Heated Seats question

Guys, I just got my first BMW. Loving it so far. The heated seats don't seem to be very warm though, even at the highest setting. I'm thinking of taking it in so Service can have a look at it. Heated seats on some cars get very therapeutically warm and feel great but not on my 328i.

Is there a known issue?

First off, welcome aboard.

Next, my seats are very warm, can burn a buttocks or fry an egg if you're not careful. Have your dealer take a look.

Might go without saying, but you need to tap-tap-tap the button to get 3 LED lights lit and the highest heat setting. If you only have 1 LED light lit, that's on the lowest setting.

BJ

My heated seats aren't nearly as warm as my E90 M3. Not sure if there is a problem or not, but all 3 LEDs are definitely on.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

First off, welcome aboard.

Next, my seats are very warm, can burn a buttocks or fry an egg if you're not careful. Have your dealer take a look.

Might go without saying, but you need to tap-tap-tap the button to get 3 LED lights lit and the highest heat setting. If you only have 1 LED light lit, that's on the lowest setting.

BJ

That's strange, mine go to full heat (3 LEDs) with one tap on the button; tapping more on it reduces the setting.

I have no problem with the heat level, on full it's very hot I find so maybe OP does have a problem.

Another cool feature: have you noticed if you leave the car for just a few minutes, when you get back in and re-start it remembers the heated seat setting. If it's been a while then they are off when you re-start.

The HS in mine work so well my GF tries to slap me when I turn hers on when she's not looking. By the time she notices her ass is frying. It's really a fun game when you have a passenger.

Originally Posted by sr5959

That's strange, mine go to full heat (3 LEDs) with one tap on the button; tapping more on it reduces the setting.

I have no problem with the heat level, on full it's very hot I find so maybe OP does have a problem.

Another cool feature: have you noticed if you leave the car for just a few minutes, when you get back in and re-start it remembers the heated seat setting. If it's been a while then they are off when you re-start.

Mine work that way too, I think BJ is just mis-stating how it operates.

Originally Posted by sr5959

That's strange, mine go to full heat (3 LEDs) with one tap on the button; tapping more on it reduces the setting.

I have no problem with the heat level, on full it's very hot I find so maybe OP does have a problem.

Another cool feature: have you noticed if you leave the car for just a few minutes, when you get back in and re-start it remembers the heated seat setting. If it's been a while then they are off when you re-start.

Sorry.....mis-typed.

1 tap turns them to 3 LED's (MAX), 3 taps turns them down until off. Currently using the seats to warm up microwave pancakes, practicing just in case another blackout hits.

BJ

Yes, sounds like a first trip to Service is in order. Looking forward to frying eggs, etc.

Originally Posted by donquixotesque

Yes, sounds like a first trip to Service is in order. Looking forward to frying eggs, etc.

I have a feeling that when they quote you what it's going to cost (they might even insist on ordering completely new seats, etc) your eyes are going to bulge out of your head and you're going to decide you can live without it.

Originally Posted by donquixotesque

Yes, sounds like a first trip to Service is in order. Looking forward to frying eggs, etc.

Test complete. My heated seats work as advertised.

BJ

Originally Posted by voip-ninja

I have a feeling that when they quote you what it's going to cost (they might even insist on ordering completely new seats, etc) your eyes are going to bulge out of your head and you're going to decide you can live without it.

Doesn't new car warranty cover this sort of work?

I've noticed that the HS on the F30 takes about 4 to 5 times longer to get to hot as compared to our old E90. Also it does not seem to get as hot. I think I will mention it next time we are at the dealers.

Originally Posted by donquixotesque

Doesn't new car warranty cover this sort of work?

Why would the warranty cover you wanting to do an expensive feature addition after delivery?

The only way warranty would cover it is if the order was messed up and the dealer could bill BMW back to make the needed changes.

Honestly if you're this hung up about the heated seats you should just order the car optioned the way you want.... this time make sure it's actually got everything you want.

Originally Posted by voip-ninja

Why would the warranty cover you wanting to do an expensive feature addition after delivery?

The only way warranty would cover it is if the order was messed up and the dealer could bill BMW back to make the needed changes.

Honestly if you're this hung up about the heated seats you should just order the car optioned the way you want.... this time make sure it's actually got everything you want.

I'm not sure what exactly you mean. I got heated seats and they don't seem to get very warm like some people are describing here. If that is a result of defect with heated seats on my car, wouldn't warranty cover it? I'm not talking about any feature addition. Or was my initial description misleading to suggest that I'm looking to add heated seats after the fact?

My apologies, I was confusing you with another person who was agonizing about his BMW not coming with heated seats and wanting his dealer to retrofit them after the fact. I got the two subjects mixed up.

Of course you are correct, if they don't get warm enough you should have it checked out and naturally it would be covered under warranty.

I can't stand mine on anything hotter than '2' and even then I usually turn it down to '1' after 15 minutes. My wife on the other hand apparently likes having a hot ass because she thinks '3' feels great where-as I don't want my reproductive bits fried so I never go to that setting.

Originally Posted by Lorenzzo

The HS in mine work so well my GF tries to slap me when I turn hers on when she's not looking. By the time she notices her ass is frying. It's really a fun game when you have a passenger.

Haha so true! I did this to my boss going to lunch today. After a couple minutes he shot me a look and turned it off. Dude likes chilly buns.

I sweat if I leave it on three for too long. Feels good even if its not cold out. Good for my lower back pain.

I believe I read they may have to "break in" first. hope mine burns my ass at 1st use. cold seats suck

I don't think the Heated Seats are suppose to burn you. They get toasty or comfortably hot but never too hot. The heated steering wheel in my sisters 328 gets warm as does my mom's X5. Good luck! Tell us if you find out anything!

Originally Posted by donquixotesque

Guys, I just got my first BMW. Loving it so far. The heated seats don't seem to be very warm though, even at the highest setting. I'm thinking of taking it in so Service can have a look at it. Heated seats on some cars get very therapeutically warm and feel great but not on my 328i.

Is there a known issue?

Mine's usually on the lowest setting....way hot!

Originally Posted by donquixotesque

Guys, I just got my first BMW. Loving it so far. The heated seats don't seem to be very warm though, even at the highest setting. I'm thinking of taking it in so Service can have a look at it. Heated seats on some cars get very therapeutically warm and feel great but not on my 328i.

Is there a known issue?

We have had them on all three of our 3 Series. So much nicer to take the chill off on a cold San Diego Morning, and not having to put the heater On ! I saw a story where some drivers have gotten burns from using them every day on long rush hour and morning drives to work. Be careful using them for long periods of time on a consistent basis. The article did not mention BMW specifically however. A great feature if use in moderation correctly. For sure have your dealer check it out. Could be something electrical . Good Luck and enjoy your New Bimmer!

The heated seats in my F30 don't feel nearly as warm as the ones from my various E9x cars.

Originally Posted by roup1

The heated seats in my F30 don't feel nearly as warm as the ones from my various E9x cars.

+ 1 Also takes to long to heat up.
cheers
verb

I disagree, my F30 seat heaters are too warm...I leave mine with one light instead of full.

Called the dealership to schedule time to have seats looked at. They told me that if there indeed turns out to be an issue, since the coils are in the fabric, they would have to order new fabric and replace it. EEK!

Can I expect the seats to still look and feel like new out of the factory after this work is done?

Received many complaints from customers about the F30's heated seats. Everyone says the same thing. I honestly don't think you have an issue. This is how the car was designed to function.