Ivory White Dakota Leather problems

RyanTheG93 · 03-26-2026, 09:31 AM

I have a 2017 X5 with the non-comfort seats finished in Ivory White Dakota leather

The leather on the drivers seat bottom has began to wrinkle and the side bolster has cracked quite badly. My car only has 64,000 miles on it. I want to fix the issue, I took the car to a leather re-finishing shop and they quoted me $475 for repairing the crack and wrinkles, but stated I should try to purchase a new seat bottom instead of repairing it as the foam underneath will remain compressed and the seat will crack again.

I found the seat bottom on eBay for $275, it appears to be brand new. I was wondering if anyone has repaired / replaced their drivers seat bottom due to this issue - and if so, what they've done to remedy this issue?

I've attached photos of the seat bottom and the link to the replacement part I want to order.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/22721558740...Bk9SR-6RjailZw

QUiKSR20 · 03-26-2026, 09:51 AM

Man that sucks!

I had the same issue in my F30 and I feel like it was just combination of cheap material that pushed on the plastic below every time you get in an out.
Outside of replacing it like your about to do im not sure of anything else that would help.

There's ways to repair rips but in that location it will continue to be stressed and just happen again.

I feel like BMW must of learned about this because my 2013 had the same issue and my 2018 x3 had a revision it seemed with clothe on the sides to avoid the issue.

SuperCryss · 03-28-2026, 03:45 PM

What cream can be used to maintain leather seats?

John in VA · 03-28-2026, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperCryss

What cream can be used to maintain leather seats?

See https://www.koch-chemie.com/en/produ...rs/colour-lock or https://www.leathercare.com/pages/info

SuperCryss · 03-29-2026, 01:38 PM

Thank you very much!

Elderado82 · 03-30-2026, 02:46 PM

Man, that sucks. It looks like the leather dried out and lost its elasticity. Remember, leather is animal hide: once it dries out, the fibers stiffen, it can crack, and it usually won’t return to its original shape the way it came from the factory. Keeping leather conditioned and maintaining its proper pH balance is key to preventing this.

I personally use Leather Honey. It’s great stuff, and they make both a cleaner and a conditioner. Here’s a solid before‑and‑after from someone who used it:
https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2226726

03-26-2026, 09:31 AM	#1
RyanTheG93 New Member 2 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Sep 2025 Location: Buffalo, NY iTrader: (0)	Ivory White Dakota Leather problems I have a 2017 X5 with the non-comfort seats finished in Ivory White Dakota leather The leather on the drivers seat bottom has began to wrinkle and the side bolster has cracked quite badly. My car only has 64,000 miles on it. I want to fix the issue, I took the car to a leather re-finishing shop and they quoted me $475 for repairing the crack and wrinkles, but stated I should try to purchase a new seat bottom instead of repairing it as the foam underneath will remain compressed and the seat will crack again. I found the seat bottom on eBay for $275, it appears to be brand new. I was wondering if anyone has repaired / replaced their drivers seat bottom due to this issue - and if so, what they've done to remedy this issue? I've attached photos of the seat bottom and the link to the replacement part I want to order. https://www.ebay.com/itm/22721558740...Bk9SR-6RjailZw Attached Images
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03-26-2026, 09:51 AM	#2
QUiKSR20 Lieutenant Colonel 576 Rep 1,567 Posts Drives: 1995 E36 325i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (17)	Man that sucks! I had the same issue in my F30 and I feel like it was just combination of cheap material that pushed on the plastic below every time you get in an out. Outside of replacing it like your about to do im not sure of anything else that would help. There's ways to repair rips but in that location it will continue to be stressed and just happen again. I feel like BMW must of learned about this because my 2013 had the same issue and my 2018 x3 had a revision it seemed with clothe on the sides to avoid the issue. __________________ 23 Toyota GR86 95 E36 325i Vert 5MT 92 Sentra SE-R SR20DET
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03-28-2026, 03:45 PM	#3
SuperCryss New Member 5 Rep 14 Posts Drives: BMW X11 8d xdrivesport F48 Join Date: Mar 2026 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	What cream can be used to maintain leather seats?
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03-29-2026, 01:38 PM	#5
SuperCryss New Member 5 Rep 14 Posts Drives: BMW X11 8d xdrivesport F48 Join Date: Mar 2026 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thank you very much!
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03-30-2026, 02:46 PM	#6
Elderado82 Lieutenant 645 Rep 533 Posts Drives: 2025 M340i XDrive Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Lincoln, NE iTrader: (0) Garage List 2025 BMW M340i xDrive [0.00]	Man, that sucks. It looks like the leather dried out and lost its elasticity. Remember, leather is animal hide: once it dries out, the fibers stiffen, it can crack, and it usually won’t return to its original shape the way it came from the factory. Keeping leather conditioned and maintaining its proper pH balance is key to preventing this. I personally use Leather Honey. It’s great stuff, and they make both a cleaner and a conditioner. Here’s a solid before‑and‑after from someone who used it: https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2226726
	Appreciate 0 Quote