I have used a number of seat protectors and have found that coverage was lacking around the shoulder area. This area just happens to be the place where my young kids like to rest their feet. A few of the seat protectors I have purchased fell apart after a short amount use as well.
As such, prior to delivery of the X5 last weekend, I did a little research and found a seat protector on Amazon that I think works very well. At $30 each, they are quite a bit more expensive than what I have paid in the past. That said, the Chelsea seat back protector from Rover Gear provides quite a bit more coverage than other products I have used and also protects the sides of the seats. My X5 is equipped with the multi-contour seats and side coverage roughly ends where the plastic seat back meets leather so I do not think this product will interfere with side airbag deployment.
This seat protector is very adjustable with elastic straps on the bottom and sides and and it also fits on my Honda Civic, which has a significantly smaller seat back compared to the X5. Construction and material seem to be of high quality.
I do have one question regarding removal of the front headrests. The top of the Chelsea connects via metal grommets to the headrest posts so to fully install these protectors, I will need to remove the front headrests. The owners manual indicates that a dealer must remove the headrests (perhaps because of the active head restraint?) From what I have found on the internet, all it takes is a few hard upward strikes to a fully extended headrest. Unfortunately this advice has not worked for me. If the only course is to take it to the dealer, I think I will end up cutting the grommets at the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions and snap them around the headrest posts. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Amazon.com: Rover Gear Chelsea Automobile Seat-Back Protector: Automotive
http://www.rovergear.net/