WANTED: Leg extension on my seats

[jpapa]

After a long trip in the X5 this weekend I couldn't walk after getting out of the car because my legs hurt so bad. It seems the bottom part of the seat is not long enough to support my long legs. My M3 has the leg extensions on the front seats but unfortunately the X5 doesn't. I didn't think I'd need the sport seats in the X5 but now I'm regretting it. Does anyone know what it would take (cost/time) to replace my seats with sport seats? I believe I just have the standard seats, not comfort. Or does anyone know if there is anything on the market that extends the bottom part of the seat?

[motordavid]

jpapa,

I have no fix for you, but I'm glad to see someone has this comment/complaint; I thought I was the only one.

With a 34" inseam, I have always found car seats to be
fairly not supportive and "short". My X5's seats and the
hard as wood arm rests/center console "pad", are my
only beefs, comfort-wise, for long trips.

As mine is 5 1/2 yrs old, I'm gonna pass on a seat redo,
but I hope you get some ideas.
BR,mD

[blondboinsd]

I'm going to bet your X5 does not have the sport package with the adjustable thigh support (like your M3 does) I ALWAYS have mine out and love it, you could swap out your seats for a ZSP (Sport Package) seat

[dr.jay]

I have them on my 330ci and I dont think they make a difference

[jpapa]

Well they make a huge difference for me... Does anyone have any info on this?????? I want to continue to take this car on long trips without hurting....

[blondboinsd]

Just buy the sport seats your dealer should be able to order them for you, I would suggest test driving a BMW X5 with sport package to see how you like them first

[chefwong]

Seat swap should be doable. I recall a long azz time ago, someone out E46 seats but this was back in the days of the *fly*. I have sport seats and do like the extension myself !

[xnsf]

I remember seeing one someone doing that here.
Someone has a light beige interior with black sport front seats from an M5 i think.
Well, i can't find it but i hope this helps
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ight=e46+seats

[Tim]

I tried to do this on my E39 and was told the different seats (standard, sport, comfort) use different wiring harnesses.

[Driver8]

If you're looking at seat replacement, have you considered the Comfort Seats? I had this option on my '03 530i and it had a slightly longer seat bottom, by my recollection, than did the standard seat or the Sport seat bottom. It is not adjustable like the Sport Seat, however. Your best bet would be to source a set of replacement seats (checking, of course, to ensure that the wiring harnesses and options - heating and power - are the same and are transferrable). Bear in mind that a set of new seats from the dealer is going to be a bank-breaker (Comfort Seats alone for the front are several thousand dollars - I believe $9,500! - without installation).

The Comfort Seats are nice, but overrated, IMO. There is very little side bolstering in the beatback or bottom and they aren't as form-fitting as are the Sport seats. On the other hand, the Comfort Seats have a articulating mid-back adjustment that is "just right" for those of us who have back trouble from time to time. An added bonus is that the headrests on the Comfort Seats match exactly those on the rear seats (minor point, but worth noting).

Regardless of the direction you choose, good luck, and please report back with your findings and results!

Mike