BMW Seat Heater Cuts Out: Quick Fix or Major Repair?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2015 BMW 5 Series 520d last winter. The seat heating symptoms were exactly like yours, would turn on briefly and then shut off. Took it to the garage and they found a defective heating mat in the seat bottom. It wasn't just a loose connection or fuse like I'd hoped. They had to replace the entire heating element since it had developed a break in the wiring mesh. The job required removing the seat cover and foam to access the heating mat. It's a bit complex since they need to be careful not to damage the airbag sensors and other seat electronics during the repair. Mine took about 4 hours to fix. It's not a safety-critical issue, but it can get worse over time and potentially damage other seat electronics if left unfixed. Worth getting it sorted properly rather than trying quick fixes.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful since I've been worried about what I might be getting into with this repair. Do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole job? Also curious if you've had any other heating issues pop up since they fixed it? Always good to know if it's actually sorted or if I should expect more problems down the line.

Hey again! Just wanted to follow up since you asked about the costs and long-term results. I ended up paying 390 € for the whole repair, that covered both parts and labor. Yeah, it wasn't exactly cheap, but I can tell you it was worth every penny. The seat heater has been working perfectly since then, no more unusual shutoffs or weak heating. It's been such a relief, especially during cold mornings! From my experience, once they fix it properly by replacing the heating mat, you shouldn't have any more issues. The new heating element they installed seems much more reliable than the original one. My seat heater now warms up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature, just like when the car was new. Trust me, I was also worried about recurring problems, but it's been completely trouble-free since the repair. Just make sure you get it done by someone who knows what they're doing with BMW electronics, that's really the key to a lasting fix.

Just wanted to update about my seat heater situation! Finally took it to a mechanic who specializes in BMW electronics. They found exactly what you described, a faulty heating mat. The repair took around 5 hours and cost me a bit more than yours at 450 €, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The funny part was watching them take apart the entire seat. Had no idea there was so much stuff packed in there! The mechanic showed me the old heating mat and, wow, it was pretty messed up. No wonder it kept shutting off. Been using it for a few days now and what a difference! The seat heats up properly and stays warm, no more freezing halfway through my drive. Really glad I got it sorted properly instead of trying cheaper alternatives. Thanks again for your advice. It really helped me know what to expect and not get ripped off. Sometimes paying a bit more for a proper fix is the way to go!