I am contemplating retrofitting heated seats in mu '01 540 with sport seats, but some of my data is fuzzy. My understanding is that sport seats use stand-alone heating pads, unlike other seats which require the leather panels to be replaced. The part numbers for this project seem to be:
Wiring harness 52-11-0-002-132 1 needed
Heated seat 52-10-8-253-116 2 needed
Heated backrest 52-10-8-253-116 2 needed
parts are about $650 + optional (not me) dealer labor of $1100-$1400!

I have heard that some cars may be prewired, generating my questions:
1) How do I tell / what kind of connector in the seat am I looking for?
2) If prewired, does that alleviate the need for the wiring harness above?
3) I already have heated seat buttons right over the front cupholder. What do I connect and to which pins (one big pin connector, not per function buttons).
4) Descriptions say wiring goes up center console AND drivers sill. Why? Seems I need power and 3 phase heat control is all.
5) Are there any more details available beyond the BMW TIS attached?
6) Anybody done this that I can talk to?

Thanks for any help.

MikeO
michael.otis@honeywell.com
2001 540i

Every E39 with factory heated leather seats has the elements as part of the leather coverings. However, standalone heating elements are sold for the *upholstered* version of the sport seats. It is these elements that you can use with your leather seats, even though they were never done this way in series production.

These are the parts you need, assuming you already have the switch unit for the center console:
52 11 0 002 132 x1
52 10 8 253 115 x2
52 10 8 253 116 x2

The car will absolutely not be prewired, but the seats will more than likely have the prewiring in them. Not an issue...if you didn't have the prewiring in the seats, the kits include the necessary wiring. You probably won't use it. The connector types and wire colors will match the heating elements, so you won't have to worry about finding the right ones in the seat.

I'll send you the retrofit instructions a little later, as well as the p/n for hogrings and hogring pliers

 

Reviving on old thread...so I picked up a set of heated leather sport seats for my 01 530i Sport and from my understanding what Tyrone said is that all e39's do not come pre-wired for heated seats?

I already picked up a different panel that has the heated buttons on it. The question is do I need to pickup a wiring harness as well that goes under the carpet?

 

Thanks..Clarification

Thanks Tyrone, had a feeling you would know.

Two clarifications:
I had a typo, I see. My heater elements should have been -115 and -116, but you said -114 and -116. True? I have not seen the -114 part number at all.

Second question:
I have been told that you need only 1 of the wiring harnesses(pn 52-11-0-002-132). I believed this because there seems to be connectors for both seats. I was curious, however, that there seems to be only 4 connectors for the switch panel (pins 1,12,13,22). If you are correct, and I need 2 wiring harnesses, what do I do with the connectors for the other seat?

I have the 2 BMW TIS documents (1 is a supplemental) which show the wiring. I tried to attach the 2 TIS and the diagram again. That is what I was looking at

MikeO
michael.otis@honeywell.com
'01 540i

 

Separate heat elements for Sport Seats

The ETK diagram picture says specifically for cloth or leather "sportline" seats for this retro kit (see picture attachment in prev post).

I have a 3 (male) loose connector under my seat, so I am thinking I do not have to use the supplemental instructions and run the power harness. The power harness in the supplemental, however, has terminations at the switching center. I currently have DSP but not the electric shade, so I wonder if I still have to run power to the switching center.

Just a few too many things that are not clear.

Thanks for any help out there.

MikeO
'01 540i thinking about heated seat retrofit

 

Mike, terribly sorry! You're absolutely right that only 1 wiring kit is required. I haven't touched on this in a long time, and I had the older kits in my mind. So yes, just the 4 wires go into the switching center. I also had a typo up there with the -114. It is in fact -115 and -116. I don't know who'd put a 4 so close to the 5 on a keyboard.

Anyhow, since you have the electric rear sunshade, pins 7, 23, and 21 should be occupied. You will not need to run the supplementary harness with those connections present. Good luck!

Ah, here are the #s for the hogrings and pliers
pliers 88-88-6-520-050 (might be 90-88-6..I forgot
hogrings 52 10 1 945 543 (40 will be plenty)

 

Hi, sorry to bring back an old thread, but I was looking at doing this retrofit. I don't have the buttons in the center console for heated seats. The only thing I can find is part 61316927052 or 61316927072.

These look like every button or option or can get. Is there one I can get with just the heated seats button?

Also where do the heated pads go on the seats, how do you remove the leather covers?

