Seat Ware 98-01
 

New to forum. Currently looking at SL years 1998-2000. Looked at 4 with low mileage (under 50,000) and have found that driver's side of seat was worn in all four. Seems unusual for low mileage vehicles. Has anyone had similar experience either when looking for one or with current owned car?

Seat Bolster Wear
 

Driver's side seat bolster wears faster than any other seat cover area due to constant friction each time the driver enters or exits the car. Good news is that the bolster panel can be repaired and be virtually undectable. Check with local used car sellers for a referal, google, craigslist, and yellow page search as well.

I went to a local upholstery shop, I've had him do work many times before and had been happy, split seams to whole seats. They can order in the exact material, but it can be expensive. They never throw any amount of leather away. We were able to match it very well with one of his scrap pieces. So for around $150 material and labor I had replaced that piece. Try your local guys if you can. most who are still in business today have to be doing something right. it will, in time, happen again or be extra careful how you get into your car. if it's not worn through, I have a black/charcoal interior and I find a little black liquid shoe polish works ok to touch up those worn areas. I've used a black dye, "forever black", too for the hard to cover spots. I really like the seats overall and they are great cars.