Interior Exterior
Q:
I'm moving this from the "new cars" discussion.
Installed seat heaters in my LB. Actually had the dealer here in WA do it since I didn't want to learn how to do it on my own car (and I don't like working on $50,000+ cars anyway... well, at least not my $50,000+ car). They had done the mod before. Picture below shows the switch install. The kit is from a third party supplier. It is quite lightweight. Controls are small, lighted and located on the center console. I had the center console painted at the same time and they had to move the LS/TC button (mine is the last of the 05s but which had the 06 features). I suspect they just swapped out the console when painting since the original hole for the LS/TC button was not in the same place as the left hand seat heater control - and I don't see a patch.
Install was non-trivial since the seats are glued together at the factory and they have to be teased apart manually to keep from destroying the padding and leather. Don't know where the heater pad is in the final assy. But they work quite well. Total parts charge was $420 for 2 seats. Pretty typical once you account for the fuses, wires, shipping, and other misc. things such installs always seem to need (and maybe a few % dealer markup...). Labor charged was 3.5 hours. Don't know if they did the work at the dealer or farmed it out to a vendor.
I have seat heaters in my Z4 which has allowed me to extend the top down season here in the Northwest another couple of months each year - when it is not raining, of course (hat, warm jacket, fleece gloves, seats at max heat, and climate control at full heat on the feet... very toasty.
_____________________
05 Laser Blue, Sport Package, Touring Package, Starshield, LS/TC, Hard top, driving lights, heated seats
A:
Sweet mod - sounds good for here in Ohio right now...
A:
To be honest I don't see the need for seat heaters in these cars. A week or so again we went riding all day with OneFastLotus & her husband in their Elises (Elise' ?) and while it was pretty chilly out we stayed pretty damn warm. I was with George in the hard top CO car and we actually put the windows down a few times to stay comfortable. Granted it wasn't 15 degrees outside but the cabin definitely felt like it was warm enough to keep you comfy into sub freezing temperatures.
I'm sure the northerners will take note of this though as it gets colder and stays colder quite a bit longer through the year up there. I couldnt imagine not being able to drive the Elise (and I dont even have one yet ) simply because its too cold.
A:
The point of heated seats is to run with the top off in chilly weather.
A:
Heated seats do extend the season by a few months in the northern states. Steph and I were driving a couple of weeks back with the top down in 40 degree weather with our S4 cab (heated seats and windows up).
Big question here. Are your seats the ProBax units? If so, can this material safely be heated? Will it hold up with the heating and cooling?
A:
FWIW, here's a link to Check. Since their premium button looks to be the same as DoctorJ's car in the "new cars" thread, we're thinking this might be the manufacturer. The max possible temp setting looks to be about 119-121, depending on the model. Since in-car temps on a hot day can range up to 140F, I think it should be ok. But it's probably worth asking ProBax.
http://checkcorp.com/seat_heater/products.asp
I'm inclined to think that due to the stitch pattern in the seat that you'd have to put the heater under the foam. Fortunately it's thinner than most other cars.
The next link has a couple of more generic models that could actually be cut to shape if needed:
http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/afcarseathea.html
HTH,
JnC
A:
If I remember right when looking at a damaged seat, the stitching is just sewn thru a foam type backing. You would be able to put the heating element under that. Also, to remove the leather from the seat frame (it's just upholsterers contact cement) 3M adhesive cleaner will release it with no problems and will not damage or stain your leather or vinyl seat covers. This would be an easy DIY project I think. (and no, I'm not mormon nor do I work for any
A:
... Also, to remove the leather from the seat frame (it's just upholsterers contact cement) 3M adhesive cleaner will release it with no problems and will not damage or stain your leather or vinyl seat covers. This would be an easy DIY project I think. (and no, I'm not mormon nor do I work for any
Could you be more specific about the 3M adhesive cleaner that is appropriate? There are many types of adheshive cleaners. Maybe even a picture or a link, and where one can get it.
A:
NAPA stores sell it for a about 18 bucks a quart and it works on lots of stuff. It's perfect for removing those airbag stickers on your visors without damaging/discoloring the leather. http://www.rochfordsupply.com/produc...SubCatID_E_427
A:
Which dealer did you use for the install?
A:
Dealer was Park Place Ltd. in Bellevue. They have done the install several times. I don't know if mine are ProBax. The car was one of the last 05s made. All I can tell you is that the seat does have the little bulb-pumped back support (the IFU said not all seats have them...). If the ProBax is damaged by heat, then all you Arizona and New Mexico owners should be very concerned. I have to say that I have had a topless car with seat heaters (Z4) and I have had a car without them (Z3). Having them is MUCH better on a clear 40s morning when the sun is still struggling to come up. As for the cement remover, I'll leave that up to you DIYers that feel good OK about learning a new skill on your own car.
A:
If you have the pump-up lumbar support, then you have the older (non-Probax) seats.