[MelbourneFinn]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

It's a give and take situation. Sensatec (synthetic leather) and Dakota (entry level leather) are the only materials that do not offer ventilated seats and therefore have no pin cushion effect. Nappa and Merino, which are better leathers than Dakota only come with ventilated seats.

You are right, massage and ventilation is weak at best and pretty much useless, but it comes with the finer leathers which some would argue is more comfortable. If you really don't want these, I would definitely pick sensatec over dakota.

Might be a market by market thing, I had a 2019 540i in Spain with Dakota AND ventilated seats.

Absolutely, better leather if only possible, but I wouldn’t even consider sensatec (read: plastic) seats over Dakota.

As to the durability, maybe the question is what’s the expectation of durability… If normal use, there is arguably no real difference between perforated and non-perforated seats. But if you want to use a G30 as a taxi, perhaps a seat cover is a good option. Based on my experience, no real comfort difference whether ventilated or non-ventilated, but I think the massage system makes the seat slightly harder.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by MelbourneFinn

Might be a market by market thing, I had a 2019 540i in Spain with Dakota AND ventilated seats.

Absolutely, better leather if only possible, but I wouldn’t even consider sensatec (read: plastic) seats over Dakota.

As to the durability, maybe the question is what’s the expectation of durability… If normal use, there is arguably no real difference between perforated and non-perforated seats. But if you want to use a G30 as a taxi, perhaps a seat cover is a good option. Based on my experience, no real comfort difference whether ventilated or non-ventilated, but I think the massage system makes the seat slightly harder.

Yeah, a few weighed in here correcting me on Dakota being available with ventilation. It's just very rare you see that configuration, I would venture someone has to go out of their way to order a 530/540 like that.

Had Dakota in my F10, just hated that is looked and felt like vinyl with football pigskin dimples. I have had sensatec in loaners and I found it softer and more comfortable than Dakota.

[GSMCCASH]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

Some want the ventilated seats to feel like they are sitting atop the propellor of an airboat… And for the massage chair to feel like those mall massage chairs…

I am also happy with my seats.

I find the massaging is very well designed in the seats bottom and back. The heat with massagers are a great combination.

[BMWKLG]

Originally Posted by GSMCCASH

I find the seats are extremely comfortable, the heat and ventilation work great.
The massage seems to a bit more intense and covers a wider range than the massage mechanism in my 2018 Explorer Platinum.
I‘m happy with the functionality and results so far.

I have A MY20 and I second this. The heating function is great and the massage function feels good (albeit, a slow massage). Nonetheless, I knew not to expect a nail salon or spa massage chair experience.

My only qualm is with the ventilated seats. I hear some reviewers say "heated and cooled" and others say "heated and ventilated". Ventilated is not the same as cool. I'm in Houston and the summertime is hellish. My Maxima seats get cold to the touch when the setting is activated (from the shoulder to the glute area). However, my M550i seems to only push air through the perforations to lower the temperature of the leather but the seats never get cool to the touch for me. (almost like an AC blowing air with no freon).

I asked different SA's at the dealership and they said that's how it should function. 🤷🏾‍♀️

All in all, the seats are extremely comfortable, the bolstering is secure, and I love my mocha seats!

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by MelbourneFinn

Might be a market by market thing, I had a 2019 540i in Spain with Dakota AND ventilated seats.

I think it is, I don't believe this is possible in the US with any model year, at least not off of the configurator or ordering guide.

In several model years, ventilation and massage are actually inextricably tied together, and either of them require either nappa or merino.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Gautam

I think it is, I don't believe this is possible in the US with any model year, at least not off of the configurator or ordering guide.

In several model years, ventilation and massage are actually inextricably tied together, and either of them require either nappa or merino.

I’m pretty sure that is the case with the M550.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by BMWKLG

I have A MY20 and I second this. The heating function is great and the massage function feels good (albeit, a slow massage). Nonetheless, I knew not to expect a nail salon or spa massage chair experience.

My only qualm is with the ventilated seats. I hear some reviewers say "heated and cooled" and others say "heated and ventilated". Ventilated is not the same as cool. I'm in Houston and the summertime is hellish. My Maxima seats get cold to the touch when the setting is activated (from the shoulder to the glute area). However, my M550i seems to only push air through the perforations to lower the temperature of the leather but the seats never get cool to the touch for me. (almost like an AC blowing air with no freon).

I asked different SA's at the dealership and they said that's how it should function. 🤷🏾‍♀️

All in all, the seats are extremely comfortable, the bolstering is secure, and I love my mocha seats!

I saw a video not too long ago and a BMW Genius was saying the ventilated seats actually draw air into the perforated areas vs. blowing it out so they pull heat and moisture away from those areas. I can't confirm this but will try to find the video.

[BMWKLG]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

I saw a video not too long ago and a BMW Genius was saying the ventilated seats actually draw air into the perforated areas vs. blowing it out so they pull heat and moisture away from those areas. I can't confirm this but will try to find the video.

😳 Oh wow. Well that would explain why it doesn't feel cool. I'd love to see the video of you come across it again.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by BMWKLG

😳 Oh wow. Well that would explain why it doesn't feel cool. I'd love to see the video of you come across it again.

Here is the video. Accurate or not I don't know. But it's interesting.

[BMWKLG]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

Here is the video. Accurate or not I don't know. But it's interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CveSA8gVhb0

This was a great explanation and now my original theory is validated. I'm cool with ventilated seats (no pun intended) but I wish it was discussed that way by my sales representative when I took ownership of the vehicle!

Per usual, we learn more from each other on here than we do at the dealership. TYSM!

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by BMWKLG

This was a great explanation and now my original theory is validated. I'm cool with ventilated seats (no pun intended) but I wish it was discussed that way by my sales representative when I took ownership of the vehicle!

Per usual, we learn more from each other on here than we do at the dealership. TYSM!

It was recommended to me to run the ventilated seats on 1 or 2 when using the seat heaters. With the two running it seems to create some movement of the heat and feels comfortable.

[Qsilver7]

Here’s more info about the ventilated seats & massaging seats. The BMW ventilated seats are designed to help evaporate perspiration/moisture…not blow cold/cooled air on the passengers.

And there are usually 8 to 9 fans…the number depends on the model and seat design. My f06 has 5 fans in the bottom cushion…one is in the extending thigh cushion. But some BMWs only have 4 fans in the bottom cushion.