Drivers side seat Leather cracking - Warranty claim?

[mmjohnson]

I also went the we owe route, however, mine wasn't due to the sides cracking, it was because of a stitching issue - it took 4 months for the replacement leather to come in. I don't know if the replacement leather is worse than original, but I'm only a couple thousand miles in and I can already sense this is going to be an ongoing issue.

Originally Posted by NYC_X5

Here’s a photo of mine. ‘16 model with 35k miles. Upon purchase had a “we owe” agreement with the dealership to have the seat replaced.

In the photos you can see two affected areas, bottom one seems like is from usual wear, the other (top) is the weird “slashes” in leather. The SA agreed that due to the location of the cracks, it would be best to replace than repair. Either way, waiting for the part to come in, will update when all done.

[ZEEKHAN]

Hey y'all I had a similar issue with my passenger side. Long story short, dealer replaced the leather cover but this is what it looks like. I don't think the installation is done right here. What do you all think?

[ZEEKHAN]

Attached?

[DJ1007]

Just found out today that they are replacing my front seat too...mileage at 22K as well. I brought it in because the top of my steering wheel leather was wearing out. They are going to replace that as well as a one time courtesy but on the inspection they say the seat and said that they would replace it too at same time. I never even noticed it?

Great site and love the good information!!

[timmiii]

17MY CPO X5 xDrive35i purchased w/29,600mi. Service department replaced the seat bottom cushion under warranty.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by ZEEKHAN

Hey y'all I had a similar issue with my passenger side. Long story short, dealer replaced the leather cover but this is what it looks like. I don't think the installation is done right here. What do you all think?

No picture

[sixcylinders]

Originally Posted by Hashtag

My CPO had cracking just like that. I had to complain to the service manager and shop foreman before they replaced it under warranty. They tried to correct it first, which didn't do much.

How annoying

[jayy178]

Mine is being replaced as well. For those who had this done, how long does this typically take? Assume it's same day job?

[blue dragon]

Well, add me to the list with a cracking driver's seat. Decided to check today

[Fxcardo]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Well, add me to the list with a cracking driver's seat. Decided to check today

Attachment 2410906

Attachment 2410907

What year is your Bmw?

My 2017 X6 is creasing/peeling. I'm planning on taking it in. I'm still under warranty until 50k miles or Feb 2021.

[blue dragon]

2017.

[1norseman]

My 2014 is long out of warranty, and drivers side seat side is cracking badly!
I didn't really pay attention until I read this page, and looked. Not acceptable for a vehicle that is not even 10yrs old. Really disappointing!

All along, I thought it was just the sidebolster getting wore down on top side and losing color. Now I just noticed how bad the side of the seat is cracked, and I'm going to have to replace it!
Though, I might just look at having an upholstery shop create new seat replacement covers, instead of spending an outrageous amount for a BMW OEM, that from what it sounds like, will only crack again...

Considering how much the X5's drop in value, I'm getting more and more inclined to try another brand next time.
Only my fourth BMW, I keep them for longer than I should, and I know once they are paid off, I will be spending a lot in repairs instead. Still doesn't mean I want to spend thousands on fixing things where BMW decided to go cheap, despite knowing how much wear the seats get.

Seeing the seat cracked like this, is one of the small things adding up, that makes me consider buying something else than a BMW next time.

[RED_Y_]

Check with your local car upholstery place, many of them would be able to replace that piece with real leather (sides are vinyl BTW, not leather) for 1/2 of the new BMW seat cover cost.

[turboawd]

Blame Lear the seat manufacturer. Made in Mexico too. How much did they really save by making the sides vinyl instead of leather..... All the warranty claims must have wiped out any savings.

[X5Buell]

I had mine replaced under warranty. I have a 2018 with only 30,000 km. First they had some leather shop repair it, looked like crap. So I bitched and finally got a seat bottom replaced. But I find the leather to be a bit rougher, it is brand new so has not worked in. But it feels rough. The little bumps in the leather are definitely not as smooth as the original seat. Time will hop smooth this out

[gutijoh]

Interesting to find out about the driver's seat cushion. When I bought the CPO @35K miles it did feel flat compared to passenger seat. Just thought it was normal wear and tear. I might have to complain before the period ends as this issue seems to have impacted others. Bummed that BMW continues to take shortcuts.

[5x]

I bought a 17 CPO with 36k miles. It has the beige leather, the drivers seat is a bit rough the leather and it honestly was a bit dirty too and I think there is some minor cracking. I asked my salesman and he said that's normal wear and tear. I'm going to complain and push it further.

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by sixcylinders

How annoying

Had this changed in the Netherlands private shop for 350 euro. BMW wanted 1,300 and would not accept it under still valid warranty. If you are in Europe i cam revert you to a specialist. That part is also not real leather on dakota cars. Only the middle part is leather. I have ivory white dakota.

[mikeson]

Originally Posted by Jaffrey

I have the merino individual leather seats on my 2018 X5 50i and I noticed slight cracks which the dealer replaced. There are just a lot more people with the regular Dakota leather seats. Also, based on my experience, the difference between BMW Napa and Dakota leather is very minor and I doubt the cost difference is much to BMW. One is finished smooth and the other textured and both appear to be sanded. The Merino leather is somewhat better...but mine still cracked although I take good care of it. So any of the leather seats can crack. But BMW seems pretty generous in replacing them under warranty.

I don't think so.
I have a Napa leather but it is very smooth and different than Dakota.
I don't think any Napa leather can get this problem. Side part is leather and no problem at all.

[mikeson]

Originally Posted by Jaffrey

I see the bottom of your seat on the right developing the same issue as mine. In my case the cushion seemed to push out the leather a bit more. In mine the texture of the material at the side and seating areas are different. Even the SA who looked at it said that only the seat and backs were Merino leather. The rest is not…anyway, I am happy if yours has the same leather all around even on the sides, it has the same type of creasing as mine, but more minor at this stage.

Hmmm
I thought Merino leather is better than Napa but I guess it isn't.
My Napa leather is all around not only seat and back but all around. And there is no crack, it is a just wrinkles.
I am attaching more picture of Napa leather.

[jab23]

That looks like water damage on the top of the door. Bubbles up the backing under the leather and causes that look. I have it on the bottom portion of my passenger front door.

[JamesInSJ]

2015, black dakota. This has only gotten a little worse since I bought it about 3 years ago, but bugs me and would like to do some kind of visual repair. Would a boat vinyl repair kit be better than this? Or just split quickly leaving a worse looking mess.