BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum 2017+ BMW 5 Series (G30) General Discussions Seat Issue- Nappa versus Sensatec (Sensatec feels softer).

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-03-2023, 08:44 PM   #1
stormchaser
Private First Class
79
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: NONE
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Park City UT

iTrader: (0)

Seat Issue- Nappa versus Sensatec (Sensatec feels softer).

I posted several weeks ago in response to another post stating that the 5 series seats were not comfortable. I agreed with him, but realize much of this is individual taste. I have a 23 530 with Nappa leather, Multi Contour, and massage feature. It is painful on long drives (Under the thighs). I heard that BMW softened up the standard Sensatec seats in the post LCI. Is that true? I just went to a dealer and sat in a 2020 530 of which the sensatec felt very soft and cushy compared to my Nappa. Does this sound right? Did sensatc change in 2020? Unfortunately you can't get Multi Contour and sensatec post LCI and they force you to purchase leather.

Any help is appreciated.
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2023, 09:55 PM   #2
Gautam
Lieutenant
Gautam's Avatar
553
Rep
487
Posts

Drives: M550
Join Date: May 2021
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 BMW M550i  [0.00]
Sensatec probably is softer. Cloth is softest still. But what's also worth keeping in mind is that softer does not always equal more comfortable in the long haul. Some firmness is also needed to support you.

If you're sensitive to seats, your best bet honestly is to test drive as many options as possible, and then rent the finalists. On the coasts, it's possible to find most of what you'd want on Turo, but might not be the case where you're at.
__________________
2018 M550 with all the goodies
Appreciate 2
NGT25309.50
      10-03-2023, 10:05 PM   #3
LogicalApex
Colonel
1993
Rep
2,920
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW 530xe
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Farmington, NY

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW 530xe  [0.00]
I find my Napa seats with Luxury Seating package very comfortable. I’ve taken many long 8+ hour drives very comfortably. The massage function extends the time I can drive as well.

That said. Seats are super personal.

Some people don’t like the massaging bladders in the massage seats. As it stiffens the seat up.

As Gautam noted though. You’ll want to get time in as many of the seat options you can.
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2023, 11:49 PM   #4
stormchaser
Private First Class
79
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: NONE
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Park City UT

iTrader: (0)

I spent a week in Germany with sensatec multi contour seats (Not available in MC without leather in the US market). Most comfortable seat I have sat in. I likely messed up and purchased leather or its simply the stupid massage feature that stiffens them. The rental did not have that. Aside from the back piece articulating with MC seats, I don't see any difference in them (Comfort under the thighs or the seat itself is the same).
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2023, 12:31 AM   #5
adhrp
Lieutenant Colonel
adhrp's Avatar
1190
Rep
1,532
Posts

Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02)
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by LogicalApex View Post
I find my Napa seats with Luxury Seating package very comfortable. I’ve taken many long 8+ hour drives very comfortably. The massage function extends the time I can drive as well.

That said. Seats are super personal.

Some people don’t like the massaging bladders in the massage seats. As it stiffens the seat up.

As Gautam noted though. You’ll want to get time in as many of the seat options you can.
Likewise, I went from a Dakota leather 328i to a Nappa M550i with the massaging feature and what a difference! I don't have experience with sensatec, but I haven't been as comfortable on 6-8h drives as I have in the M550i seats.
__________________
2020 M550i (G30) | Carbon Black Metallic/Black Nappa | Dynamic Handling | Driving Asst Plus | Executive | Luxury Seating | Park Asst | Ceramic Controls | Front/Rear Heated Seats | 20" 668M wheels
2021 X3 (G02) | Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac | Premium | Driving Asst Professional | Front & Rear Heated Seats
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2023, 05:58 AM   #6
Joe-BMW33
Major General
Joe-BMW33's Avatar
6930
Rep
6,452
Posts

Drives: '18 M550i|'21 X5|'03 540i
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2013 VW Tiguan  [0.00]
2015 Infiniti QX60  [0.00]
2021 BMW X5  [0.00]
2003 BMW 540i  [0.00]
2018 BMW M550  [10.00]
Sensatec is very soft and a viable option over Dakota, which I find hard. I would choose Sensatec over Dakota. But I would not choose Sensatec over Nappa. For no better reason than I want real leather which is kind of snobby I guess. Nappa is by no means hard, it is very soft. Sensatec tends to be packed harder because of the absence of ventilation and massage, so the overall seat is firmer which can lead to more comfort on long drives.

