Why does the BMW e46 leather feel so "tough." What kind of leather is it?

I just bought a used 2004 325i with gray leather. It feels so "rough" and not smooth. It doesn't feel like my leather sofa or my leather coat and it doesn't feel as nice as the perforated leather in my Acura. I know the S-Class uses Nappa leather which is very soft. What kind of leather does the BMW 3 have? Is it a cheap leather because it is rough?

I also cannot seem to tell the difference between the leather and leatherette. For a $1300 option, I would think you should at least see a difference in the leather and leatherett.

Why does the BMW e46 leather feel so "tough." What kind of leather is it?live update

Unfortunately, BMW in an effort to cut costs (on a "luxury" car) decided to clothe the BMWs with Leatherette unless you paid $1300 (min without dealer markup) to move up to the first level of leather just called "leather" which is a cheap quality leather imported from Turkey (Turkish Bond cows) For another $700-$2000 you can have real Nappa leather cover the seats which is far better in quality and feel. If you were sold this car with leather then you were taken for a ride. Go back and complain.

Why does the BMW e46 leather feel so "tough." What kind of leather is it?norten

The leatherette is bumpy and "sticky" and tough. You probably have that in your car, you can check by looking at the production codes in the glove box and asking someone at a bmw dealership if you have leather or leatherette. They may also be able to pick up the build from the vin.