BMW X5 and X6 Forum 2014-Current
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-26-2018, 09:59 AM   #1
ABZ101
Private First Class
ABZ101's Avatar
161
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: X3M | X5 F15
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Uncomfortable seats

Hi All,

I know this is a known issue, but I haven't seen anyone posting solutions.

I had the car for 2 and half months and every time I drive for more than 30-40 mins my lower back starts hurting. I tried to adjust the seats multiple times.

Are people buying some cushions or some other solutions?
It is really ridiculous how a $70k has such uncomfortable seats. And I have the lease for 3 more years
__________________
2020 X3M
2018 X5-Msport
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 10:11 AM   #2
LocksmithNick
Captain
LocksmithNick's Avatar
United_States
1142
Rep
714
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 M Sport - G05
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Mine seems great..
Appreciate 1
Jaymax85710.00
      02-26-2018, 10:27 AM   #3
Bodie217
Second Lieutenant
Bodie217's Avatar
90
Rep
252
Posts

Drives: '10 135i, '14 WRX, '14 Sequoia
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denver, CO

iTrader: (1)

For me it's the right butt cheek. I don't know if it's because of the ventilated seats, but the seat does not feel as soft as most BMW seats I've been in. No lower back issues here, try playing around with lumbar support. I like the front of the seat as high as it will go, thigh support fully extended.
__________________
-2010 BMW 135i - Titanium Silver - Procede v3/ETS 5" IC/AR Catless DP>N54mid>Berk Race/BMS OCC/VRSF Turbo Inlets & CP/SP rotors/Pagid RS29/APEX ARC8/Ohlins DFV/M3 Full Suspension and Bushings/Wavetrac LSD // 395rwhp/469rwtq on 91oct
-2014 Toyota Sequoia Platinum - Overlander
Appreciate 1
      02-26-2018, 10:34 AM   #4
P1
Lieutenant General
P1's Avatar
11542
Rep
11,128
Posts

Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: United States

iTrader: (1)

Go to the dealership and drive one that has the Napa/Multi Contour seats combo.
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 10:34 AM   #5
Dilmorecg
Second Lieutenant
Dilmorecg's Avatar
114
Rep
256
Posts

Drives: 2014 X5 50i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Gig Harbor, WA

iTrader: (1)

What seats do you have? I believe there are 3 different seat options for this car. I have the comfort seats and I think they are great. No issues with lumbar support or comfort.
__________________
2014 X5 50i
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 11:04 AM   #6
SCA
Brigadier General
SCA's Avatar
United_States
563
Rep
3,742
Posts

Drives: Multiple BMWs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 🇺🇸

iTrader: (0)

The Multi-Contour seats without ventilation are outstanding.
Appreciate 3
P111541.50
deutsch1003741.00
1230vani637.00
      02-26-2018, 11:07 AM   #7
ABZ101
Private First Class
ABZ101's Avatar
161
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: X3M | X5 F15
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

I guess I have the sport seats that come with sports package. I tried playing with lumbar support but same thing
__________________
2020 X3M
2018 X5-Msport
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 11:18 AM   #8
SCA
Brigadier General
SCA's Avatar
United_States
563
Rep
3,742
Posts

Drives: Multiple BMWs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 🇺🇸

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ABZ101 View Post
I guess I have the sport seats that come with sports package. I tried playing with lumbar support but same thing
Yes, sport seats are standard with M Sport Pkg. The multi-contour seats are optional and are also available with the M Sport Pkg.
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 11:21 AM   #9
ABZ101
Private First Class
ABZ101's Avatar
161
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: X3M | X5 F15
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SCA View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ABZ101 View Post
I guess I have the sport seats that come with sports package. I tried playing with lumbar support but same thing
Yes, sport seats are standard with M Sport Pkg. The multi-contour seats are optional and are also available with the M Sport Pkg.
Looking online now the multi contour are same seats they just have adjusted sides and shoulders
__________________
2020 X3M
2018 X5-Msport
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 11:26 AM   #10
SCA
Brigadier General
SCA's Avatar
United_States
563
Rep
3,742
Posts

