Sport seat pains
 

I really need some help. I've owned a 2010 X5D for about 3 weeks with 1200 miles. Have the sport seats, which I also had in my recently turned in 530Xi series lease. I loved that car and was hoping to replicate its features in the X5.

My problem is that I'm having severe back issues. The pain after 20-30 minutes in the car is unbearable. I've tried hundreds of seat adjustments without help. I believe, as has been pointed out in previous posts by "Spacey" that the issue has to do with the angle of the mid-upper back portion of the seat and its relationship to the headrest. The headrest can be adjusted up-down but not front back. It therefore is always in the lower neck area preventing my upper back from resting into the cushion.

What I need to know are my options. Has anyone had similar issues and found that the seats improve with use/age? I purchased a lumbar support pillow from Brookstone which definitely helps. I'm so unhappy and disappointed. I commute daily and am dreading the experience.

Of course I'm going to call the dealer and get his opinion, but I'd would very much appreciate advice from the forum.

Thanks

the headrest goes forward and backward manually by pushing the black button on the side.

On another note, I had previously defended the sports seats but I apparently had not had enough seat time... once you break the 1hr mark it starts to wear on ya... 2 years old now and still not soft. If I could do it again, comfort seats like everyone says.

I'm sorry to hear that you are having lower back pain due to the sports seat. Have you tried sitting in the multi contour seat? I have 35d on its way to me and I probably should have ordered the multi contour seat option ($1200). I have an E93 335i with sports seats and it didn't bother me, so I passed up the option. You should go back to the dealership and just sit in one and adjust it to your comfort level to see if your back pain goes away.

-DaRip

Did both...

1) I drove a '99 528i before the X5d for 10 yrs w/sport seats and loved it. No problems at all. But! they are different seats! And your 335 I bet has different seats too...

2) After my 50 mile/ 50 min drive of pain, which happened to be to the Tischer BMW dealership to pick up some parts I have asked them to let me sit in a '10 X5 w/comfort seats... they had one and gave me the keys. I spent about 15-20 min in it by myslef just playing around w/the seat and adjustments... and let me tell you - those things are bliss.... perfect adjustability, for my back at least - the upper backrest adjustment along w/the wide headrest felt just perfect. This was heaven after my ride from hell... I felt disgusting... and literally had tears in my eyes...

If you have any way at all... move planets to get the comfort seats.... BEFORE you get the car. Or at the very least make sure you sit in both for a solid while and make absolutely sure you know 100% that the sport seats are OK w/you before you agree to own them... or else you get a perfect car for $60k that you can't really use w/out swearing every time you get into it... that's the boat I am in anyway... In fact the discomfort for me causes me to repeatedly adjust my neck, back etc... to the point of distraction frequently... IOW, more risk on the road.

I don't know what to do w/this problem... it's almost like I feel caged. On one hand it is a perfect car, on the other its a ride of pain. If I could swing a $10k write off for now USED 2 month old '10 X5d trade in, I'd just re-order another one w/the comfort seats in a blink of an eye...

spacey :(

Why not buy a comfort drivers seat to replace you sport seat?!??!?

Find a totalled X5 and spend a few K....

Right before I ordered the car, I was able to test drive a 3.0 with the sports seats. Drove around for a good 30 minutes and it didnt bother me. Then I was able to test drive 4.8 with the executive package that had the comfort seats. No doubt it was much comfortable but it didn't justify me spending more money. I guess will see once the 35d arrives. It was suppose to be completed today at the factory. I will let you guys know how it feels when I write up my review of the car.

-DaRip

Easier said than done... I have looked here and there and find squat... BMW doesn't sell whole seats for '10s, just parts so yea I could make one for about $10k. New ones for '08 or '09, I forget cost $4.5k / piece at an incredible deal from www.getbmeparts.com ...

Besides, how many K are we talking about... if I could get within 2k I would probably risk it... but I have no idea if I can even replace them w/out getting locked out of the car's computer or some impossible programming if I had them. Spoke w/multiple parts and service depts... and their jaws just drop. a) never done, b) not sure can be done, c) cost is astronomical d) warranty is prolly going to be dinged etc etc...

spacey :(

Start searching for a driver comfort in your color via a dismantler.

Last people I'd talk to about doing it would be a dealer.

[QUOTE=rh71;708166]the headrest goes forward and backward manually by pushing the black button on the side.

Are you sure about this? Where is that black button?

Boosh, can you check on the driver seat adjustment panel, I think there is a button for forward and backwards moving for the headrest or did I manually do mine???...hmn... I cant remember I rarely play around with seat adjustmnets as Its all in Computer Memory