Thanks

Neil

 

Hi, sorry to bring back an old thread, but I was looking at doing this retrofit. I don't have the buttons in the center console for heated seats. The only thing I can find is part 61316927052 or 61316927072.

These look like every button or option or can get. Is there one I can get with just the heated seats button?

Also where do the heated pads go on the seats, how do you remove the leather covers?

Thanks

Neil

No, this is the only way they come from BMW and it always bothered me that you couldn't order them with the specific buttons needed on the later E38/E39/E46. They have covering caps to hide the unused buttons, but I think it looks very tacky. This is the one of the few places BMW came to their senses with the current crop of cars, for which specifically catered switch units are offered through aftersales.

The -052 number is for cars with ASC, and the 072 is for DSC. The heating elements go underneath the leather, affixed just on top of the foam cushions. The leather is taken off by removing the plastic trim on the seats, bending back some hooks, and cutting the hogrings that secure it to the foam cushions.

 

thanks Tyrone, once again your are the man.

Can some one please tell the buttons that would come with the new switches, i.e from left to right. I don't like the idea of having buttons that don't do anything!

Neil

 

I thought I'd throw this in here..

What about the "BMW Active Seat" ?! I'd LOVE to have this along with my heated seats. My current sport seats are just KILLING ME !!

 

What is active seat?

I am thinking while I have the seat in pieces I want to retrofit the electric lumbar support. Looks pretty easy. Where does the inflatable cushion go? Assuming I am fitting the heated backrest as well. I know it goes in the backrest, but what goes between what?

Where do I get power for the lumbar motor? I can not seem to find any form of wiring harness connecting to the car.

Is there anything else I should do/fit to my front seats while they are in bits? Best to do it at the same time!

 

What is active seat?

I am thinking while I have the seat in pieces I want to retrofit the electric lumbar support. Looks pretty easy. Where does the inflatable cushion go? Assuming I am fitting the heated backrest as well. I know it goes in the backrest, but what goes between what?

Where do I get power for the lumbar motor? I can not seem to find any form of wiring harness connecting to the car.

Is there anything else I should do/fit to my front seats while they are in bits? Best to do it at the same time!

Active seats have dual bladders in the seat bottom that are filled with fluid. A pump transfers fluid from the left to the right side, almost imperceptibly. It's supposed to reduce fatigue on longer trips. I was able to feel them working, but my ride in the car was not long. I think it's a good feature. VERY expensive to retrofit. You're better off finding whole seats from another car if you want this. It's rare on the E39 so you should look for E38 seats.

Here is a link to information about the lumbar support retrofit on Terence Kennedy's E46, which will be similar to the E39:
http://www.tmk.com/lumbar/

Since removing the leather is not required for lumbar, you don't have to pressure yourself into doing it at the same time as the seat heating. The p/n for the lumbar support retrofit is 52 10 9 404 380. It's an E38 kit, but the components are *exactly* the same as the E39's. You won't even need to use the wiring. It should be part of your seats already.

To answer your question, here is what's on the new switch unit (only for 99 - 03 vehicles):
seat heating, active seat, DSC (or ASC), PDC, S EDC, sunshade, active seat, seat heating

 

To answer your question, here is what's on the new switch unit (only for 99 - 03 vehicles):
seat heating, active seat, DSC (or ASC), PDC, S EDC, sunshade, active seat, seat heating

what's S EDC? damn, that's a lot of buttons!

 

what's S EDC? damn, that's a lot of buttons!

EDC is electronic damper control. Never offered on the E39 in the US, but it's a great feature. Hit the button and the electronically controlled dampers go into sport mode for a stiffer ride. Also VERY expensive to retrofit

 

EDC is electronic damper control. Never offered on the E39 in the US, but it's a great feature. Hit the button and the electronically controlled dampers go into sport mode for a stiffer ride. Also VERY expensive to retrofit

absolutely LOVE it.

anyhow, how's the active seat ? any good on the bum ? I find the seating in my bmw rather uncomfortable .

 

Thanks Tyrone for the pic, really helps explain what I will get. All them buttons will look cool, but only if they do something.

What's the PDC button do, my car has rear PDC but I don't have that button. I have a feeling you are going to say enable/disable front PDC. If so can this be retrofitted? My guide says the retrofit kit has ended.

How easy is it to swap out my button controls for the new module, is it simply a plug and play job?

I have got the ASC button in my car now, does this mean the replacement has to have the ASC button, or will the DSC one do the same job, ie the different parts are just the change of label on the button?