Drives: Multiple BMWs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 🇺🇸

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ABZ101 View Post
Looking online now the multi contour are same seats they just have adjusted sides and shoulders
Multi-Contours are 20-way adjustable and the seat padding is different.
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 11:36 AM   #11
ABZ101
Private First Class
ABZ101's Avatar
161
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: X3M | X5 F15
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

My point is that even standard or sport seats with x5 shouldn't be uncomfortable, and it's a known issue. I just wanted to see if anyone did something or modified the seats anyway to cure it.
__________________
2020 X3M
2018 X5-Msport
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 11:40 AM   #12
CeeTeeX5
Major
936
Rep
1,180
Posts

Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i M-Sport
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Issaquah, WA

iTrader: (0)

I have a 2018 with the sport seats and find them quite comfortable. Do you have the ventilated seats? I heard they are less comfortable.

Agree that they should be generally comfortable to all but everyone's butt/back is different
__________________
2018 X5 35i M-Sport
Dinan Stage 1 Tuner
M-Perf Exhaust and lip
Wheels: Winter - 469m; Summer - Vossen CV7 22s

2018 X1 28i M-Sport
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 11:45 AM   #13
SCA
Brigadier General
SCA's Avatar
United_States
563
Rep
3,742
Posts

Drives: Multiple BMWs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 🇺🇸

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ABZ101 View Post
My point is that even standard or sport seats with x5 shouldn't be uncomfortable, and it's a known issue. I just wanted to see if anyone did something or modified the seats anyway to cure it.
Yes, it is a very well known issue and why several owners added the multi-contour seats when ordering. Do a search, I currently only see one forum member that resolved the issue by having an auto upholstery shop add seat padding for $400. It appears everyone else seems to have to live with it or a select few have traded in their vehicle.
Appreciate 1
ABZ101161.00
      02-26-2018, 11:51 AM   #14
Kzang
Major General
Kzang's Avatar
3222
Rep
5,058
Posts

Drives: 2015 X5 35i Msport SG
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: East Coast

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CeeTeeX5 View Post

Agree that they should be generally comfortable to all but everyone's butt/back is different
This..

Not everyone is built the same. Some butts are thin, some are thick, some are soft, some are hard, some have nerve issues (Sciatica), some have herniated lower back issues.


Its understood in this community that the vented seats are less uncomfortable due to the less cushioning due to the vented feature.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ABZ101 View Post
My point is that even standard or sport seats with x5 shouldn't be uncomfortable, and it's a known issue. I just wanted to see if anyone did something or modified the seats anyway to cure it.
I also have the multi comfort seats and they are amazing each and every time I sit in mine. I've had multi comfort seats in all my previous BMWs as well with similar results. Not sure what the OP's known issues you are referring to, so could you link us to the known issues with the uncomfortable seats?
__________________
2015 F15 X5 35i Msport Space Grey M Performance parts MPPK, MPE
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 12:07 PM   #15
Lance Alot
Private First Class
58
Rep
174
Posts

Drives: 2021 X5M50i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SF Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

+ 1 on the comfort seats. I had them in my last two BMWs, and it was night and day from the sports version. I'm curious to see how my wife likes the seats in the X5M that we have on order actually. She is the critic in the family
Appreciate 1
1230vani637.00
      02-26-2018, 12:51 PM   #16
Falafel Combo
Banned
United_States
3767
Rep
6,673
Posts

Drives: X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ABZ101 View Post
Hi All,

I know this is a known issue, but I haven't seen anyone posting solutions.

I had the car for 2 and half months and every time I drive for more than 30-40 mins my lower back starts hurting. I tried to adjust the seats multiple times.

Are people buying some cushions or some other solutions?
It is really ridiculous how a $70k has such uncomfortable seats. And I have the lease for 3 more years
M sport or regular seats?
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 12:54 PM   #17
Falafel Combo
Banned
United_States
3767
Rep
6,673
Posts

Drives: X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (3)

Anyone know how much a brand new M Sport driver seat costs? At least the butt and thigh part?
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 01:22 PM   #18
DC X3M40i
Captain
DC X3M40i's Avatar
663
Rep
767
Posts

Drives: 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Long Island ny

iTrader: (0)

mine is an M-Sport with the standard M-Sport seats. No multi-contour / No ventilation. heard bad things abt the ventilated seats.. but all positives abt the multi-contour

just got back from a 6.5 hour drive between Long Island and Pittsburgh Pa over the weekend. my standard M-Sport seats were fine. As long as i dont drive with my wallet in my rear pocket.

