Does is anyone know if there are any issues regarding putting new JCW Recaro seats in a new US spec factory JCW? Since I live in Germany and can buy these seats at no sales tax (saves 19%), I figure I may as well. Price will be under $2800 for brand new JCW Recaro leather/alcantara sport seats at the point I take delivery of the car in March. The all leather version is actually a little less. Because I'm getting these Recaros, I opted for the standard cloth seats to come equipped with the car.

 

I've been wondering the same thing? I want those seats BAD! But I don't want to have them shipped here and then not work correctly.

 

You'll have a permanent airbag light on since the passenger side JCW seat doesn't have a weight sensor in it.

 

So is that the reason we didn't get the Recaro seat option state side? Is the euro JCW seat without a weight sensor?

 

If the weight sensor is the only problem, that's no big deal. There are ways around that sensor, it's the airbag sensor that no body has a way around yet.

 

Sounds like there is a significant difference in the euro vs us versions. If I understand this correctly, the euro JCW with factory Recaro seats doesn't have a weight sensor or air bags?

 

Yes. It's a US specific law and thus we don't get a lot of the more aggressive low volume seats that are available in European cars.

 

Both have weight sensors and airbags.

 

^^that looks so awesome!!

 

its a Sportser CS, right?

 

Where did you order those from and how much? They look awesome!!!! Also are they comfortable?

 

Ditto on the above!

 

That didnt really answer my questions...

 

I knowwww.....I hope we get more info!!!

 

OOOOPS haha i though you were the one that posted the pictures haha sorry!

 

That's Tirex's car - he lives in Europe.

 

Those are the all leather version, which is less expensive than the leather/alcantara version (which looks way cooler too with the full color embroidered JCW graphic).

Euro price on the leather/alcantara seats are Euro 1.262,50 ($1628) per seat.

For sure they have airbags. So can anyone confirm if they are plug and play without issues?

 

I can't remember where I saw, but there was an article about how the Recaro seats available in Europe (even with airbags) does not meet the US DOT standards for side impact air bags. They have them, but they do not meet US Standards.

That Standard is for Vehicles sold in the US, not operated on the roads. I would love to get a set of those for mine and install. Just keep your old seats, because if you ever go to trade the vehicle in, the dealerships will lower your trade value as they would be required to install seats that meet the US standard if they know what they are looking at. I believe the plugs for European airbag sensors and electronics is different than US, so I would check with a local Porsche or other Euro exotic certified mechanic to check that.

European standards tend to be more stingent than ours due the abundance of high speed roads.

 

It may have been this one I wrote last year: Ask MF: Will the US Get Recaro Seats?

 

Man I want those seats so bad. Been looking around but can't really find anything that will work.....

 

Yes Gabe you are correct, give that man a cookie.

 

Just my luck, MINI Europe raised the Euro price of the seats. My price is now $1500 each without tax (which I don't pay). With tax they're $1800 each.

Me and my JCW Recaro equipped JCW will be in Vegas from July on if anyone local wants to check them out. I hope they're comfy (considering) since I'll drive from NC to Nevada in late June/early July. I haven't had to have a radar detector since I've been in Germany for 5 years. That'll be a must. What's the best these days?

 

Valentine V1

 

I sure we we could opt out of airbags. The additional cost and weight are not offset by the the low probability that they will do you any good. I don't know of anyone that has actually been saved by an airbag. I only know of one person who was injured by the airbag in a low speed impact.

I know: this is not the right thread, but it is Big Brother making my choices for me.

 

Valentine or a new Escort. It's basically your pick, this debate has raged for years!