I don't find my Nappa seats (with ventilation and massage) to be incredibly comfortable and I bet Sensatec without the two useless options is more comfortable on long drives. I have Vernasca in Cognac in my X5 and it's 10 times more comfortable on long drives than my M550.
__________________
2018 M550ix|Carbon Black|Dinan Modifications|2003 540i|Jet Black|M-Sport|2021 X5 Mineral White
Prior BMW's: 1987 325e|1993 740i|1998 740il|2001 530i|2002 745li|2007 750li|2006 750li|2001 530i|2012 535xi|

Last edited by Joe-BMW33; 10-04-2023 at 06:08 AM..
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2023, 07:45 AM   #7
WindyCityX5
New Member
5
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: 2021 BMW M5.0i
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Illinois

iTrader: (0)

I was just at the dealership this weekend looking to replace my 2021 X5, and drove a 2023 540iX with Sport seats and Sensatec and a 2023 M550iX with Multicountour and Nappa.

I am 6.4"/ 230 pounds, so a little larger, and the multi contour with Nappa were much more comfortable. Sport seats felt tight in the shoulders and upper back, even after taking a lot of time to try and adjust everything perfectly.

In terms of material, Nappa felt softer and more premium than Sensatec, wasn't even close in my own personal opinion. I also felt the "new car smell" was more pronounced in the M550iX vs the 540iX.

I ended up taking the M550iX home, not purely based on the seats of course (the V8 sound and power were the main factors), but the added comfort and premium feel of the seats certainly helped.
Appreciate 1
Joe-BMW336929.50
      10-04-2023, 09:55 AM   #8
stormchaser
Private First Class
79
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: NONE
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Park City UT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by adhrp View Post
Likewise, I went from a Dakota leather 328i to a Nappa M550i with the massaging feature and what a difference! I don't have experience with sensatec, but I haven't been as comfortable on 6-8h drives as I have in the M550i seats.
You have not been as comfortable with the Nappa seats or is it the opposite?

Thanks
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2023, 09:59 AM   #9
stormchaser
Private First Class
79
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: NONE
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Park City UT

iTrader: (0)

Just to update my original post. The dealer I saw sensatec seats at had a 2020 530 (Soft seats). That was pre LCI right? Did the sensatec seat change in post LCI aside from sport seats being standard? I know all post LCI seats were sport but did the actual material change. Some dealers say they got softer but this 2020 I sat in with low miles had cushy seats (Sensatec). My Nappa is much much firmer.
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2023, 11:53 AM   #10
LogicalApex
Colonel
1993
Rep
2,920
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW 530xe
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Farmington, NY

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW 530xe  [0.00]
2020 is pre-LCI, yes.
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2023, 01:35 PM   #11
adhrp
Lieutenant Colonel
adhrp's Avatar
1190
Rep
1,532
Posts

Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02)
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stormchaser View Post
You have not been as comfortable with the Nappa seats or is it the opposite?

Thanks
It's the opposite - the Nappa seats are very comfortable. My butt/back would ache a bit after long drives in the 328i with Dakota, but with Nappa it is a nice, comfortable ride for hours on end.
__________________
2020 M550i (G30) | Carbon Black Metallic/Black Nappa | Dynamic Handling | Driving Asst Plus | Executive | Luxury Seating | Park Asst | Ceramic Controls | Front/Rear Heated Seats | 20" 668M wheels
2021 X3 (G02) | Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac | Premium | Driving Asst Professional | Front & Rear Heated Seats
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2023, 03:57 PM   #12
Qsilver7
Major General
Qsilver7's Avatar
United_States
4318
Rep
7,329
Posts

Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Indiana, USA

iTrader: (0)

The padding used in the MC seats that have the massaging and/or ventilation feature is FIRMER...so if you have either of these options...its not the Nappa or Merino that is making the seats "feel" uncomfortable....it is more likely the firmness of the cushions used to prevent the occupant from feeling the fans, bladders, and massage bubbles.

