I'd check with your CPA on the following, but you may be able to purchase the comfort seats and take a tax deduction as a result, for the purchase price, if you claim it's medically necessary to do so. (It's worth asking the question, at least)

Your sport seats can be sold on ebay, for probably close to $3k (I'm guessing on the value). Or, you can post them here and they'll be gobbled up in short order.

I believe I read someone was quoted about $6k for comfort seats from the dealer, somewhere on this board, but I could be wrong. But do know your sport seats are going to be in demand, so getting rid of them for a fair price is not going to be an issue.

I'd try trading them with a fellow BMW owner. It should be a simple affair, though keep in mind there is a pyrotechnic device within the seats, so maintain caution.

However, I believe there are only a few bolts and wire harnesses. My only question would be about the wire harness: Is the harness that is used for the sports seats the same as the one that's used for comfort seats?

I think someone here will be able to confirm that question, one way or another, but that's going to be the biggest issue you'd face, I'd imagine. Nonetheless, again, from this is from memory, but: I believe there are those who have had similar issues and have switched to Comfort Seats after the fact (at their own cost, of course).

He hasn't got sports seats, he has comfort seats.

His opening line is that he has sport seats, and they hurt his back, etc.

The thread is titled "Sport Seat pains." Reread...

Try reading the thread before you jump in ;-) (Hint post #12)

Thanks for the ideas. The tax deduction would most likely require a prescription or some certificate from an orthopedist or a GP to fly... which I am not sure I'd be able to get. I can already see the conversation... "... uh oh... doc... y'know... " LOL ...

True, the sport seats would be worth something... and being pretty much new they'd probably go quick too. No clue how much I could get them sold for though... $3k sounds nice. Trouble is there are no new comfort seats for '10s available for sale from dealers. According to multiple I've talked to they are not available as whole units. Only piece meal so they'd have to be assembled from parts. The $6k / p seat is what I heard from one parts guy who said that he remember something like that from a distant past. I also found that for '08 e70 or '09 (don't recall) they are available @ roughly $6k / piece, and I was able to find them @ ~$4.5 / piece. That's still $9k for a pair of seats for an older model... not sure they are identical... and then there is the issue of the harness as you pointed out but also, perhaps even worse, something most likely needs to be programmed in the car... since there is memory, keys etc. involved. No clue how to check if this would work out or not w/out 1st actually spending the $9k...

spacey :(

I think getting the script would be easy. Most docs are fine with writing a letter.

$9k is ridiculous. I'm sure there are going to be totaled 2010 models popping up, in the future. The trouble is the pyrotechnic device is going to have been blown. I'm sure replacing that little device is going to be quite a treat to your pocket book, and I don't know if you can snatch the one from your sports seats.

The only thing I do know, is that there's got to be a solution that doesn't require spending $9k. I'd post on the forums and see if you can find someone who will trade.

I agree with the programming, in that it could be an issue and the complexity is not lost upon me, but I'm sure it's been done.

I'd push for the tax deduction, still, and see what your CPA says. If you're in the bracket, most X5 owners are, you might end up paying only $4500 (effectively) for the seats and if you sell the Sport Seats for $3k, you'll only be out $1,500 (effectively).

Either way, I'm sure there is someone who is technically versed on the wiring harness and the compatibility. But, I agree the last thing you want to do is simply hook up the seats, and have the computer think something like a collision has just taken place. Who knows, how BMW has programmed their vehicles to respond to such a switch, but I'm quite positive that there's some engineers, somewhere who has the information you're seeking.

It's worth contacting BMWNA and seeing what they can do. Maybe they can assist in some way in providing you with information. Frame it in a "back disability" manner and I think you'll get the response you're looking for from the company.

hmmmnn.... Boosh! Is it the car that is causing you this pain or you are just not getting laid!? :D I recommend some exotic touch of massage, there after go do something harder with your waist.... believe me after that you wont even notice you are in a Sports seat, Comfort seat or even in a BMW Discomfort seat!....:nanana:

Maybe a posture specialist. They have experts that will adjust your office furniture, ext. I'm sure you could get someone to properly adjust your seat. Otherwise, just go custom. How hard is it to have someone bend the headrest? Probably not difficult.

I'm determined to make it work. Definite relief from lumbar pillow. There's a chiropractor I know who I'm gonna ask some assistance. The weird thing is that I never had issues with the 530Xi seats which had the exact same adjustments. Now that I know I don't have to buy new seats, will put $ saved to daily massage.

Ha ha ha... now thats my boy! :thumbup: