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