If you bum is that sensitive...I would recommend not getting the massaging/ventilation features...or at least try to find an example so that you can feel the differences in the padding used with these two features.

#3 & #4 (the foam cushions) have different part nbrs based on the seat options. If you have massaging or ventilation...these parts are firmer than if you don't have these features:

__________________
2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha)

Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2023, 11:30 PM   #13
stormchaser
Private First Class
79
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: NONE
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Park City UT

iTrader: (0)

thanks for that explanation on different part numbers. I fell like BMW charges so much for these upgrades and features on seats, yet if it makes it less comfortable (Many have complained) its borderline miss representation. So what can I do at this point as far as replacing the seat with non massage and ventilation? Could BMW upgrade the seat or make any changes to it? How difficult is it to drop in a new seat if were to find one used?
Appreciate 0
      10-05-2023, 10:18 AM   #14
LogicalApex
Colonel
1993
Rep
2,920
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW 530xe
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Farmington, NY

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2020 BMW 530xe  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by stormchaser View Post
thanks for that explanation on different part numbers. I fell like BMW charges so much for these upgrades and features on seats, yet if it makes it less comfortable (Many have complained) its borderline miss representation. So what can I do at this point as far as replacing the seat with non massage and ventilation? Could BMW upgrade the seat or make any changes to it? How difficult is it to drop in a new seat if were to find one used?
I wouldn’t call it misrepresentation in this case. The upgrades have advantages and disadvantages. It is up to the individual to decide if they are valuable to them or not.

For instance, I value the massage seats as they do help circulation on long drives. But not everyone takes long drives.

The complex issue is just how much choice BMW offers. That makes the decision making more difficult.

Changing the seats out is probably not worth the effort. You’d probably find it easier to just swap cars.
Appreciate 0
      10-05-2023, 10:23 AM   #15
Joe-BMW33
Major General
Joe-BMW33's Avatar
6930
Rep
6,452
Posts

Drives: '18 M550i|'21 X5|'03 540i
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2013 VW Tiguan  [0.00]
2015 Infiniti QX60  [0.00]
2021 BMW X5  [0.00]
2003 BMW 540i  [0.00]
2018 BMW M550  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by LogicalApex View Post
I wouldn’t call it misrepresentation in this case. The upgrades have advantages and disadvantages. It is up to the individual to decide if they are valuable to them or not.

For instance, I value the massage seats as they do help circulation on long drives. But not everyone takes long drives.

The complex issue is just how much choice BMW offers. That makes the decision making more difficult.

Changing the seats out is probably not worth the effort. You’d probably find it easier to just swap cars.
I'd say the ventilation is more of a useless throw away than massage. It's just poorly engineered and does not work, or rather does not work to the degree other car manufacturers work. The ventilation in my QX60 is diesel and really makes a difference. In the G30, it just makes a hot seat even hotter and it loud to boot.

Massage has a purpose, but I still don't find myself leaving it on for too long as it get annoying, for me anyway. It is a good show off option though. On my car the driver seat massage is so much more intense and stronger than the passenger. Had the dealer check it out and it is "working as designed".
__________________
2018 M550ix|Carbon Black|Dinan Modifications|2003 540i|Jet Black|M-Sport|2021 X5 Mineral White
Prior BMW's: 1987 325e|1993 740i|1998 740il|2001 530i|2002 745li|2007 750li|2006 750li|2001 530i|2012 535xi|
Appreciate 0
      10-05-2023, 04:24 PM   #16
Neusser
Lieutenant
Neusser's Avatar
362
Rep
424
Posts

Drives: 2019 G31 540i xDrive M-Sport
Join Date: Sep 2023
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

I'd go Nappa.

I have Dakota, which I also like--hard wearing, smells nice, matte finish is nice.

