MD,

I've tried just about everything and read more about leather care than a sane person should. So, here is my take on this.

First, the leather is lightly corrected (plated) pigmented/top coated top-grain leather made from the hides of European cattle.

Second, the key to leather preservation is to regularly remove the body oil, and especially the salt from perspiration, that degrades the top coat. Once the top coat is damaged it's all downhill from there.

Any name brand water-based cleaner and conditioner will be fine.

Wiping down the seats with a damp micro-fiber towel every couple of weeks will remove dust and rehydrate the hides.

For easy care at a reasonable price I like Lexol "3-in-1" for routine maintenance and Volvo Cleaner and Protectant 3-4 times a year. Lexol conditioner is great to restore softness as needed.

YMMV,
Bryan

The best product I've ever seen for conditioning leather is called neatsfoot oil. It's really messy though. Best to apply on a hot afternoon and let the car get really hot in the sun with the windows up to hold the heat in. The leather will soak it right up. Put it on nice and think and just leave it there all afternoon in the sun, and reapply every couple of hours.

Kiwi makes a great one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Neatsfoot-Softens-Preserves-Leathers-Personal/dp/B004HGB5QQ

I've never used the Volvo (or BMW or MB) dealer stuff though I'm sure it's great too.

--
1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 220k+

Remember that the leather needs to be about 60F - 80F when a product is applied. MB, BMW, and Volvo dealers sell a good conditioner without lanolyn and a jar will cost over $10 but last for about 2 years.

It also makes a diffference as to the color of the car. The darker the paint, the warmer the interior when parked in the sun. My black V70 easily reached baking temperature of 150F when parked in the sun for 2 hours. My wife's white car only hit 110F at the same time. Shade temp was 72F and low humidity.

Never use any conditioner, vinyl or leather, on the dash. All products will make it shiney and cause glare on the windshield. Mild soapy water with a damp cloth is all that is needed.

Klaus
--
1967 220 belonging to C.A. lives on