E36 Heated Seat Problem

BMW Guy · 01-23-2006, 08:45 PM

1993 325is, heated seats do not work. I have checked the fuses F4 & F23 and they check out fine. When I turn on the switches the red lights come on but no heat. Looking at a wiring diagram I see something called an unloader relay Terminal 15, what is this and where is it located in the car. Anybody else have this problem? Your assistance would be appreciated.

325iSBimmer · 01-23-2006, 08:54 PM

most of the time its the heated element inside the seat thats burned out and then the heated seats wont work. you can always check to see if you have power at the connector under the seat. it should come on and off with the switch if everything is working properly up to the seat

BMW Guy · 01-23-2006, 09:35 PM

Thanks, I'll try that.

Swerve · 01-24-2006, 02:52 AM

I've got a weird issue where my driver seat only heats up in the back section. My passenger seat only heats up the butt section. Are these heating elements a nightmare to change? Anyone have a DIY article?

325iSBimmer · 01-24-2006, 01:42 PM

yeah, they are a pain in the ass to change cause you have to pull the leather back to get at the heating pad.

There are seperate heating pads for both the back and bottom. so its not uncomon for just one of them to go..but I would replace all just so you dont have to do it twice

Im having the same problem with the drivers side back not working but considering I dont drive the car in the winter I can see the point in ripping apart my leather to get at the heating pad. I think I would rather get ///M Vadars and sell my seats as they are.

BennyL · 01-24-2006, 01:59 PM

fortunately, mine seem to be working fine. they come in VERY handy when i drive top-down. especially if its not to warm out.