[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

Hi all,

Looking to purchase a 2020 x3m from a dealer. They have it priced competitively but the only thing is it isn't equipped with the ventilated seats. Not a huge deal but I'm curious to know if I swapped out the heater control part number BMW 64-11-7-947-705, do the seats already have fans in them from the factory? If I popped in this unit would that enable the ventilated seat function? Long shot sure, but I'm wondering how much from the factory is prepped depending on choosing an option or omitting it.

The only difference when looking at the heater control is the ventilated seat button goes where the little icon showing air from all three locations being blown. If no ventilated seats, there is a blank button above the temp dial.

Attached pics should help with what I'm getting at.

Thanks!

[Qsilver7]

No...the seats with the ventilation feature are different. The foam padding below the perforated leather is stiffer and has cut outs intended for mounting the ventilation fans

Ventilated seats use #4 & #5 in 1st diagram below...non ventilated seats use different foam padding seen in 2nd diagram below:

[M3Pilot09]

Don't waste your money and time. I have them and I think they are useless.

[spta97]

I don't think they are useless, but they are not what I expected. I thought it would be air conditioning pumping through the seat but it is basically an exhaust fan.

If you are really hot and sweaty, they are good at pulling away moisture. The AC works so well in the X3 that I rarely use them. Also, the fan noise is actually fairly loud and sounds like you have a window open.

If building new I would include them, but I do not think it would stop me from getting an already built one without now that I have experience with them.

Now that I will be commuting again we'll see if I change my tune in the summer after getting off the train and walking to my car on a sweltering day

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

Thanks Qsilver...appreciate the info on this. I have the cooled seats in my Grand Cherokee SRT and they make a difference. I drove the car 300 miles home after purchase and in the summer, its noticeable when they are on and off. Its a comfort feature no less but certainly not mandatory in my opinion.

[Michael19887]

Originally Posted by M3Pilot09

Don't waste your money and time. I have them and I think they are useless.

Agreed. They are noisy and don't cool the seats all that well. I wouldn't miss them.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

That's an awesome diagram Qsilver7 & thank you for posting this. It's always good to have a visual on options for cars.

[STi from DSM]

I would second what M3Pilot09 says. I tried my vented seats when it was 65° F outside and could barely feel them.

I have massaging seats now in my RS5 that are much better.

[2kaccordocoupe]

Ventilated + heated on in the winter is great. Get the heat without the sweat.

They work great in the summer as well. The temp differential needs to quite large to fully appreciate them.

[allinon72]

Ventilated seats aren't noticeable until you forget to turn them on on a 90 degree day. They kind of work in stealth.

[Edgar_FriendlyX3M]

I used the vented seats the other day. They work without issue. Not sure why others have issues, but after being on for about two minutes, you notice it when it's warmer. And yes, you don't notice them until you've turned them off.

[stoked335d]

I added ventilated seats on the initial order. After reading this thread and few others in regards to comfort difference on already pretty stiff M seats I had the CA remove it from my build. The car I test drove did not have these as well so sticking to tested seats.

[moff]

Originally Posted by Edgar_FriendlyX3M

I used the vented seats the other day. They work without issue. Not sure why others have issues, but after being on for about two minutes, you notice it when it's warmer. And yes, you don't notice them until you've turned them off.

Agreed 100%