My back has been suffering from the lack of lumbar support in my sport leatherette seats since I purchased my MINI back in 4/2011. I considered ordering the parts to add the OEM lumbar kit with adjustable **** for $70, but since everyone who has it says they set it and forget it, I decided to custom make mine so I had the exact support I wanted.

For $3 at a Joann fabric store, I was able to purchase this 1"x15"x17" sheet of foam. With one sheet I had enough foam to do both front seats.

After unzipping the seat back, removing the plastic back plate, and unhinging the spring mat in 4 places (all very easy to do and straight forward), I cut an 8"x13" piece and slid it down behind the mat. Once I had it in the lumbar area, I doubled it on itself to create a more rounded, protruding shape. After testing the position of the foam, it was perfect. Reversed everything and am now enjoying a seat that feels more comfortable and sporty since my body contours to it much better.

 

genius. kudos to you sir

 

Pretty clever, nice work!

 

Can you help me with what the trick is to releasing the bottom edge of the back of the seat between the side zippers. I can't seem to get it.

Thanks,
Dan in Portland

 

There's a long thread in the DIY section on how to retrofit the lumbar support.

To release the bottom edge, there are two U shaped sections, one on the seatback, and one down at the bottom of the seat that interlock. (Take both hands, put your palms together with one thumb pointing up and the other pointing down. Then curl your fingers on each hand into a U shape, that's how it works. ) You have to stretch the fabric on the seatback down towards the bottom of the seat to get it to release. Once it comes apart you'll say "oh that was easy."

 

Got it, thanks!