Just joined the X5 tattoo club. Left cheek membership. Didn't burn through, thank goodness.

Since it must go into a state where decreased resistance at that point makes it pump more current, I'd like to see a heater element and grid from the driver seat and wiring diagram. It sounds like we could limit the current via thermistor. Even a simple one like this: http://www.netrino.com/images/glossa...torCircuit.gif

Just set the thermistor at it's shut off temperature and set it at the edge of the seat where it gets hot on all of us. This would shut the seat off immediately if it got overheated and stop any burning through; saving the left cheek AND the $1,000 seat cusion.

Won't fix the element but as I stated in another thread, I like failsafes...... Plus as an EE I think about these things.

That would be nice. I've never had it happen since I make sure people don't kneel in my seats, climb around, etc but it'd still be nice to wire in something like that.

The seat in my 04 4.4 burned a hole in my jacket and fleece. When I felt really hot in that spot, I reached around and burned my finger. I have not used it since.

I took it to the dealer and the service tech told me it was not covered. When I went back for follow up work, I spoke to a different tech. He said "let me look into it'

Car is now in shop, getting a new upper and lower seat, for free! My car has been out of CPO over a year.

Super HOT Driverside Seating
 

Everyone: I am a proud new owner of the X5, but not new to the community as my spouse owns a 2004. We had the issue with the seats so much that it burned through and burned my husband.

BE AWARE that BMW has knowledge of this issue and will REPLACE your seat FREE of CHARGE under warranty or NOT. Just contact them (Headquarters). This issue is ongoing and folks are not taking the issue to them at hand so that it can become a RECALL. So please urge the others in the community to come forth.

Ours have been replaced twice for FREE. So far, my 2006 newly acquired seats are ok. Let me know how it turns out for you.

SilverFox06

SilverFox...

Just bought an '05 X5 with the heated seat issue...what steps did you take to get this fixed for free? Did you pay anything out of pocket? I'm in B-more, so may use the same method/Dealer you went through...

Call Bimmer Headquarters/Customer Care and tell them your seat element burned through and tell them you are aware of the problems with the X5 and they will set it up with the dealer. When you take it in to the dealer -- they will determine the next step which is probably ordering a new seat. And, we need this documented for everyone this happens to so that there can be a recall. Apparently, there are not enough claims at this point, but they will fix it for you. Best of Luck!

Does this SIB cover an 03' E53?

My drivers seat heated up pretty good on Saturday night where I had to shut down the heater and get out of the vehicle until it cooled down.

please can anyone show me where is thermostat fuse is located in bmw x5 2000 model please thank for the advance

Yes, it should be covered. Ask for the service manager when you go in for repair and contact BMW USA and tell them you were burned. They will jump right onto it.

Silver Fox,
Do you have a contact at BMW? Numerous people including myself have called and been told that this is not covered in any way.

I have an 01 X5 and have had this problem for years.