front sport seat creaking

rh71 · #1 12-09-2008, 12:37 AM

I don't know if it's the bitter cold or if it's because I started playing with the seat switch that lets you teeter at an angle front and back or what... but my driver seat creaks now. Since I'm belted in, anytime I accelerate and brake it will creak. I jump slightly in my seat, shift my weight hard (170lbs) forward/backward and it will creak. It is not a leather-on-leather sound, more like a wood-chair squeal if you put weight on just 1 side.

Anyone experience the same thing? The seat is really stiff to begin with so something like this surprisingly didn't happen since I got it. I'm thinking it has something to do with my fun in the snow but still this shouldn't happen, much like rattles shouldn't happen just because you jumped a few potholes for a few months.

I tried searching and it's mostly rattles from the back, not really about creaking.

jeffnin · #2 12-09-2008, 11:19 PM

I wonder if it's the 3 plastic trim pieces from side of seat to front that cover the mechanicals under the seat. I too have had a persistent creaks. I finally removed the lower front piece and wedged the one from the side (with the seat controls) into the other; and no more creak. Unfortunately, it looks really awful without one of the trim panels with the under seat wiring showing, but I couldn't stand the creaking. The plastic trim that they use is REALLY cheap...my brother in laws' new Suburban's seat trim is much thicker and nicer. Between the under seat panels and the panels surrounding the rear hatch, I can't believe how BMW has cost cut on items that you can see and feel. Unforgivable in a $60K + vehicle.

rh71 · #3 12-10-2008, 12:15 AM

^ have you asked the dealer to take a look at it? I'm due for my annual next month and hopefully they can sort it out if I can't.

jeffnin · #4 12-10-2008, 12:22 AM

I just had my annual 2 months ago, and just took vehicle in again today for replacement of the upper glove compartment lid that actually peeled away. I understand from my dealer that this is a common issue and the parts were back ordered for 3 months (they just got them in). In looking at the plastic seat trim, I doubt that it can be fixed unless they line the inside with felt; I've even checked the 09 X5 and X6, and they both have same cheap trim pieces. At this point, I'm really not too bothered with the missing piece since you really don't notice it unless you're anal like me and look under the seat ( just like to complain :-).

rh71 · #5 12-18-2008, 02:14 PM

Well like you mentioned it was the plastic trim on the lower part of the seat. It is pretty loose if you pull on it and the play it allows makes the noise. I pulled downward on it pretty hard and now it's shifted into another position. The noise has gone away. Such a stupid solution...

jeffnin · #6 12-18-2008, 02:17 PM

I know, pretty pathetic for a "premium" product. I can't believe how flimsy that plastic is; I actually cut my finger on the edge when removing it because it was so thin and sharp. If it makes you feel any better, it's the same crap that is used on the X6 lower seat housing.

alewifebp · #7 12-18-2008, 10:39 PM

I've been having a consistent creak in my passenger seat. I can't hear it when anyone is sitting on the seat, but I did notice a loose trim piece. I've been meaning to fool around with it more to see what I can do.