the leather dash is that it is quite easily scratched (on the lower part I have two scratches - passanger seat of course ).
So if nappa scratches as easily, then makes no sense to have it in the back with kids.
Having said all of that, the look, smell and feel of nappa is something else altogether, so I still might go for it.

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss I never tried the nappa leather and although I have novillo leather in my E93 M3, I am completely fine with the dakota leather in my F06

Just like I never listened to the new B&O system and I am completely fine with the BMW professional loudspeakers.....

[K-A]

Dakota is definitely more durable than Nappa, no question about it. Nappa is a very plush an soft leather therefore more delicate to wear, etc.

[Alan l.]

Sit in a car with Nappa and then you will realize just how much more upscale it looks and feels. It is def less durable though but if you don't have kids/pets you should be fine.

Alan

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Sit in a car with Nappa and then you will realize just how much more upscale it looks and feels. It is def less durable though but if you don't have kids/pets you should be fine.

Alan

Ever since I sat in one, I get it It feels special even in just plain black color. Got kids, plan to have more, so will restrain myself from getting nappa for a while.

Thanks to all for their feedback.

[BMWrules7]

Originally Posted by 1230vani

Is it more sensitive than standard leather (e.g. Dakota)?

The best part of Nappa is if you squeeze it hard enough a 98 point wine will pour out.

[mlai]

Originally Posted by BMWrules7

The best part of Nappa is if you squeeze it hard enough a 98 point wine will pour out.

Excellent! But will the wine be brownish is color and smells like someone's rear end

[JNoSol]

My E70 has Dakota and my F02 has Nappa. Dakota does seem more durable, but Nappa feels really nice and upscale. The leather quality is equivalent to a nice Italian hand bag, smoother with less imperfection.

[AndyT]

My E65 has Nappa comfort seats, the biggest thing I missed.

Don't know if it is only me, generally, I feel the materials used/assembling are better in the old days compares to the FXX.