The seat base material on my 2014 Hatch is cracking. I’d like to replace it. Local dealer quoted me CDN$800. Does that sound right (local parts counter has a new face every time)?

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I had the exact same problem with my R50. A BMW Afficionado friend of mine once commented that cracking is a common problem with many of BMW's vinyl (leatherette) seats.

Anyway, I bought replacement covers from a place called CoverKing. I am quite pleased with them. They even had all the same stitching lines (seams) as the factory, and therefore look completely original (well, minus the cracking. ).

 

Had the same thing on my '14 Hatch happen twice under warranty - it's on it's 3rd driver's seat bottom as a result.

Let me guess, it's probably on the left bolster on the bottom cushion, the one your leg always rubs against when getting out of the car? That's where mine was...

As far as $800CDN, that's about $630 US and sounds about right (for a dealer) if labor is included.

Best advice when you get it replaced is to regularly clean (but not overclean!) the seat with a high quality leatherette cleaner, especially one that has good UV protection such as mothers VLR or Aerospace 303.

That will keep the leatherette soft and pliable - as soon as it gets firm and loses grain/texture, look out because that means it's getting ready to crack.

Best of luck!