Considering replacing driver side seat cushion
 

Looks like there's no info on this. My seat is all smushed and looks like crap. The upholstery is fine. How hard is this to do?
I figure this DIY is time consuming but, do I need any special tools or clips or fasteners?

Do I need to be a contortionist or have a helper on hand?

Here's the part:
BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0L > Search > Seat > ES#262599 Bottom Seat Base - Front - 52107245511

just an FYI, i was quoted $300-$350 with a heating element by a quality local upholstery shop for a bottom cushion rebuild.

i bought a new foam base and had it fitted by a trimmer

i think the foam cost $190 and the trimmer about $100 i think its a fairly straightforward job, for a trimmer, you need the special pliers they use to fit the retaining rings.
(just checked the invoice they Cost $160 USD, and landed in Australia $225 each)

i got them from BMA importers & Distributors, i found them great to deal with and generally cheaper that the prices quoted on realOEM

mine are sports seats so a little more involved. although no heating

i had both passenger and drivers sides done and it turned out perfect, i would think you could get them rebuilt, but i believe you will get a better job using the originals

I was wondering, the item I posted include the heating pad and electronics. My pad and elecs are fine. Could an upholsterer rebuild and reuse my electrics?

for $350 I'd get it done tomorrow.

I am pretty sure you can do it yourself. Can you just get the pad, without the electronics. Just order yourself a set of hog ring pliers from Amazon. I've done this a couple of times on other cars. Mostly to add heated seats. Didn't find anything to be difficult at all. Hog rings are a pain in the ass without the pliers.

The pad alone is no longer available from BMW so your next best oem option is to go with the new pad with heated seat pads (found HERE). From everyone I've heard back from that has replaced their seats the most difficult part of the job is getting the leather back over the cushion and not having any bad wrinkles. What I suggest to help make the leather a little more supple is a little steam.

ECS Tuning

I just picked up a new seat upholstery for a standard seat from my dealer. Needed it, vehicle is an 03' at 75k. Taking it to an auto upholstery shop to have it refitted with the heated seat pad.

Dealer shop hours to replace....5.5hrs, to take the seat out (4 bolts) undo the seat pad (5 bolts) and re-crimp with hog ties

bsprtsgrp,
Did the upholstery you bought from the dealer include the heating element? My understanding is that the heating element is sewn in or otherwise attached to the leather.....

No, it does not include the heating element. Correct, it is part of the leather seat cover

OK,
I'm confused :)
If there's no heating element, but it is part of the cover, how did you get a cover without the heating element?