I have got a serious amount of work retrofitting all these parts come summer!!

 

Thanks Tyrone for the pic, really helps explain what I will get. All them buttons will look cool, but only if they do something.

What's the PDC button do, my car has rear PDC but I don't have that button. I have a feeling you are going to say enable/disable front PDC. If so can this be retrofitted? My guide says the retrofit kit has ended.

How easy is it to swap out my button controls for the new module, is it simply a plug and play job?

I have got the ASC button in my car now, does this mean the replacement has to have the ASC button, or will the DSC one do the same job, ie the different parts are just the change of label on the button?

I have got a serious amount of work retrofitting all these parts come summer!!

The PDC button is for toggling the entire PDC system on and off. However, it is only functional when front PDC is installed. You will have to order 4 sensors, a new control module, 1 wiring harness, some cable ties, and the moldings. The wiring is a big pain.

Installing the new module is a plug and play operation and there is no difference between the ASC and DSC parts except for the lettering. Both are readily available so you can properly match the switch unit to the system installed on your E39.

ketchup, active seats are good but may not be enough for some. Find your local 750iL to try them out. Keep in mind you will also be sitting in a comfort seat, which is the only type of seat the active feature was available with.

 

I have sports seats, does this mean the active seat module won't fit them?

Thanks

Neil

 

I have sports seats, does this mean the active seat module won't fit them?

Thanks

Neil

It might, but I don't know of anyone who has tried. The cost would be several hundred dollars per seat.

 

I don't like them figures, I think I will keep an eye out for some second hand E38 seats to try.

On a different note, does anyone know where i can get the parts for the retrofit kits online, somewhere in Europe or US will do, as long as they ship internationally. I know it sounds weird, but it is cheaper to ship the parts in from abroad than it is to buy them at my local dealer! They have a monopoly in the UK.

Thanks

Neil

 

Tyrone,

Have you seen the Active Seat Ventilation Retrofit Kit?

Part # 82 30 0 142 076

Looks like it vents or cools the seats. I was thinking about this but I wanted to know if you have seen it before.

 

Tyrone,

Have you seen the Active Seat Ventilation Retrofit Kit?

Part # 82 30 0 142 076

Looks like it vents or cools the seats. I was thinking about this but I wanted to know if you have seen it before.

I have not heard of anyone who has actually installed this accessory. You do need to purchase a special leather for the seats, which that kit does not include. The conversion approaches $1000 per seat with all the necessary parts.

 

Hi guys

I have a 09/03 E39 530 and want to retrofit heated seats.

Assuming these parts nos apply to all year cars then if I have a replacement centre button panel then am I right in stating I only need:

88 88 6 520 050 x1 - pliers - might be 90-88-6..
52 10 1 945 543 x40 - hogrings
52 11 0 002 132 x1
52 10 8 253 115 x2
52 10 8 253 116 x2

is this correct.

Thanks in advance.

 

Retrofitting E36 Electric / Power Seats (Tyrone?)

Tyrone you seem to be the man to ask but if anyone else knows please help!

I've currently got heated manual seats and i'd like to retrofit heated electric seats.

I assume this is possible but I would like to avoid running wires through to the fuse box so wondered if anyone tell me a safe and reliable shortcut.

Thanks in advance

 

Tyrone you seem to be the man to ask but if anyone else knows please help!

I've currently got heated manual seats and i'd like to retrofit heated electric seats.

I assume this is possible but I would like to avoid running wires through to the fuse box so wondered if anyone tell me a safe and reliable shortcut.

Thanks in advance

Unfortunately I don't know the E36 well enough to give the best solution.

 

Hey gunslinger there is a set of e39 sport seats on ebay just the cores with all the motors, asking like 100.00 thats prob what you need....

 

Just got my '03 530i and would like to add heated seats. I think I have most of the info I need from this old post. The question I do have is what switch panel do I need as mine does not have the switches and where is the best place to by parts? Do you have to go to your local dealer? I only deal with mine when I absolutly have to.

 

you can buy these parts online so any bmw dealer or parts seller should be able to get you these things.

as for where teh switch goes... where your DSC/ASC button is located, you'd need new tabs but the switch should just go right in there.

 

Thanks for the reply. I understand where the switches go but do I need a new plate with the switches in it or do you buy the switches?? Any web addresses to part suppliers??

 

you'll need new filler plates if that's what you mean.

um.... parts supplier... um... that's a new thread question.