Seat back frame design flaw and, hopefully, solution.

[Mkirv]

While I was fitting after market heat pads to the seats, I took the opportunity to make a repair on the foam, specifically the bolsters in the back rests. The driver's side was particularly bad, as I could feel the metal frame directly under the leather.
The foam had split at the point when it fits over the frame and I noticed that there is a void on the inside that would put strain on the foam exactly where it had split, so I packed this out by glueing in some high density packing foam that I had lying around. I also glued the split foam back together with impact adhesive. Once re-assembled, these areas feel much firmer.
This, I feel, is a flaw in the steel frame design, but hey ho...

 

[j3nks79]

Good work.
If you had steam to the foam they expand to where they started off new

 

[Usel]

Agreed, it's a terrible design.

Both style of seats for the E85/6 have big weak points. Not up to usual BMW standard. It's as if they let someone else have a go at making the seats for them.

Before putting the seat foam back onto the frame add some thick cloth material to it. I use curtain backing from my local haberdashery. Glue it onto the foam with contact adhesive.

 

[Mkirv]

Good work.
If you had steam to the foam they expand to where they started off new

Interesting, I didn't know that, but does it fill that void?

 

[Mkirv]

Agreed, it's a terrible design.

Both style of seats for the E85/6 have big weak points. Not up to usual BMW standard. It's as if they let someone else have a go at making the seats for them.

Before putting the seat foam back onto the frame add some thick cloth material to it. I use curtain backing from my local haberdashery. Glue it onto the foam with contact adhesive.

Yes, I did that too, using material used for cushion backing.

 

[Usel]

Agreed, it's a terrible design.

Both style of seats for the E85/6 have big weak points. Not up to usual BMW standard. It's as if they let someone else have a go at making the seats for them.

Before putting the seat foam back onto the frame add some thick cloth material to it. I use curtain backing from my local haberdashery. Glue it onto the foam with contact adhesive.

Yes, I did that too, using material used for cushion backing.

I meant on the otherside of the foam but you have correctly applied it on the top which is recommended as well.

 

[Mkirv]

Ah, no, didn't think of that.

 

[j3nks79]

I would bet BMW don’t make their own seats.
Like most parts are made by other manufacturers

 

[mmm-five]

The seats are made by Lear, although some claim they’re Recaro (they’re not).

They’re probably the most uncomfortable, unsupportive sports seats I’ve ever tried.

It’s as if they went to e respected company and asked them to make the cheapest seats they could an£ tart them up with a bit of leather
https://www.lear.com/technology/seating