Seat differences !

[Johnwindwood]

Guys
Rebuilding the drivers seat on our 97 car because of bolster damage. Realised that the replacement back foam we got was too tall- it seems that later seats are a few inches taller than early ones, which I didn’t realise.
Also- the seatbelt guide screws on from outside- screws hidden under plastic covers.
Fascinating because I thought all non sports seats were the same!

 

[Mario]

No there are at least three different types of "standard" seats the difference is on the backrest as you have seen some are slightly taller, also differences on how the leather is attached to the foam i.e. if they heated etc, I don't think there is any correlation between seat belt guides being screw type on one or the other type of backrest I think I have seen both options of belt guides on both types of seats but I might be wrong.

If you looking for the right type of foam I might be able to help. Also note that it's not just the foam it's also the frame, you can't interchange foams and frames, ask me how I know

 

[Johnwindwood]

No there are at least three different types of "standard" seats the difference is on the backrest as you have seen some are slightly taller, also differences on how the leather is attached to the foam i.e. if they heated etc, I don't think there is any correlation between seat belt guides being screw type on one or the other type of backrest I think I have seen both options of belt guides on both types of seats but I might be wrong.

If you looking for the right type of foam I might be able to help. Also note that it's not just the foam it's also the frame, you can't interchange foams and frames, ask me how I know

Thanks for that. Luckily my frame and cover are the same type so I’m going to make a hybrid foam from the old and the new- should work fine.

 

[DrWong]

Good to know. I also assumed there were simply sport and non-sport seats

 

[jonco]

......If you looking for the right type of foam I might be able to help. Also note that it's not just the foam it's also the frame, you can't interchange foams and frames, ask me how I know

Hi @Mario - I need to do a long overdue foam repair on `standard' driver's seat. Any advice on identifying which `standard' I have and foam required would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[ktnez99]

What about doing a How To...write-up, to help everyone, please?

 

[Johnwindwood]

What about doing a How To...write-up, to help everyone, please?

I can do that. I have the seat stripped and will be reassembling with the modified foam at the weekend.

 

[ktnez99]

I can do that. I have the seat stripped and will be reassembling with the modified foam at the weekend.

Great! Thanks. Can’t wait to read it and learn

 

[jonco]

...... the replacement back foam we got was too tall -.............

Where did you source your replacement foam from please?

 

[abh29]

Obtained new foam for the seat about 2 years ago from Cotswold BMW ,( they do a discount for BMWLand forum )cost was about £135 inc VAT and was ex stock. Fitted perfectly,recall one wire had to cut then rejointed when we fitted it.

I may add we spoke to a very good upholstery who advised going genuine product not making one,particulry as it was heated seat He had previous done work on our Chesterfield 3 piece

 

[Johnwindwood]

Where did you source your replacement foam from please?

It was a second hand passenger one from one of the traders on here. They aren’t handed.

 

[Johnwindwood]

Ok. To start with, here is a comparison of the two types of seat back frame. You can see that the later one has a welded on plate on the top hoop- that is the only significant difference, and you can see how that affects foam and cover height.

 

[Alan Slade]

I too may have a problem with what I am intending to do.
Some time ago I bought a new set of heated seat covers and door cards from a BMW dealer in Guildford absolute bargain, or so I thought. The door cards are on my car no problem. The seat covers complete with the foam are for a pre-facelift car and the electrical plugs are changed on the facelift, which I have, I can get over this. If the frame of the seat is different that may be another matter. I have measured as best I can without taking my seats apart and they appear to be the same.
The new covers have the foam bonded to them. The seat belt guides are already fitted. One thing, the back cover is supplied with the leather inside out and I can't see how to get it over the head rest.
Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Johnwindwood]

View attachment 128331 View attachment 128329 I too may have a problem with what I am intending to do.
Some time ago I bought a new set of heated seat covers and door cards from a BMW dealer in Guildford absolute bargain, or so I thought. The door cards are on my car no problem. The seat covers complete with the foam are for a pre-facelift car and the electrical plugs are changed on the facelift, which I have, I can get over this. If the frame of the seat is different that may be another matter. I have measured as best I can without taking my seats apart and they appear to be the same.
The new covers have the foam bonded to them. The seat belt guides are already fitted. One thing, the back cover is supplied with the leather inside out and I can't see how to get it over the head rest.
Any advice gratefully received.

Not sure about the inside out bit, but if you have the taller seats but shorter covers, you could just remove the metal plate. If you can, post a pic of the rear of the headrest foam.

 

[Alan Slade]

Here is a photo of the back of the foam. The metal plate seems to be incorporated in it, so I take it it is intended for the frame without the plate. However, I don't know which frame I have yet.
As regards the cover being inside out, I got my wife to assist and now it's in the right way. She is far more brutal than me.

 

[Johnwindwood]

Here is a photo of the back of the foam. The metal plate seems to be incorporated in it, so I take it it is intended for the frame without the plate. However, I don't know which frame I have yet.
As regards the cover being inside out, I got my wife to assist and now it's in the right way. She is far more brutal than me.View attachment 128403

That's an early foam for the frame without the welded plate. The later taller foam doesn't have the large section behind the headrest area.

 

[Johnwindwood]

Early in photo 1, late in photo 2.

 

[Alan Slade]

Thanks very much for that. I suspect that they won't fit. My car is a 1999 facelift and a lot if things changed with the facelift. I won't give up yet. Do you think it would be possible to remove the plate from the frame, if that's what I have?

 

[Johnwindwood]

Thanks very much for that. I suspect that they won't fit. My car is a 1999 facelift and a lot if things changed with the facelift. I won't give up yet. Do you think it would be possible to remove the plate from the frame, if that's what I have?

Yes-the plate is welded on but a grinder would take it off easily. The frame seems identical other than that.

 

[Mario]

Hi @Mario - I need to do a long overdue foam repair on `standard' driver's seat. Any advice on identifying which `standard' I have and foam required would be appreciated. Thanks

Hello - You need to measure on the headrest piece of the leather - I believe between the seams the headrest of the short ones should be about 21 or 22cm if I remember correctly - if it's longer then you have the "long" type. I could hook you up with some foam depending what type you have