Seat warmer and occupancy sensor

[Perrier]

With my driver seat warmer acting up (hot spots burned a hole through leather) I am looking for repair alternatives.

Called the dealer and he says the replacement contains the leather, heating pad, and sensors including occupancy sensor.

So I am wondering if I disconnect the wires from the original heating pad remove it and replace it with an aftermarket pad, I need to know the function of each of the wires going into it in order to properly hook up the new pad.

Has anyone mapped out the wires goi g into the heating pad to get it functional with The rest of BMW systems?

[andrewwynn]

Usually hot spot happens because the resistive element breaks but not all the way through. You get a high resistance spot. You can solder that spot back together or make a jumper across that area.

[Perrier]

So cut through the padding to expose the wire, solder any jumper wire and tuck it back in. I will try it

[Overboost]

Perrier, another option is to just replace the faulty seat with a good used one from your local wrecker or fleaBay. Depending on your seats and color, there are lower heated seat halves for $100 available and complete really nice front and rear sets for around $500.

[Perrier]

Been looking for a couple of years for used seat bottom. Seen a few but not a single one found in equal condition to mine.
If I can cut/solder a small piece, I’m happy with a couple of inches of unheated spot. It’s right next to the seat belt buckle, wouldn’t miss it.

[andrewwynn]

If the surface is already damaged you can make enough room to work. It's likely solder won't stick you'll need to use a butt splice connector.

I have a similar problem by my right kidney maybe I'll fix mine and write up an DIY.