[Ionicsilveri8]

Has anyone successfully claimed for a new seat from BMW under warranty because the leather has stretched and the seatbase has become loose? My i8 is a 2016 model with 30k miles and the 3 year warranty will expire in late August this year.

The driver’s seat is definitely sagging more than the passengers. Now I know that I’m no lightweight and I am the third owner so I have no idea how big the other drivers were but I was wondering if this is a claim item?

Alternatively can anyone let me know if it is possible to shrink the leather back? I don’t know the trim name but I’m guessing it is the best one as I have two types of leather, perforated and plain and I also have the i8 logo embossed on the headrests.

Any help gratefully received, any links to diet sites deleted! With thanks...

[Nachbar]

How about Fitness membership?

Talk to a Leather specialist. There are excellent Products to refresh and care. My seats on the 1991 325i Convertible looked horrible, when I bought it two years ago. After one day work, they looked nearly as new.

[zagaboo]

I had mine replaced under warranty because the leather failed (visible cracks through the leather surface). They ordered in a replacement cover that was stretched over the base.

Maybe this means there could be a way of tightening yours? If not, enquire about the cost of a replacement cover and if excessive, take it from there.

Btw I bought new and my argument was the seat should last more than 2 years - even though it was my daily driver. However, this was at a time when bmw thought of the car as one of their special products. No longer the case.

Good luck!

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by zagaboo

I had mine replaced under warranty because the leather failed (visible cracks through the leather surface). They ordered in a replacement cover that was stretched over the base.

Maybe this means there could be a way of tightening yours? If not, enquire about the cost of a replacement cover and if excessive, take it from there.

Btw I bought new and my argument was the seat should last more than 2 years - even though it was my daily driver. However, this was at a time when bmw thought of the car as one of their special products. No longer the case.

Good luck!

Good to hear they finally fixed this for you... and interesting to note that it was just a new upholstery cover.

Was it just the base or did you also have wear on the side support/bolster of the backrest (which is where I am also seeing some wear)?

[Hob1987]

BMW must be given the chance to investigate, beat chance is to note any external influences on the leather and then approach with care. BMW tend not to pay out if deemed external, best thing to to is consult and gain photo evidence

[zagaboo]

Originally Posted by fishpond

Good to hear they finally fixed this for you... and interesting to note that it was just a new upholstery cover.

Was it just the base or did you also have wear on the side support/bolster of the backrest (which is where I am also seeing some wear)?

Just the panel in the middle of the seat. Sides were fine

[Ionicsilveri8]

So I went to the dealer and he looked at the seat and agreed that it had worn badly. They are going to take it forward for a claim but who knows if this will be successful! I’ll keep you posted.

While I was there, I did ask the price of a new leather seat squab cover (for my car) and it was £650 plus VAT with fitting extra - let’s hope the claim is successful!

[Ionicsilveri8]

Dealer just confirmed that they will honour the warranty and replace the driver’s seat cover... good news!

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by Ionicsilveri8

Dealer just confirmed that they will honour the warranty and replace the driver’s seat cover... good news!

Would you be able to post a photo of the leather damage? I am getting push back from BMW on having mine replaced under warranty so it would be good to see how bad yours is.

[Ionicsilveri8]

OK so I am a little embarrassed now because the ripples don’t seem that bad but hey... the dealer thought they were and I guess that’s what counts. I’ve had to reduce the quality of the photo but you get the idea.

Good luck!

Should have said, 16 plate car, 30k miles.

[jcpca356]

dude that doesn't look bad at all

[Maxxsirrah]

Originally Posted by Ionicsilveri8

OK so I am a little embarrassed now because the ripples don’t seem that bad but hey... the dealer thought they were and I guess that’s what counts. I’ve had to reduce the quality of the photo but you get the idea.

Good luck!

Should have said, 16 plate car, 30k miles.

Thats repairable, shouldnt need a replacement!

[Ionicsilveri8]

I agree it isn’t that bad but it is a lot worse than the passenger side and given that the dealer is prepared to replace with new, I’m going for it!

[fishpond]

After some discussion with my local dealer, I managed to get a full driver's seat leather replacement under warranty.

[Ionicsilveri8]

Originally Posted by fishpond

After some discussion with my local dealer, I managed to get a full driver's seat leather replacement under warranty.

Nice!

[RichTimpa]

Originally Posted by Ionicsilveri8

Nice!

The dealer is willing to try and fix my drivers seat which is showing some small wear in the middle after seeing it.

They said once they fix it if it comes back in any way, they will replace it.

[RichTimpa]

Originally Posted by RichTimpa

The dealer is willing to try and fix my drivers seat which is showing some small wear in the middle after seeing it.

They said once they fix it if it comes back in any way, they will replace it.

Just got it back and the seat looks perfect! They even took care of a little defect where the seat belt rubbed against the side leather. Amazing. This dealer always takes the extra steps here.

[Ionicsilveri8]

Originally Posted by RichTimpa

Just got it back and the seat looks perfect! They even took care of a little defect where the seat belt rubbed against the side leather. Amazing. This dealer always takes the extra steps here.

Mine’s in for the work on the 26th.

[Ionicsilveri8]

Originally Posted by Ionicsilveri8

OK so I am a little embarrassed now because the ripples don’t seem that bad but hey... the dealer thought they were and I guess that’s what counts. I’ve had to reduce the quality of the photo but you get the idea.

Good luck!

Should have said, 16 plate car, 30k miles.

Certainly looks better than it was, here’s hoping that it will last another 30k miles!