I did have a loaner recently while my car was in the shop.. was the base seats on a base x5 with sensatec... those felt awful
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 01:38 PM   #19
DuSh
Colonel
DuSh's Avatar
2113
Rep
2,388
Posts

Drives: F15 X5 50i
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ABZ101 View Post
Hi All,

I know this is a known issue, but I haven't seen anyone posting solutions.

I had the car for 2 and half months and every time I drive for more than 30-40 mins my lower back starts hurting. I tried to adjust the seats multiple times.

Are people buying some cushions or some other solutions?
It is really ridiculous how a $70k has such uncomfortable seats. And I have the lease for 3 more years
If you are determined to fix that issue - radical treatment is to swap your seat to multi-contour (comfort) one. There's only 4 torx bolts and 1 fast release socket wire connection under the seat - swap can be done in 30 min. Biggest issue is finding same color seats. You only need driver seat to be honest, but your back will be thankful for the rest of your x5 ownership. IMHO well worth the effort (besides you can sell your M Sport seat and recoup some of the cost)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Falafel Combo View Post
Anyone know how much a brand new M Sport driver seat costs? At least the butt and thigh part?
I don't know how much new ones cost, but a used comfort seat (multi-contour) cost about $1k per seat - I've seen couple from totaled x5s. They are all around 2-3 years old max and in good condition so that's not an issue. Finding a needed color is tho

Here's one black comfort driver seat from 2015 x5 on ebay for $1150 (passenger seat is available for same price from that seller): https://www.ebay.com/itm/DRIVER-LEFT...4AAOSwceNaZmNx

but they are rare, one definitely needs to search for them for some time, but it's doable

Last edited by DuSh; 02-26-2018 at 01:56 PM..
Appreciate 1
      02-26-2018, 01:50 PM   #20
TheUltimateDrivingManiac
Freude am Fahren.
Canada
801
Rep
1,286
Posts

Drives: F15 X5 xDrive35i
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Toronto, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Driving 10+ hours in a comfort seat is a no problem for me. Actually comfort seats are the main reason why I went for X5 instead of X3.
__________________
Freude am Fahren.
Appreciate 2
      02-26-2018, 02:11 PM   #21
LocksmithNick
Captain
LocksmithNick's Avatar
United_States
1142
Rep
714
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 M Sport - G05
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by DuSh View Post
If you are determined to fix that issue - radical treatment is to swap your seat to multi-contour (comfort) one. There's only 4 torx bolts and 1 fast release socket wire connection under the seat - swap can be done in 30 min. Biggest issue is finding same color seats. You only need driver seat to be honest, but your back will be thankful for the rest of your x5 ownership. IMHO well worth the effort (besides you can sell your M Sport seat and recoup some of the cost)



I don't know how much new ones cost, but a used comfort seat (multi-contour) cost about $1k per seat - I've seen couple from totaled x5s. They are all around 2-3 years old max and in good condition so that's not an issue. Finding a needed color is tho

Here's one black comfort driver seat from 2015 x5 on ebay for $1150 (passenger seat is available for same price from that seller): https://www.ebay.com/itm/DRIVER-LEFT...4AAOSwceNaZmNx

but they are rare, one definitely needs to search for them for some time, but it's doable
Wait a second...that’s the comfort seat? That’s what’s in mine..
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2018, 02:23 PM   #22
deutsch100
Colonel
deutsch100's Avatar
United_States
3741
Rep
2,287
Posts

Drives: i5 M60, XM, M3 Comp, 911 GTS
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Calabasas, CA

iTrader: (0)

What SCA said. My multi-contour heated (but not ventilated) seats are beyond phenomenal. I feel I could drive for 1000 miles and never need to reposition or shift myself.

From what I have read and heard...X5/X6 with ventilated seats are some of the most uncomfortable seats in modern BMW history

Sorry!!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:55 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST