[edcrane]

I test drove a BMW X3 M40i a couple of days ago and loved the improvements over the prior gen X3 and the upgraded engine and brakes. However, the one I drove had an odd version of the sports seats that didn’t seem to have adjustable side bolsters (unlike the fully adjustable side bolsters in my m235i and every other BMW I’ve driven with upgraded seats). When we took a 270 degree exit ramp, I found myself sliding in the seat, even while the car itself didn’t seem anywhere close to its limits, which demonstrated that the stock side bolsters were just far to wide to be useful to me.

I asked if there was a way to option in seats with adjustable bolsters and was told by the dealer that it was possible to get those on the base 2018 X3 but NOT the M40i version—totally bizarre. Is this what others have heard/encountered? I really like this car — not as good as my m235i, but a lot more utility — and would buy it if only I could sort out the side bolster situation.

[ND40oz]

The ventilated seats do not have adjustable bolsters.

[voyagergab]

I'm hoping the normal sport seats have good side bolsters.
The ventilated seats are very flat and have pretty much no bolsters.

[sor]

This seems to be a common misconception, we've gotten several questions about it. The side bolster adjustment has nothing to do with 30i vs M40i, it's the ventilation as ND40oz mentions.

I'm attaching a clip from the owner's manual and an M40i seat control.

[JustChris]

Yup seats I've say in here in the uk had adjustable bolsters.

[edcrane]

Originally Posted by sor

This seems to be a common misconception, we've gotten several questions about it. The side bolster adjustment has nothing to do with 30i vs M40i, it's the ventilation as ND40oz mentions.

I'm attaching a clip from the owner's manual and an M40i seat control.

Thanks so much. I’ll ask the dealer again.

[BobsM3Coupe]

If you get the optional ventilated seats, they will not have adjustable side bolsters. On my M40i, I got the Black Vernasca Leather w/blue contrast stitching/piping. I would have liked the ventilated seats, but they aren't even optional with this color interior.
However, the blue stitching on the seats, door panels and dash look great with the exterior Phytonic Blue Metallic and blue M brake calipers. The plain black Vernasca leather interior (which could have ventilated seats) would have come with white stitching/piping. I never cared for that look.
So I had no problem not getting the ventilated seat option.

[Larryatl]

Argh.... i don’t want to cancel my ventilated seats. Why must the make us choose.

[voyagergab]

Originally Posted by Larryatl

Argh.... i don’t want to cancel my ventilated seats. Why must the make us choose.

IMHO the non-bolstered seats are pretty terrible.
I drove the 4 cyl 2018 X3 with the ventilated seats and did not enjoy the experience one bit. Especially after the X4 M40i with bolstered sports seats.
I'm hoping the X3 M40i we've ordered has at least as good seats as the X4.

This is just my observation.

[kube]

Originally Posted by voyagergab

IMHO the non-bolstered seats are pretty terrible.
I drove the 4 cyl 2018 X3 with the ventilated seats and did not enjoy the experience one bit. Especially after the X4 M40i with bolstered sports seats.
I'm hoping the X3 M40i we've ordered has at least as good seats as the X4.

This is just my observation.

After coming from a 2015 X3 28i without any sort of bolster, the 2018 30i ventilated seats with bolsters are definitely better -- not as good as I have in my 535dx, but my wife has commented it's a noticeable improvement. Given the choice of ventilation or adjusting the bolsters a bit, I'd still go with the ventilated seats. Would be nice to have gotten both, but....

[edcrane]

Originally Posted by kube

After coming from a 2015 X3 28i without any sort of bolster, the 2018 30i ventilated seats with bolsters are definitely better -- not as good as I have in my 535dx, but my wife has commented it's a noticeable improvement. Given the choice of ventilation or adjusting the bolsters a bit, I'd still go with the ventilated seats. Would be nice to have gotten both, but....

We have a 2015 x3 28i with base seats, and I agree that the 2018 ventilated seats are significantly more comfortable, including because of the thigh support. For me, they just don't provide the lateral support that I look for when driving in a more spirited manner.

[Larryatl]

I'm gonna stick with the ventilated seats on the m40i, I test drove one and didn't even notice. had the inflated on my last 3 series and while nice - would rather have the ventilation here in the south.

[Bimar]

Does anyone know if this is a first year issue or will get bolsters in year 2?

[edcrane]

Just to close the loop, the dealer confirmed that the standard, non-ventilated seats have adjustable bolsters. Ventilated seats do not. This is great news from my perpsective. Makes the m40i very compelling.

[SDGUY]

Hmmm. I placed an order last week with ventilated seats and tow hitch. I didn't realize that I'd be giving up side bolsters and foot operated hatch. I'm surprised they don't tell the customer these things. Thank goodness for this forum.

I can live without foot hatch opening but side bolsters seem very important for a performance car. The car I tested had them. Now I need to find a car with ventilated seats to test before my order locks. How are the bolsters set if they are non-adjustable - fully open, closed or someplace in between?

[edcrane]

Originally Posted by SDGUY

Hmmm. I placed an order last week with ventilated seats and tow hitch. I didn't realize that I'd be giving up side bolsters and foot operated hatch. I'm surprised they don't tell the customer these things. Thank goodness for this forum.

I can live without foot hatch opening but side bolsters seem very important for a performance car. The car I tested had them. Now I need to find a car with ventilated seats to test before my order locks. How are the bolsters set if they are non-adjustable - fully open, closed or someplace in between?

The ventilated seats have different bolster shapes. I think they are intended to accommodate girthy folks comfortably/be super easy to get in and out of. I think they provide less lateral support than fully open adjustable bolster seats.

[pej7445]

This riddle presented itself today at the dealer. I test drove an m40i with ventilated seats and noticed how terrible the lateral support was. I started roaming the lot with my sales person looking at various seats in all versions of the X3 and it seems clear that if you want side bolsters, you have to delete ventilated seats. Seems foolish to me since the side bolsters are on the rear portion of the seat, and the ventilation is only on the bottom.

Also, to confirm the kick-open tailgate was on the 2018 x40i I drove, with ventilated seats.

[Starz26]

Originally Posted by pej7445

This riddle presented itself today at the dealer. I test drove an m40i with ventilated seats and noticed how terrible the lateral support was. I started roaming the lot with my sales person looking at various seats in all versions of the X3 and it seems clear that if you want side bolsters, you have to delete ventilated seats. Seems foolish to me since the side bolsters are on the rear portion of the seat, and the ventilation is only on the bottom.

Also, to confirm the kick-open tailgate was on the 2018 x40i I drove, with ventilated seats.

Right.

Ventilated = NO Adjustable Bolsters
Tow hitch = NO Kick to open

[thestuarts]

I just picked up my 2019 M40i two days ago. I knew ahead of time that ordering the ventilated seats meant I would not be able to get the adjustable side bolstering, but I opted for the ventilated seats. I regret it.

First, the ventilation does not seem to actually do anything. Even on a relatively cool night I felt my back getting sweaty, so I turned on the seat ventilation to max.

The first thing I noticed is that the seat ventilation makes a loud noise that seems to emanate from near the back of the top of the seat, so it is near my ears.

The second thing I noticed is the ventilation didn't really seem to do anything, even after running for 15 minutes.

Overall, I feel like I gave up adjustable side bolsters for a noisy fan that doesn't seem to do much. Maybe it will be more effective on a really hot day.

[Legis]

I currently have an X3 30d loaner with ventilated seats and no side bolsters. I am so happy that my m40 has the side bolsters, as I am now sliding around the seat when taking corners which makes the car feel very unreliable.

Agree with others saying it sounds very stupid having to choose between these two options.

[deladude]

Originally Posted by thestuarts

I just picked up my 2019 M40i two days ago. I knew ahead of time that ordering the ventilated seats meant I would not be able to get the adjustable side bolstering, but I opted for the ventilated seats. I regret it.

First, the ventilation does not seem to actually do anything. Even on a relatively cool night I felt my back getting sweaty, so I turned on the seat ventilation to max.

The first thing I noticed is that the seat ventilation makes a loud noise that seems to emanate from near the back of the top of the seat, so it is near my ears.

The second thing I noticed is the ventilation didn't really seem to do anything, even after running for 15 minutes.

Overall, I feel like I gave up adjustable side bolsters for a noisy fan that doesn't seem to do much. Maybe it will be more effective on a really hot day.

I really wish the dealer made this clear when I gave up my interior color choice for ventilated seats. This is the third instance in the purchasing process where BMW omitted important details or provided inaccurate info to me

I'm also surprised to hear your feedback on their effectiveness. I've tried two other manufacturers ventilated seats and they were both amazing and very effective. I have a hard time believing BMW couldn't get this right.

[Pray for Mojo]

Its important to research these things on you own. Even the best sales people aren’t going to know every option interaction on a dozen models. I go into these situations knowing more than they do and I think it helps with negotiation as well.