[mmm50i]

I have a MY22 with Vernasca leather seats that I find extremely uncomfortable, especially during longer rides. However, I'm not sure if Merino leather would have been any better since the biggest issue I have with the seats are the top stitch seams that feel stiff and hard. In the picture below, I've colored the top stitch seams that were bothering me.



Below shows a picture of the modifications a leather shop has done for me. The top stitch seams on the bolsters have been changed to plain seams. The 2 seams I've highlighted in red on the seating surface, below my buttocks, have been removed completely by adding new pieces of perforated leather. The outcome is extreme COMFORT!!!

[Rik762]

Glad you got to the bottom of it.

[Shllshck]

Originally Posted by mmm50i

I have a MY22 with Vernasca leather seats that I find extremely uncomfortable, especially during longer rides. However, I'm not sure if Merino leather would have been any better since the biggest issue I have with the seats are the top stitch seams that feel stiff and hard. In the picture below, I've colored the top stitch seams that were bothering me.

Below shows a picture of the modifications a leather shop has done for me. The top stitch seams on the bolsters have been changed to plain seams. The 2 seams I've highlighted in red on the seating surface, below my buttocks, have been removed completely by adding new pieces of perforated leather. The outcome is extreme COMFORT!!!

Did you make the change to the passenger seat as well to keep a uniform look?

[Fahrfun]

Outstanding mod. Bravo!

[mobilejo]

You got to do what you got to do to be comfortable. Well done for being pro-active and not just living with the discomfort.

[scungilio]

First time I've seen anyone complain about these seats being extremely uncomfortable.
I have the same seats and have no problem at all.
Hope your customization helps.

[Opie55]

Hmmm. I can't imagine being able to feel those seams to the point of discomfort. The layers of material around the back pockets and down the center of your jeans are thicker.

[scungilio]

^^^^This.

[XGoober]

I've seen this mentioned before. Glad your fix worked! All that work without an improvement would have been a real bummer

[Blue87]

Seemed a seamless transition to comfort. I had a Lincoln MKX with similar seams that I could feel from time to time. Glad the mod worked out.

[ST3]

OP Can you be more specific on where the discomfort was? Hip, backside? During my test drives I noted that the seats in the 45e non MSport / non comfort (might not be any difference there in terms of choices key being the standard seats vs comfort seat) was uncomfortable causing hip pain on the less than 15 mile test. Later I drove a Merino, comfort seat MSport and did not have the same issue.

Seat comfort is super subjective so this is a tough topic. I'm just very curious as to what specifically was bothering you with your seat and if the mod might have raised the seat slightly to be more in alignment with the side bolsters.

[mmm50i]

Originally Posted by Shllshck

Did you make the change to the passenger seat as well to keep a uniform look?

I only had the modification done to the driver's seat because I wanted to be sure it solved the issue. However, I will be getting the passenger seat done as well after the Christmas holidays.

For the MY23, I noticed the new Sensafin seats don't have top stitch seams on the seating surface, only on the bolsters. The Merino leather seats still have same design though. Might be something others may consider if they have a sensitive bum like me.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by ST3

OP Can you be more specific on where the discomfort was? Hip, backside? During my test drives I noted that the seats in the 45e non MSport / non comfort (might not be any difference there in terms of choices key being the standard seats vs comfort seat) was uncomfortable causing hip pain on the less than 15 mile test. Later I drove a Merino, comfort seat MSport and did not have the same issue.

Seat comfort is super subjective so this is a tough topic. I'm just very curious as to what specifically was bothering you with your seat and if the mod might have raised the seat slightly to be more in alignment with the side bolsters.

Back in 2020, I owned an F15 X5 that had the Individual Napa leather seats without ventilation and it was very comfortable. For various reasons, I had to trade it in and got another X5, same year and model, but with the Dakota leather and ventilation (these were 50i so came with the multi contour seats). I immediately noticed that the seat bottom was not as comfortable. It just felt harder. My friend shortly after got a new X5 G05 with Merino leather. Also a 50i so multi contour but also has massage and stuff. The seat comfort is exactly the same as the Dakota, although Merino is softer to the touch. I would not say they are uncomfortable, but I have experienced better in other SUVs for sure. My theory is the ventilation is the cause of some hardness. Also, the outside seam on the bottom can be noticed - my wife for instance when she has a dress in summer can very much notice it. She is pretty petite - 120 lbs and 5'6" so she can tell. Luckily her DD is now an iX and the seats are amazingly comfortable. The new Sensatec seats look pretty comfortable too…

For me, the multi contour seats are fine…I like the fact the seating position can we adjusted exactly as needed.

My 2 cents worth.

[cellarrat]

LOL is this the Princess and the Pea thread?



Really glad you got the seat how you like it! I find the seats (w/ventilation and heating) incredibly comfortable from the factory, and I can't say I have ever noticed the seams, but hey -- people tell me I am nuts complaining about the HK system. Gotta make it work for you!

[scungilio]

Wondering if the OP may have some sciatic neuritus being aggravated by the X5 seat. The more extreme seat base bolsters in the "M" level have caused some people problems in the lateral thigh area.

[ST3]

Originally Posted by scungilio

Wondering if the OP may have some sciatic neuritus being aggravated by the X5 seat. The more extreme seat base bolsters in the "M" level have caused some people problems in the lateral thigh area.

Exactly…that's what I was trying to figure out with my reply. That is my suspicion…and unfortunately my situation is more hip related than sciatic nerve.

[mmm50i]

Originally Posted by scungilio

Wondering if the OP may have some sciatic neuritus being aggravated by the X5 seat. The more extreme seat base bolsters in the "M" level have caused some people problems in the lateral thigh area.

I do have issues with my glutes/hamstrings on the left side of my body. The discomfort from the seats only affected the left side of my buttocks, so you may be on to something!

[viperdoc]

I have had the same problem with those seams. So I definitely agree with you. My wife doesn’t seem to be able to feel them but on long trips that are very noticeable and uncomfortable to me too. I resorted to using a very thin leather seat cushion that almost exactly fits that bottom area… I think from crate and barrel. Your fix looks better though. Something I will consider for sure. Thanks for posting!

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by cellarrat

LOL is this the Princess and the Pea thread?



Really glad you got the seat how you like it! I find the seats (w/ventilation and heating) incredibly comfortable from the factory, and I can't say I have ever noticed the seams, but hey -- people tell me I am nuts complaining about the HK system. Gotta make it work for you!

LOL first world problems. But that is why we are here. If you ran your hand across the seats, you can feel the stitching on BMW seats with ventilation. The reason is the cushioning isn't as soft.

[Keithwand]

Nice 2 tone color lol.
No issues with mine.
Guess I’m just a hard ass!

[Wardman]

Love it! I had a leather shop take up the seat and add padding. I did NOT care about the lease or anything. Agree - seats are bad. I'm in a loaner now, and it has MC which are not fun. It's like sitting in a hole. Sorry, rant...

[Golfnatic]

Below shows a picture of the modifications a leather shop has done for me. The top stitch seams on the bolsters have been changed to plain seams. The 2 seams I've highlighted in red on the seating surface, below my buttocks, have been removed completely by adding new pieces of perforated leather. The outcome is extreme COMFORT!!!

About how much did they charge you for the work? I just have a problem with the stitching on the bolsters and would change that if I could.