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Lumbar Seat Upgrade

5K views 16 replies 8 participants last post by  adubyaem 
#1 ·
I am debating upgrading to the 2011 X3, but won't make up my mind until I get to drive one. I may decide to get an end of year deal on a 2010 X3 (wife already has one with the lumbar seats), only problem is that it doesn't have the premium package, so no lumbar support, which is an option that I really like. Is it relatively easy to swap the standard seat for a lumbar seat? I may start looking at salvage yards. Have the seats changed over the past few years? The 2010 X3 that I am eyeing has black leather, so it should be the easiest seat to find (I hope.)
 
#4 · (Edited)
Awesome, but can they make the lumbar power? I guess that doesn't matter that much since I just want the option without paying for the full Premium Package upgrade.

How much do you think it would run me for just the driver's seat? I'll have to do some calling around.

Edit: I called an upholstery store. They told me I could do lumbar, but I would have to have a hand pump. That would look pretty lame...
 
#3 ·
I think the only thing that changed was the headrests. You should have little trouble finding a wrecked X3 with good seats. I would however avoid anything that was rearended as the seat backs oftentimes tweak a little from the added inertia of a body against them.

While I was at it I would get the back seat too (all four pieces of the backrest's and the bottom) so you would have matching leather front and back. These items are very low turnover so you should be able to get everything in excellent condition for under $1,000.00. Try http://www.car-part.com/
 
#8 ·
I would also want the auto dimming mirror with compass. http://www.autoanything.com/mirrors/61A2075A0A0.aspx Only about $250.
Would kind-of like to do this mirror upgrade myself (mine just has the basic mirror with the LED for the alarm system), and was wondering how difficult it would be to do-it-yourself...? Obviously, the necessary power is being supplied to the mirror that is currently installed in mine, as the LED starts flashing when I lock the vehicle, probably as a result of factory pre-wiring for the alarm system (which is another upgrade I'm considering). But I was curious if such a mirror retrofit would be more or less "plug and play?" I'm presuming the auto-dimming sensor is integral to the mirror, but does it or the compass require any kind of OBC interface/programming to activate/operate it (e.g., magnetic variance corrections for the compass)...?

Oh, and just an observation for what it's worth: the web site on which you're shopping for mirrors doesn't seem to provide one to fit BMW's. In fact, the mirror illustrated in their listing photo appears to be a GM mirror (looks just like the one in my father's 2004 Tahoe).
 
#12 ·
One more thing to consider is that trade in evaluators will ding you hard for any non OE modifications..... Especially on a BMW. If it were me I would pay the extra for the Premium Package or plan on swapping 100% BMW parts. IMHO the Premium Package is well worth the cost and my absolute # 1 must have on any BMW. Leather wears and feels better too. Especially BMW leather which is full grain.

http://www.spinneybeck.com/pdfs/maint.pdf

http://www.spinneybeck.com/pdfs/leatherquality.pdf
 
#13 ·
There is no need to swap seats. BMW lists a retrofit kit on their website but without price. It probably involves installing the air bladder, air pump, and the switch/wire kit. You can also search around since many of the BMW models in that generation (E46 3er for instance) use the same equipment.
 
#14 ·
Perhaps KenP could live with fitting power lumbar to just the driver side? I think that a big part of the cost of the lumbar project will be labor to remove/reinstall the leather from the seatback. With power seats standard (on US-spec cars) I suspect wiring will not be a big problem.
 
#15 ·
I *think* (not sure) fitting the pump and bladder would just involve removing the seat back.
 
#17 ·
Here's a link for detailed instructions on how to install the lumbar support. http://www.tmk.com/lumbar/
I have an 08 328 convertible with standard seats (wish i had gone for the premium.) In addition to the lack of lumbar support we find the seats under stuffed and uncomfortable, so Ii'm thinking of checking local wrecking yards to do an upgrade. How can I find which models' seats will fit my care.

AWM
Oakland
 
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