Leatherette/Nylon Seat Cracking

[94speedster]

I have an '05 X3 with 72K on the odometer which we bought new in July 2005. The driver's seat has some very severe cracking on the side bolster section (the nylon part, not the leatherette part).

I was a huge fan of the ALL leatherette seating in BMWs of the 1990s. When I bought this car, I notices that the leatherette was replaced by what appears to be nylon on the side bolsters and headrests. Of course, that nylon is now cracking and looks aweful. I took it to the dealer under warranty a year ago (as the cracking began within 12 months of ownership) and they would not cover it under warranty. The recommended that I take it to an independent car upholstry shop.

Is this a common problem? If so, what is the course of action and what is the most cost effective solution? I would like to sell the car within the year, so would not want to go the seat cover route...

Thanks!
-Blake

[Quicksilver]

Somehow the problem you describe sounds suspect. If in fact you had this problem within the first 12 months of ownership and it was under warranty there must have been some serious extenuating circumstances that would prevent them from covering it. If they did deny your claim you must have that in writting which may specify the reason they decided not to honor your warranty. That being the case you should contact BMW USA, presant their information and your written evidence, and hope for the best.

Originally Posted by 94speedster

I have an '05 X3 with 72K on the odometer which we bought new in July 2005. The driver's seat has some very severe cracking on the side bolster section (the nylon part, not the leatherette part).

I was a huge fan of the ALL leatherette seating in BMWs of the 1990s. When I bought this car, I notices that the leatherette was replaced by what appears to be nylon on the side bolsters and headrests. Of course, that nylon is now cracking and looks aweful. I took it to the dealer under warranty a year ago (as the cracking began within 12 months of ownership) and they would not cover it under warranty. The recommended that I take it to an independent car upholstry shop.

Is this a common problem? If so, what is the course of action and what is the most cost effective solution? I would like to sell the car within the year, so would not want to go the seat cover route...

Thanks!
-Blake

[94speedster]

Thanks Quicksilver. I like the BMW NA option, and may pursue that if the dealer responds negatively. I remember quite well 12 months back that I ran it by the service advisor, and they said that it was due to normal wear and tear. I'll go back and try my case again....

I was able to take a picture today and have posted it here...

Thanks,
-Blake