1 and 3 Sport Seats -- Same or different?

[simianspeedster]

I searched the forums and, while I found some good info, I didn't find a definitive answer on this question: does anyone know if the sport seats in the 1 and the 3 exactly the same or slightly different?

I drove a 1 and 3, both with the sports package, back to back last weekend and found the 1 seats to be a bit tighter on my torso. I made sure the bolsters were all the way out and I went back and forth a few times when the cars were side by side. A difference was clearly noticeable to me, even with the door open.

Different seats? Manufacturing variance?

[jeremyc74]

They're the same part from what I've read here.

Here's the link to both of them on REALOEM. Is seems like they're the same, but the part numbers are different. That may just be so they can track where they're going though.
1
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...62&hg=52&fg=25

3
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...83&hg=52&fg=25

[ptack]

The seats for the 3 series are wider because the 3 series drivers are generally less fit than we are if you know what I mean.


what?

[fwmcb]

lol... I've speant quite a bit of time in both, but they feel the same to me!

[emtrey]

I think the 3 series seat is a bit wider OR so it seemed when I drove a friend's 335i sport package

[Dackelone]

Simianspeedster,

perhaps what you were feeing was the air bladder adjusted to different levels in teh two cars. On the 135i, up front, on the front left edge of the seat is a small switch. The switch is basically under your left knee on the front part of the drivers seat.

This switch opperates a pump that makes the back of the seat pump up/harder. Perhaps this was what you were feeling? It would make the seat a tighter fit.

[nordique14]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

perhaps what you were feeing was the air bladder adjusted to different levels in teh two cars. On the 135i, up front, on the front left edge of the seat is a small switch. The switch is basically under your left knee on the front part of the drivers seat.

He does say that he "made sure the bolsters were all the way out". So they should not be the problem.

I know the convertible seats are different in the 3-series. Although you do not say, I suspect you were not driving the 3-series convertible. So, I guess, no help from me. Sorry.

[new2the3]

1 series does not have this horizontal detail/stitch across the back

[larryn]

I had a e90 and e82 at the same time for a few months and compared them. They are the same width and have the same 4 mounting points. Also, the electric control are identical.

The leather on the 3er is slightly nicer (better feeling and slightly softer)
The headrest on the 3er telescopes AND tilts (1er only telescopes)
The headrest mounts differ (I tried the e90 headrests in the e82, and the mounting holes on the e82 seats are further forward, making retrofit to 3er headrests not possible)
The stitching on the seats differ, as previously noted.
The back panels on the 3er have netted pockets.. the 1er does not

So, it seems they have the same "guts", but the rest differs slightly.

[Add1ct]

does anyone need a pair of sport seats in black leatherette?

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Simianspeedster,

perhaps what you were feeing was the air bladder adjusted to different levels in teh two cars. On the 135i, up front, on the front left edge of the seat is a small switch. The switch is basically under your left knee on the front part of the drivers seat.

This switch opperates a pump that makes the back of the seat pump up/harder. Perhaps this was what you were feeling? It would make the seat a tighter fit.

Thanks for the detail. I may not have made it clear in my original post, but I did make sure the bolsters were deflated and set to their most open position on both cars.

[simianspeedster]

OK, I sat in a 1 and a 3 again back to back and I am certain that the 3 sports seats are wider. I'm usually not one to believe in what I can't explain, but there was definitely a difference, at least in the 2010s I've been sitting in. Should have brought a tape measure!

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by ptack

The seats for the 3 series are wider because the 3 series drivers are generally less fit than we are if you know what I mean.


what?

Ouch -- that hits home! Hey, I used to be in great shape, then work and a craptastic knee took over my life. Give a bulky dood a break.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

OK, I sat in a 1 and a 3 again back to back and I am certain that the 3 sports seats are wider. I'm usually not one to believe in what I can't explain, but there was definitely a difference, at least in the 2010s I've been sitting in. Should have brought a tape measure!

FWIW, I did take a tape measure in comparison. They are the same width.

[Add1ct]

maybe it's not that the 3s are wider- but maybe the bolstering is not as stiff/softer- that's how I would describe it

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by Add1ct

maybe it's not that the 3s are wider- but maybe the bolstering is not as stiff/softer- that's how I would describe it

That would definitely make sense as it's the bolsters that feel so different to me.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by larryn

FWIW, I did take a tape measure in comparison. They are the same width.

Cool -- thanks.

Damn, I love this forum. Is there anything you people don't know?

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

That would definitely make sense as it's the bolsters that feel so different to me.

I had the same question when I was shopping.

I think what I felt as different is a few things coming together.
Being a larger guy myself, I think you and I tend to push the limits of the seats so we can feel even slight and minor variations even in manufacturing variance. Also, the 3 in general feels a bit wider or roomier, although I think that's mainly due to the overall interior space that includes the rear seats. The 3's dash also gives a feeling of width as the 1 feels more canted towards the driver. I don't know if the leather between the 1 and 3 is different, but there can be some variance in even the "same" type of leather. A softer leather will give a bit more giving the impression of letting you sink in better, which can feel like it's more accommodating.

So, combining those things I think gives the impression that the 3 sport seats may be a bit wider. For me it came down to whether or not the 1's leather sport seats fit me, and they do, so it became a moot point.

BTW, make sure you adjust the lumbar the same way. Deflate the lumbar bladder completely and move the position to it's lowest position to remove it's effect on how the seats feel. You probably did that, but I just wanted to remind you.
I feel like I sit a bit lower in my 1 than in the 3 too.
Oh, and the seats DO break in. The leather softens as leather should and begins to conform to your body, and the foam gives a bit too.
It took a couple to 3 months to feel more "fitted".

[JimD]

Also remember the little switch on the outside of the sports seat. The one that moves the bolsters in and out (to make the seat wider and narrower).

Jim

[simianspeedster]

RPM90,

I really appreciate your detailed reply. Your logic makes perfect sense and I'm glad to hear that the seats get a bit...ahem...customized...over time.

When I tracked down my current car (2007 Z4 Coupe), the one I found had the sports package, but not the sports seats. I didn't mind much because they're comfortable and semi-sport compared to more mainstream cars, and the way you sit in the car (wedged between a high sill door and a wide transmission tunnel) obviates the need for full sports seats somewhat. It was a trade-off I could accept to get the rare manual transmission.

But in a more normal car like a 1 or a 3? I can't imagine getting the regular seats.

[Add1ct]

I just picked up my new 335i coupe today and the seats really aren't that different in feel, maybe a tad softer. leather is definitely 1000000 times better than leatherette in terms of smell and feel- probably not so much in terms of durability

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by Add1ct

does anyone need a pair of sport seats in black leatherette?

Do they have lumbar?