Heated leather sports seats

[trapdoor]

I have tried to find a definitive answer to this, but just can't get my head around what parts I need to retrofit the heated sports seats.

The retrofitting kit on the ETK states that you need additionally, the switching centre (I have) and new seat covers. However, no amount of searching in the ETK on all dates/markets of E83 show any part specific for heated seat covers under the Seat Upholstery section.

It was rumoured several years ago (for the E46) that there was no difference, and that all covers installed by BMW after 2002 had the heating elements built in, but I have never found out whether this was true, or whether it is true for the E83. Surely if the ETK doesn't show parts for the heated seat covers, but only shows 'seat covers', then by deduction these must have the heating elements built in?

Be interested to hear from anyone who has pulled out their seats who don't have seat heating, whether the wiring is there under the seat but just not connected.

TIA.

[Louiezk1]

I've been trying to research this and posted my own Heated Seats question on July 27, without a reply. From my research, if the X3 does not come equipped with the Heated Seats option, the wiring is NOT there. I've been trying to determine if I can install an after market switch, module and wiring to a pair of X3 factory heated seats. The mechanics I've talked with do not want to try it. Let me know if you find something different.

[trapdoor]

Originally Posted by Louiezk1

I've been trying to research this and posted my own Heated Seats question on July 27, without a reply. From my research, if the X3 does not come equipped with the Heated Seats option, the wiring is NOT there. I've been trying to determine if I can install an after market switch, module and wiring to a pair of X3 factory heated seats. The mechanics I've talked with do not want to try it. Let me know if you find something different.

As I feared.

In the E46, the heated seat covers were fitted but the wiring wasn't installed.

I am interested to know what is in the retrofit seat heating kit, shown on realoem... RealOEM.com BMW E83 X3 3.0i INSTALLING SET HEATED SEAT FRONT

I have the switching centre, but it states you need replacement seat covers, however there are no specific HEATED seat covers shown in the parts catalog Even replacement seats (whole assemblies) show just one part which says for seats with and without heating

I expected the retrofit kit to have some cabling, relays, fuses and sundry bits. IF the seat covers were already fitted, then it should be easy. I dread to think of the cost of new covers though!