Other Category problem
2004 BMW X3 4 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 45670 miles
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Hi, The dealer replaced the driver's side seat cover. Coincidentally, the driver's seat warmer did not work at all afterward (but the passenger side did). I returned the car to the dealer where they changed out a switch (I think something related to the actual button that turns on the seat warmer) and made some computer adjustments. After this both seats barely warmed up. When in the 'III' position they felt as if they were actually in the 'I' position. Needless to say, I've returned my car to the dealer 3 separate times where all they've done is replace the same parts over and over again, including the seat covers on both seats. I've had my car for 4 years now and I know for a fact that the seats previously warmed up significantly hotter than they do now. The dealer is telling us that what they've done and tested on my car meets specs and that they are not sure what else to do. They also mentioned that they put some laser thermometer on the seats and they measure at 80 degrees. My husband thinks (and mentioned to them) that something was probably turned down on their end (I don't remember what he specifically referred to...maybe some circuit or something). Also, I do not have leather seats and they keep saying that my kind of seats don't warm as hot as the leather seats. Again, I know that my seats should be warming up significantly hotter. I've requested all of the service notes and hope to receive them later next week in case you need more info. Seems to me that the service techs should have done a bit more research or tried something 'outside of the box' since changing out the same parts 3 times did not fix the problem. I sure hope that you have a suggestion that I can pass on. Thanks, Jen Elson

There is a technical service bullitin that was put out by BMW that involves coding the SZM Control unit to improve heating for the seats.

The campaiogn number is: SI B 61 04 04

IF there is a 425 on the sticker below than it hasn't been performed, If I understand it clearly.

Thank you for the speedy reply and suggestion, however, I checked with the dealer today and they did check the campaign number you mentioned. Any other suggestions?

I just can't figure out why the seats are warming significantly cooler than before. The service techs mentioned that they also compared our current seat warmers to those in another 2004 X3 that they had on their lot and that they were comparable to the temperature of my seats (currently).

Thanks,
Jen

The only sugggestion that I can make is to do the comparison for yourself. At whatever point they are at their hottest measure the temperature of yours and do the same on another one..if you can find one.
Perhaps the one they checked is also poor.

You can check the ads for one like yours being sold somewhere and check it that way perhaps.

Here in Niagara Falls, we don't see very many BMWs, or I would contact one of my customers to do this for you.