Seat swap question
 

Anyone put seats from an e39 in an e53? is it as simple as switching the tracks, and plug and play?

No...it is not as simple as you propose. The reason is...the e53 has a slightly different module communication set-up vs the e38/e39. The e53 has front seat control module set-up like the e46.

The main driver's seat control module (PM-SM) controls most of the functions on the e38/e39...or facilitates routing data to other modules over the P-bus.

The e53's PM-SM does things similarly...but data commands are carried over the K-bus and passed on by way of the GM. You'd have to find a way to bridge/convert this data to get to the correct modules if you swapped in a seat from the e38/e39. Thus crushing your hopes of a simple plug-n-play swap. :(

e46 seats are closer to e53. Having said that, you'll still need to swap railing and control module due to telescope steering in e53.

why do you want e39 seats in your e53. IMO e53 sports seats are better.

Thanks.

I have access to some rare grey coloured sport seats.

ive done some measuring

the bolt pattern on the front floor is shared with X3 and some E46 only. none of the later seats have anything similar

if you look at nthe BMW parts lsits, this is confirmed with the runners be interchangeable, but not much else.

all round, the closest is X3