I regret that I didn't do research on standard seats vs. sports seats before I ordered my MC. My MA mentioned that some people have complained about the seat bolsters in the sports seats so I just ordered the standard ones without really comparing them. They're okay, I can live with them, but now that I've sat in both and have driven my car for a few weeks, I do wish I had gotten the sports seats. I'm curious to know if there are MC owners out there who have standard seats and are happy with them? Did you actually prefer them over the sports seats or did you get them to save some money? If you do prefer them, what is it about the standard seats that you like better than the sports seats? Or am I being delusional?

 

I took test drives, a couple times, with each of the seats...for me, I like the standard seat...the sport seat felt too confining and also hurt my back...the standard seat is plenty supportive for me, gives me enough lateral support going around twisty country roads, and, and, I just like them more than the sport...strictly individual preference

 

Hi Rennie,

If you're not happy with your standard MC seats, I have a BRAND NEW set of Sport seats (including the matching back seat) that were just taken out of our 2005 MCS up for sale (with less than 200 miles on them!). The seats are the gray & black leatherette ones and they look absolutely fantastic! Here's a link to the "for sale" thread for the seats here in the Marketplace forum if you're interested:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=37072

The seats are VERY easy to install as only four bolts hold them in place (and only one bolt for the back seats). It would be a simple R&R to swap your existing standard seats for the sport ones. All of the wiring connectors will hook right up and the airbags will be fully functional (no dealer programming needed), etc.

 

Hello TheOfficeMaven!
Believe me, I checked your seats out yesterday and they are BEAUTIFUL! But I have heated seats and here in NJ I really need them. Not to mention that we live on opposite coasts; even if they were heated, I'm afraid the shipping would be cost prohibitive. I've resigned myself to living with the standard seats and trying not to look back (although when I see leatherette gray sports seats like yours I do kick myself). Good luck with selling them...they are really REALLY nice so I can't see you having too much trouble.

Umberto, thanks for your reply. Makes me feel better about my seats :smile:

 

I like the regular seats too. I'm not a fan of seats that "hug" you. That may sound crazy, but for some reason I like seats you sit "on" rather than "in" if you know what I mean. And because I'm 18, back problems aren't an issue yet, hopefully.

I do, however, think the sport seats look better.

 

I have the standard leatherette seats and have 40K miles on them in 19 months.I have a 100 mile round trip commute,plus lots of play time.I like them alot.The sport seats look good,but I did not seem to fit in them as well.
I have found a very comfy position,that I only tweak with on real long motors,to change positions slightly,to help with rump fatigue.And having heated seats is the best part

 

Wow, that's some commute you have. Good that you're doing it in a MINI! I'm glad to hear you like the regular seats. Even though I do find them comfortable, the main problem I have with them is that since there really aren't side bolsters, sometimes I find myself sitting more on one side of the seat instead of in the center. I assume with the sports seats, the bolsters keep you directly in the center.

 

I had the standard seats in my first MINI Cooper. I much prefer the sport seats in the MCS! I take 10,000-mile roadtrips every spring and love the way the sport seat grips me. I also like that I can adjust the lumbar (got the leather).

If you can swap them out or buy some sport seats, you may really prefer them.:smile:


Clover

 

No problem as I completely understand. The seats not being heated are the ONLY reason I took them out. Otherwise, I would have kept them for sure as they are indeed beautiful seats.

Thanks for the response.

 

Oh yeah...I forgot to mention how much I love the heated sport seats! I use them a lot, and on those days where I am motoring 14 hours at a clip, they keep my spine limber!


Clover

 

I like the feel of the bolsters holding you in place,but the front edge of the seat did not feel right,but I probably would have got used to it.I bought my car off the lot,and the dealer was willing to swap seats if I wanted, they had lots of cars sitting on the lot,but I just liked the standard seats better.
Being able to move around abit,helps with rump fatigue.
I guess Clo does not suffer from it

 

I didn't even realize I had the sport seats until this thread!

Any photos of the standard seats? Maybe the sport seats are standard on the S? Mainly I love the lumbar adjustment and the heat!

 

I was worried about making the seat decision too.

I know this is kinda silly, but it was a look as well as a comfort issue. I really wanted the gray/black two tone seats and that meant I had to get the sport seats. I went to the local dealership (long story) and checked out some seats, but I really didn't get a chance to sit in the "regular" seats. I test drove on the sport seats, so I kinda just went with that sole experience.

I hope I don't regret my decision . . .I'll know more this Saturday!!
(I just hope my husband is comfy in the sports seats -- he's a BIG guy!)

 

No you don't. The black/grey "two-tone" is available on both the regular and sport seats.

 

I don't think you are correct -- sorry!
When I configured my MINI on MINIUSA, the Space Gray/Panther Black option was ONLY available with Sport Seats. I just checked and it still says that Space Gray/Panther Black can't be chosen unless I have sport seats.
Hate to disagree with ya, just stating the facts on the website.
:smile:

If I am wrong, I'll admit it . . . promise!

 

I'm still right -- kinda!!

In order to get two tone cloth, you have to order sport seats. I didn't want leatherette -- I am in a VERY hot climate and don't want to "stick" to my seats. That being said, I went with cloth . . . and the only way to get Space Gray/Panther Black cloth is to order the sport seats.
Mystery Solved!

 

My '04 MC with standard heated seat is the space grey/panther black cloth

 

well I suppose it's possible if you have leather or the leatherette option. I have cloth seats here in Maine and it's no problem at all.

 

Oops...sorry about that, I was thinking leatherette.....but yeah, I agree with you about the leatherette in Florida.

 

They must have changed it for '05, OR maybe you have the sport seats and didn't know it.

 

I found that my non sport seats didn't offer the lower back support I needed. My back would get sore after just a few minutes, they were just wrong for me. I got a pair of sport seats from Eric at Helix and have loved them. Unfortunately that leaves me with two new standard seats in my basement...

 

The sports seats are standard on the S, so you have them. If you want sports seats on the MC, you have to order them. I don't have a photo, but I can tell you that the standard MC seats are not as nice looking as the sports seats. They're kinda flat, with no side bolsters on the seat bottom and very little on the seat back.

As far as the space cloth, it was discontinued as an option for the standard MC seats in 2005. For 2005 the only cloth available on the MC standard seats is the octagon panther black, which is pretty nice. It's a monochromatic type look, black on black rather than the stark contrast of the space gray with the black cloth on the sports seats. Both are very nice but make different statements.

 

So here we have all this talk on the 2 types of seats - by the way I just bought an '05 MC with regular heated seats, and I can't stand them. I am 100lbs and tiny, needless to say I am halfway across the car around corners due to slipping across the driver's seat. They are extremely uncomfortable to me and my back, I definately need the side bolsters and extra leg height. HELP! Where would we buy a new set, heated please, of SOME SORT of sport seat to replace these stock seats? My auto body guy got a price of $1500.00 per seat from MINI- is this correct? Any tips would be great- I definately want heated though...........

 

I got the standard seats, I find them more comfortable on long trips because you can move around a little and keep some circulation going. At the track, however, I wish I had the sports seats, they would hold you in better. Since it's a daily driver, I'm happy with the standards. It's more comfortable than any other auto I've owned. Your results may vary.

 

Those who complain about sliding around in the standard seats must have a lower body shape I haven't had in about 40 years. The standard seats hold me in place just fine.

They could probably sell more MINI's if they came out with an optional extra-wide "American" seat.