Seats - Final answer ?

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by Sixle

Has anyone managed to code out the side airbags and put the OE occupancy mat in the aftermarket seats?

Any information from people who have gone through the coding process?

Want to bring this topic back up for more info.

+1 to this. I can't find anything concrete on google other than 'i just live with it' which is a bit crappy :/

[RimasRS]

Would love to try replace oem seats with Z4M seats

[3002 tii]

I've done aftermarket seats in my Z4 and it's honestly not that bad. In terms of airbag light you have 3 options:

1) transfer over or buy a new occupancy sensor
2) buy an emulator / resistor to plug into the seat harness
3) code out the light

Option 1 is the safest and most expensive. In theory the downside with option 2 is that the resistor will trick the car into thinking someone is always in the passenger seat so the airbag might deploy unnecessarily. This was less of a concern for me since the Z4 is a track car only and chances are if the airbags go off the car is going to be totaled anyway. I don't know much about option 3 but I know others have tried this, I just don't know what the consequences are. Does it just get rid or the light but then airbags are still inactive? If so that would suck for the passenger side.

But believe it or not there's a bigger concern than just airbags and that is will your factory 3pt belt work with your aftermarket seat? I believe OP mentioned the Recaeo Speed which is reclining so it should be fine. But anyone considering a fixed back seat should reconsider because the lap belt going over the side bolster of the seat is NOT safe as it won't tighten during impact. This will cause a submarining effect.

Remember the belts, seats and airbags are part of ONE system. There's a reason racecars throw in 6 point harnesses and cages when going with bucket seats. Once you replace one of the components of the factory safety system the entire thing is compromised. Bucket seats look cool for the street but if you're not going to invest in additional safety it's not worth it (despite the benefit of added headroom or moving around less). Look into a sportier reclining seat like OP mentioned (Recaro Sporster is another great option).

Originally Posted by RimasRS

Would love to try replace oem seats with Z4M seats

I had them, trust me they were not all that great. I actually prefer the seats from my 135, the adjustable bolsters proved more side and lumbar support.

[3002 tii]

Shameless plug but I'm selling a brand new set of Macht Schnell receptacle brackets. This will allow you to run either your factory belt, bolt-in harnesses or both. PM if interested.

[1&done]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

Shameless plug but I'm selling a brand new set of Macht Schnell receptacle brackets. This will allow you to run either your factory belt, bolt-in harnesses or both. PM if interested.

PMd, totally shameful looking to mount some harnesses using OEM sport-seats.

[sour97]

There are no easy way to solve the air bags and seat occupancy sensor issue

[Focusedintntions]

For anybody interested. I have a pair of vac floor mount adapters for sale.

[froop]

Originally Posted by sour97

There are no easy way to solve the air bags and seat occupancy sensor issue

They sell emulators on eBay. I've bought sets for both the passenger and driver for the airbags, seat belts and occupancy sensors. I've yet to try them out but when I do I'll be sure to let you guys know.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by froop

They sell emulators on eBay. I've bought sets for both the passenger and driver for the airbags, seat belts and occupancy sensors. I've yet to try them out but when I do I'll be sure to let you guys know.

I was under impression driver side doesn't require one.

[RimasRS]

Originally Posted by sour97

There are no easy way to solve the air bags and seat occupancy sensor issue

Code it out and forget about it

[sour97]

Originally Posted by froop

They sell emulators on eBay. I've bought sets for both the passenger and driver for the airbags, seat belts and occupancy sensors. I've yet to try them out but when I do I'll be sure to let you guys know.

can u please send me the lane for the eBay please? I talk to a coder, he said he can get it code out and the front airbags will still working.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by sour97

can u please send me the lane for the eBay please? I talk to a coder, he said he can get it code out and the front airbags will still working.

Question is has that person tested his theory/claim? =D

[sour97]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Question is has that person tested his theory/claim? =D

he is a active coder, my friend have a e90 m3 with recaro seat recommend to me. u can search .on Facebook BIM CODING

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by sour97

he is a active coder, my friend have a e90 m3 with recaro seat recommend to me. u can search .on Facebook BIM CODING

Don't have Facebook and don't see how this answered my question.

[froop]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

I was under impression driver side doesn't require one.

It does seem like common sense that the driver side would have no need for an occupancy sensor however when I have previously removed the passenger and driver side seats they both have the exact same wiring so I figure it's better to be safe than sorry.

They'll both definitely still have airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner modules though that need the emulator. Though I actually won't even need the seatbelt pretensioner modules as I'll be reusing the stock seatbelts.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by froop

It does seem like common sense that the driver side would have no need for an occupancy sensor however when I have previously removed the passenger and driver side seats they both have the exact same wiring so I figure it's better to be safe than sorry.

They'll both definitely still have airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner modules though that need the emulator. Though I actually won't even need the seatbelt pretensioner modules as I'll be reusing the stock seatbelts.

Perhaps it's different on the 1-series but I know I didn't need one when I installed race seats in my Z4.