[FrankieNuo]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

I loved my 2020 X3 M base a great deal. But I needed a touch more power, louder sounding OEM exhaust, more options & stiffer suspension settings.

So I've decided to spec out a 2021 X3 M Comp just to my liking (with no space saver spare this time). With that being said I had a few small questions for you guy who opted for the ventilated seats:

(1.) Are the blower motor assemblies really that loud... ?
(2.) Are the cooling capabilities of these seats pretty good... ?
(3.) Do you think these sports seats have a little less internal padding to make room for the blower motors inside... ?


[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]THANK YOU in advance![/COLOR]

Hmm, I've had a couple of range rovers that make the ventilated seats in the X3 make it feel like a Kia, but the fan doesn't bother me much and it cools well. Are they the best? No. Do they get the job done adequately? Yes.

[richard in NC]

I've not used the ventilated seats on the X3M yet but on both an M5 and an M550i, the sound was a subtle whoosh, heard mostly behind you on high. On medium or low it was barely noticeable.

Also I did notice on high it could blow a sheet of paper off the passenger seat, or at least move it around.

I'll have to play with it on the X3M and state my opinions.

[ProfessorPatPending]

M40i ventilated seats definitely 'suck' air, but am unsure of X3M M-Sport seats.

X3M configurator description says they BLOW:
"Front ventilated seats $350 - Ventilated front seats gently blow your choice of warm or cool air upward through the micro-perforated leather, helping to keep you comfortable all year long. Important: This feature will remove standard Sport Seats and adjustable side bolsters."

Of course you can't believe everything you read, when things like this exist:

X3M 'Full Specifications' list says steering wheel is POWERED (which is not true!):
"Instrumentation and Controls - 3-spoke power telescopic, leather-wrapped, multifunction M sport steering wheel"

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

ProfessorPatPending - the ventilated seat on my 2021 X3 M appears to suck the warm air that's trapped between your back and the perforated leather seat. Hope that helps.

[JP30]

I have vent seats - I have tried them out only twice and I agree, they seem to really must suck air instead of actually blowing cool air. I did not find them that effective after a workout at the gym but maybe it's just me lol

[roarkrd]

Originally Posted by ProfessorPatPending

M40i ventilated seats definitely 'suck' air, but am unsure of X3M M-Sport seats.

X3M configurator description says they BLOW:
"Front ventilated seats $350 - Ventilated front seats gently blow your choice of warm or cool air upward through the micro-perforated leather, helping to keep you comfortable all year long. Important: This feature will remove standard Sport Seats and adjustable side bolsters."

Of course you can't believe everything you read, when things like this exist:

X3M 'Full Specifications' list says steering wheel is POWERED (which is not true!):
"Instrumentation and Controls - 3-spoke power telescopic, leather-wrapped, multifunction M sport steering wheel"

Having had both an X3 M40i and X3MC with ventilated seats, they both feel exactly the same when the ventilation setting is on. I also echo the comments that they really aren't that effective; if you're expecting a "cooling" effect. Not even sure they're effective if you're wanting a drying effect either.

[Sarg33]

I agree, I specifically wanted the vented seats and I am very disappointed in the ventilation of the seats. They do make a loud background noise if you are sick of hearing the exhaust. lol

[harperium]

Personally I really like them. I find they work in preventing some "seat sweat". As far as noise, you hear them at the highest setting, but then you get used to it and don't hear it.

[Sasquatch3]

For $350, I think they're worth it if you live in the south. I live in GA, and they're definitely nice for the price, if customizing a vehicle. I wouldn't view them as mandatory if choosing one from the lot though.

All of that being said, they don't hold a candle to my previous 2020 Lexus GX460 or my wife's Lexus. Those seats are quiet, blow decently, and cool.

Take that for what it's worth, but hopefully it adds value to anyone looking at this post in the future. I'm assuming the OP is well past the decision point.

[allinon72]

It's important to pay attention to the nomenclature from manufacturers here....

Air conditioned seats - where conditioned air is sent thru the seat

Cooled seats - where ambient air is blown though the seats

Ventilated seats - where air is pulled and exhausted from the seats

[ProfessorPatPending]

Originally Posted by allinon72

It's important to pay attention to the nomenclature from manufacturers here....

Air conditioned seats - where conditioned air is sent thru the seat
Cooled seats - where ambient air is blown though the seats
Ventilated seats - where air is pulled and exhausted from the seats

Thanks everyone. Tomorrow I turn in my 21 M40i for an X3M with ventilated M-Sports. I'll be OK if the cooling is mediocre.. not falling out of the seat is more important.


Allinon72, just to reiterate the incorrect description in the X3M configurator:
"Front ventilated seats $350 - Ventilated front seats gently blow your choice of warm or cool air upward through the micro-perforated leather"

[moff]

In the UK at least they are so cheap it is a no brainer.

I drove an Escalade in the US as a rental and those cooled seats were epic as they used actual a/c air which makes the seat cold. That's great for really hot days.

I actually really like the BMW non a/c ventilated seats. They aren't any noisier than other similar setups and they are more relaxing than the a/c seats. Why? Well they draw the warm air away and make a long drive much much more comfortable without freezing your legs at the same time.

What they won't do is cool you when the car has been left in the sun on a hot day.

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by ProfessorPatPending

Thanks everyone. Tomorrow I turn in my 21 M40i for an X3M with ventilated M-Sports. I'll be OK if the cooling is mediocre.. not falling out of the seat is more important.


Allinon72, just to reiterate the incorrect description in the X3M configurator:
"Front ventilated seats $350 - Ventilated front seats gently blow your choice of warm or cool air upward through the micro-perforated leather"

BMW has a long history of getting details like this wrong in their literature.

[skioutwest]

I think this option is a waste of money. Having the fans running barely cools the seats. Was the same way in my M5. I tried the same option in Infiniti and Lincoln and they worked MUCH better.

-Mark

[ProfessorPatPending]

Originally Posted by skioutwest

I tried the same option in Infiniti and Lincoln and they worked MUCH better.

My wife's FX35's cooled seats are simply awesome. They cool right away and at times I've gotten too chilled, because they're quiet and I forget they're on.

Anyway got the X3M yesterday and hope ventilated seats can help prior to entering a hot car, when first using 'pre-ventilation' in the phone app.

[allinon72]

This is going to be personal preference - but I want the seats to prevent my back from sweating and that's it. I don't want to feel them or hear them. The X3M setup accomplishes both unless you drive around in silence.