Active Seat

[rosmoss]

I'm going to cross post this in the X5 forum because there is obviously a bigger audience there but I wanted to cover all bases.

Is the active seat worth getting? I've got back problems as it is (not weight related before the haters start) and plan to use the car for road trips. Can you sense the seat being active? Does anyone with the feature think its helpful? Does anyone feel that the seat is less comfortable than it might be without the active feature (does the additional hardware in the seat make it generally less comfortable).

I realize that this is all subjective but I appreciate everyone's opinion on this subject.

I know it forces you to get ventilated seats but I'd like to exclude that part from the discussion. I'd also like to more or less exclude price.

Sorry if this sounds a bit harsh, that wasn't intended but I'm having a bad day.

Thanks, Corey

[cmyX6go]

Sorry, can't help on this one. I passed on that option.

[ravenheart]

We have it - hard to be subjective on it because if it works you cant really know if it is because of the active seat ability or just because of the seating position in general. When I have driven long distances with it on, I've never had a back ache when arriving, but the same is true if I have been in the passenger seat. I have some back issues from an accident and I am sensitive to seating - not that bad seats bother me much, but I definatly apreciate good ones, and in that regard the active seat makes no difference to me.

As far as how it feels - It is very easy to notice if its on - feels like someone is alternating trying to shove a fist through each of your butt cheeks.

Ultimately though you can just turn it off if it bothers you. If it was a standalone option I would not get it because I dont think its needed seeing how good the seats are.

[AzNMpower32]

I think the benefits are greater if one does long distance driving frequently. If you're stuck with an hour-long commute, then I'd recommend it. But if you're in and out of the car frequently, perhaps this is something you can skip. Yes, you can feel it working.

[rosmoss]

Thanks everyone. Has anyone with the ventilated/active seats noticed the hardware through the seat foam? It sounds strange but I had rented a Lincoln (I know, it was Florida) MKS with ventilated seats. I appreciated the cooling but after being in the car for extended periods I swear that I could feel the mechanical bits through the foam.

[X5 Meister]

Why don't you go to a dealer and test drive a car with active and ventilated seats and see for yourself?

One thing that sucks is that European X5's can get the Active Seat option for driver AND passenger.