I would do it the other way round, and find an installer that knows what they are doing, and that you trust. Ask them what heating elements to use, and what brands they have worked with before.

I think that the installer is more important than the brand of heating pads i this case.

I totally agree. And the switches are probably going to be the cheapest part of the job - a used SZM (Console Switch Module) with _all_ the feature buttons ran me about $80 shipped on eBay, and if you have less features you can go for the lesser one.

Now if only I could find a good installer in the Metro DC area :dunno:

interesting are you going to be doing the rear seats as well?

So, how to find good installers in SF Bay Area?
 

Well, I think I have a plan, the only thing I need to find now Is a good installer in the SF Bay Area and a used or new Console switch module. I am sure I can find the module, but how do I find a good installer? Can someone recommend a good place in the SF Bay Area? I will drive a fair distance for good quality work...


P.S. I am only looking for the front seats retrofit; kids are still in car seats anyway...

No experience using them, so do your homework, but you are looking for places like this. They have some reasonable reviews on line.

Val's Auto Upholstery, San Francisco. Convertible tops, headliners, carpets, seats. 415.543.8257.

Absolutely agree. The installer is critical. I used the shop that does the warranty seat and upholstery repairs for the local BMW, Audi, Benz, Porsche dealers. They'd done warranty repairs on my previous Audi for my Audi dealer and their work was flawless. Then I had them do the window tinting on that Audi and the X5, again flawless. So when it was time to install seat heaters in my old 528, I took it to them. Perfect work.

For those looking for an installer, ask your dealer who they use. Rarely does a dealer do seat or upholstery repairs, they sub it out to a specialist.

I'm in Chicago, do you mind naming the shop that did the seat work or messaging me.

thanks

Sure- Riggs Brothers. They have 3 locations- Downers Grove, Naperville and somewhere else. I've used the Downers location and that's where Laurel BMW, Audi and Mercedes send all their work.