Switching my non-M seats to M. Anything i should know?

[1bmw1]

I was playing with the idea of changing my non M seats in my E46 to M's. Are the rails the same? Anything else i should know or need before doing the swap?

[bmwmck]

if you have a sedan you'll have to swap in the coupe rails. from what i understand it isn't too difficult. i've been wanting to do this for the longest time but i'm still searching for the right seats at the right price.

[dbworld4k]

Just make sure you disconnect the battery before unplugging the wire harness under the seat else you will get a SRS light. Other than that, it should be straight forward.

[Renboy]

Originally Posted by dbworld4k

Just make sure you disconnect the battery before unplugging the wire harness under the seat else you will get a SRS light. Other than that, it should be straight forward.

Not entirely true. You just can't turn the key in the ignition with the seat disconnected. You don't need to disconnect the battery at all to do this.

You have to swap the outside rail from the sedan seats onto the coupe seats so the seatbelts have an anchor point.

[Blackedout95]

Make sure your not a good sized man, I went to do this, bought the seats etc all to discover I barely even fit between the bolsters.

And no I am not fat, just the size of a real man

[1bmw1]

Originally Posted by Blackedout95

Make sure your not a good sized man, I went to do this, bought the seats etc all to discover I barely even fit between the bolsters.

And no I am not fat, just the size of a real man

You're making me feel insecure about my skin n bones.

All joking aside, good to know!

[khurram]

did it in my old e46 coupe, straight forward swap.
like stated above if it's a sedan it's a different story.

[1bmw1]

Thanks for the info guys! I might go ahead with this afterall

[6appeal]

FYI, E46 M's came with Nappa Leather upholstery and non-M's, at best, came with Montana Leather. Nappa leather has a higher gloss and the seats are far more comfortable. Montana leather is still nice but is not as soft to the touch or as glossy looking. So if you're a perfectionist, I would take this into consideration.

[jabela]

I would love more bolster than my coupe's manual sport seats. I'm 6ft 175lbs and I slide all around. Any one know how the M seats compare height wise? I currently hit my head on the headliner with my helmet on. It would be great if the M seats were lower.

[1bmw1]

Originally Posted by 6appeal

FYI, E46 M's came with Nappa Leather upholstery and non-M's, at best, came with Montana Leather. Nappa leather has a higher gloss and the seats are far more comfortable. Montana leather is still nice but is not as soft to the touch or as glossy looking. So if you're a perfectionist, I would take this into consideration.

Good to know, and even more of a reason to do the swap.

[BMWdude]

I'm assuming you'd want to do the whole interior, front plus rear and side panels? How much would something like this cost and what is a good place the source the parts?