R50/53 Identifying heated seats from a 2004

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 7, 2019 | 06:38 PM

WheelNut

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Nov 2017

Posts: 59

Likes: 13

Identifying heated seats from a 2004

Hey Everybody,

I have a 2004 R53 I’m parting out (it was included in the deal with my ‘05 R53) and I suspect the seats might be heated, but I can’t tell. The seat heater/mirror control panel is missing. The seats do have three connectors on them unlike the two connectors on the seats in my ‘05. The plugs are one yellow, one blue, and one black (4 pin).

I might swap them into my ‘05 since they are in a bit better shape, but I’m not sure if I’m bothered to deal with the wiring. I live in Vancouver now, so its not terribly cold here and thr heated seats aren’t something I dearly need.

Thanks in advance,
Brad

Feb 10, 2019 | 12:05 PM

maxw

1st Gear

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 27

Likes: 3

From: Alpharetta, GA

I believe a 2004 driver seat with the heating element installed will show 4 items connected underneath:

Yellow - seat airbag
Blue - seat belt pretensioner
Black (1) - seat belt latch? (I'm not certain about this one)
Black (2) - heated seat - this is a larger plug with a thicker gauge wire

Additionally - not applicable on a 2004, but starting 2005 the passenger side seats have a 5th connection for the seat occupancy sensor (to turn off passenger side airbag if not occupied...at least on US spec cars).

Also, I've read here that many 2004's and earlier that didn't have heated seats installed as an option from the factory still had the heating element in the seats - but did not have the wiring to connect them (or operational switch). There was speculation that Mini did not order enough unheated seats, or had a supplier shortage, so often put in the heated seats regardless. So if someone has a 2004 or earlier without the heated seat switch on the side mirror controls, they can check and see if they have a free/open connection under the seat. If they do have an additional plug without anything connected, it should mean they have the heated seats (and just need to add the wiring and switch).

In my case, my 2004 did not have heat installed at the factory nor did it have the heating elements in the seats. I replaced my 2004 seats with 2005 seats (panther leather), and installed the wiring retrofit kit to take advantage of the heating element that was in the "new" 2005 seats.

It was a project getting the wiring done, but I'd say it was totally worth it. The heated seats have been a nice addition...and I don't live in a cold climate either...just nice to have on the days when it is chilly out.

To be 100% sure on this for your application, I'd suggest removing the 2004 seats from the car - it'll help confirm exactly what you have. I'm betting you'll see the yellow for the airbag (going up in to the seat) and the blue and black going to the seat belt latch/pretensioner.