Seat covers in '05's
 

According to these two posts on Motoringfile, seat covers are not reccommended by BMW for MINI's built after 01/05.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/02/..._the_2005_mini

http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/01/29/advanced_airbags

I really want the tartan red covers in my new PS MCSc and am wondering how much of a problem it is. I can't imagine a sensor that is checking the weight of the passenger in the front seat is really going to be affected very much by the seat cover. Is this just a liability issue?

Also, the second article says the shape of the seat bottom is a little different so maybe the cover will not fit very well anyway.

Has anybody gone ahead and done this anyways? If so, were their any problems with the funtion of the sensor or with the fit?

Thanks,
Kris

Hey, Kris

today is March 17th. I'm sure you know that. where's your car?

also, excellent question on the seat covers. I was hoping to get the best of both worlds -- the cost effectiveness and spill proof capabilities of vinyl covered in cloth to hang on to my butt during spirited cornering. And also to mix the red tartan with the liquid yellow interior :grin: :grin: . So, I too would be very interested in this. The funny thing is, it's still an option you can get from the MINI web site.

I'm waiting for the call from the MA. I really hope it is today.

Actually, I checked last night and the seat covers are no longer there.

I think that had something to do with the passenger sensor in the seat and whether or not the airbags will go off - I can't remember though.

darn :sad:
may have to go cloth now

I just received an email from the parts department at Classic MINI which says BMW has not even released a part number for the rear seat cover in the convertible. Looks like we are out of luck for awhile.

I can not understand why tartan red is not available for the seats in the MCSc as it is in England. It seems to me of all the MINIs tartan red is the best choice for the PS MSCc. It is just such a classic combination and would really set off my otherwise all black and anthracite interior.

Still waiting for the dealer to call today saying that it has arrived.

It's an airbag deployment issue for the bags mounted in the seats.

I've had my '05 MCS convertible for a couple of months now, put Wet Okole seat covers on day one. However, my air bag sensor lights goes on and off a lot no matter who or what or nothing is sat on the passenger seat.

I know seat covers aren't advised but I thought that was because they can prevent the air bag from deploying; the Wet Okoles are designed to not get in the way. I was under the impression that the air bag sensor was weight based so putting a seat cover on shouldn't affect it.

Anyone got Wet Okoles on and having no problems? My 'local' MINI shop is 150 miles away and I don't want to take it in if they are just going to tell me its the seat covers problem (which would be too bad as they look great).

Cheers

Paul

Well, for those that might be reviewing this old thread, I have an '05 MCS, and I have successfully installed the factory seat covers on both front seats without any airbag sensor issues, and the covers fit well.

What do you mean by factory seat covers? A bit clueless here... I know what seat covers are, but what exactly does MINI offer?

Seat covers were listed in the '05 accessories booklet, for $125 each, less 20% if you buy from Classic Mini.

Part #s for Panther Black:
Driver seat: 52 30 0 147 383
Pass. seat: 52 30 0 147 384

Do you have to remove the existing fabric? I ask because my passenger seat got a slight rip - not completely, and it might be fixable. Just want to keep my options open.

The covers slip over the existing seat fabric, and attach to the seat via clips that hook together underneath the seat and under the hard plastic seatback.

Hi,
Are these for the normal or sport seats?
Do you have any photos of the Panther Black.