You can add the lumbar support your self. I did it in about an hour of my time and under $200 in parts.

Best DIY ever.

 

See how to thread here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post2823905

 

My MINI is the first car I've owned with "bun warmers," and I'm convinced. It helps that as soon as I got the car on December 21, the weather took a nasty turn, and it's been bitterly cold ever since. So yeah, heat is cool.

Spridget

 

I don't think I've seen cloth seats on any Mini and I'm at the dealership weekly (free car washes) and have had 6-7 different loaners....can someone throw up a pic of what their cloth seats look like?

+1 on the Cold Weather Package - a necessity

 

Actually I think my seats with the leatherette are just right on the lowest setting, but way too hot on the 3 light setting. So far I have found the heater to be way too efficient, maybe if the temperature drops to -10 or -20 I'll be able to run it at max temp and with the fan at top speed, and just maybe with the heated seat on 3 led's showing.

 

Well, winter is here and I finally have used my heated cloth seats. I am glad I got cloth as they are not too hot in the sun and they are not too cold in the cold. At first I thought - on the lowest setting - the seat was too hot. But as I drove and the seat got warm all over, even in the lumbar region, it became very comfortable. The controller, however it works, kept my seat pretty much the same temperature all the time. I really like it and never having a heated seat before I am very satisfied.

 

I just spoke with my MA and there is indeed a TSB for Heated Seats being too hot. The TSB has some language about the seat temperature being in range but too hot for the owner's liking. The solution is to install an OEM adapter harness that has a resistor that lowers the temp of all three settings. Mine are on order with my local dealership now.!

 

Any chance you could get the number for the TSB when you have the work done? My dealer has no knowledge of it and says the seats work just fine the way they are.

 

I leave mine on the max setting virtually all the time. It gets old up here and if I have a sweatshirt on (which I almost always do) then It's just about perfect all around.

 

For those who are interested, the TSB number is:



SI M 52 01 08

Take note that it only applies to vehicles produced up to 1/2008 (so, technically it did not even apply to my car with a 2/08 prod date).

However, just because a vehicle is out of range does not mean that it does not apply. The dealer was more than happy to perform the TSB.

 

Interesting! My 4/08 seats get nearly burning hot on high setting (carbon punch leather). And I ***LOVE*** it!!!

My Dad had an 03 MB E500 with heated seats and steering wheel. The seats on the highest setting warmed for about 2 minutes and shut off completely. The steering wheel got warm to the touch for about 45 seconds and shut off (even though the light was still on). What a F***ING joke, I hated that car because it was such a tease! Oh yeah, I have heated seats, but when it is 20 below zero I am only going to warm your tush for 2 minutes and your numb fingers for a mere few seconds...

 

For those who may be interested in some feedback on the post-TSB seat performance. The one-light setting is pretty mild and becomes nearly unnoticeable after a few minutes. The number two setting is just like the old number one setting. It heats up quickly and, in above-freezing temperatures, becomes uncomfortable after about five minutes. Number three is still quite hot and should be enough to get a fast warm-up through thick clothing or on really cold days.