I am not a fan of synthetics, though the Veganza stuff actually looks like it might be a step up (name aside).
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2023, 12:06 AM   #17
stormchaser
Private First Class
79
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: NONE
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Park City UT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Qsilver7 View Post
The padding used in the MC seats that have the massaging and/or ventilation feature is FIRMER...so if you have either of these options...its not the Nappa or Merino that is making the seats "feel" uncomfortable....it is more likely the firmness of the cushions used to prevent the occupant from feeling the fans, bladders, and massage bubbles.

If you bum is that sensitive...I would recommend not getting the massaging/ventilation features...or at least try to find an example so that you can feel the differences in the padding used with these two features.

#3 & #4 (the foam cushions) have different part nbrs based on the seat options. If you have massaging or ventilation...these parts are firmer than if you don't have these features:

I agree. I went to the dealer today and found that without those features the materials, especially Sensatec was very plush. Opposite of my seat. The dealer parts folks said they can order the foam cushions for the bottom portion of the seat. Would that new foam cushion circumvent the cooling cables and stuff under the fabric? I am surprised what a difference it makes with the cooling and massage features.
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2023, 09:21 AM   #18
Qsilver7
Major General
Qsilver7's Avatar
United_States
4318
Rep
7,329
Posts

Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Indiana, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stormchaser View Post
...The dealer parts folks said they can order the foam cushions for the bottom portion of the seat. Would that new foam cushion circumvent the cooling cables and stuff under the fabric? I am surprised what a difference it makes with the cooling and massage features.
If you were to swap in the padding/cushions for the non ventilated seats into a BMW that had the ventilating fans...there wouldn't be any cutouts for the fans.

For some reason the diagram for the 5 series seats don't have an illustration for the ventilated cushions like some of the other models. For example, in the pics below you can see that #4 & #5 shows an example of the cushions for the ventilated seat for the G12 7 series and #7 and #8 in the 2nd illustration of the F06 6GC series...which shows the hole cut-outs for the ventilating fans:
G12 seat diagram: #4 and #5 ventilated seat cushions



F06 Seat diagram: #7 and #8 ventilated seat cushions
Attached Images
   
__________________
2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha)

Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
Appreciate 0
      10-06-2023, 11:20 PM   #19
stormchaser
Private First Class
79
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: NONE
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Park City UT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by WindyCityX5 View Post
I was just at the dealership this weekend looking to replace my 2021 X5, and drove a 2023 540iX with Sport seats and Sensatec and a 2023 M550iX with Multicountour and Nappa.

I am 6.4"/ 230 pounds, so a little larger, and the multi contour with Nappa were much more comfortable. Sport seats felt tight in the shoulders and upper back, even after taking a lot of time to try and adjust everything perfectly.

In terms of material, Nappa felt softer and more premium than Sensatec, wasn't even close in my own personal opinion. I also felt the "new car smell" was more pronounced in the M550iX vs the 540iX.

I ended up taking the M550iX home, not purely based on the seats of course (the V8 sound and power were the main factors), but the added comfort and premium feel of the seats certainly helped.

Was the Nappa you purchased with massage or ventilation? That might be my main issue.
Appreciate 0
      10-07-2023, 12:00 AM   #20
Magnit
New Member
Magnit's Avatar
6
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: BMW 540ix 2023
Join Date: May 2023
Location: MN

iTrader: (0)

Just spend time not in rush adjust seat. Nappa with massaging function is configurable for anything you want. Much better then Sensatec that is limited...
Appreciate 0
      10-07-2023, 10:01 AM   #21
Numark318i
Second Lieutenant
60
Rep
223
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 328i
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cotati CA

iTrader: (0)

Love my Sensatec seats. The car I test drove before ordering mine had it and I was impressed. Never looked back.

I trieNappa with massage seats after I picked up my car and was unimpressed on a short drive. Didn’t even consider the other leather option as I don’t think it ages very well.
__________________

Monaco Blue 2008 328i/Sports/6 Speed
Appreciate 0
      10-07-2023, 02:25 PM   #22
ezaircon4jc
Major General
ezaircon4jc's Avatar
United_States
4196
Rep
5,259
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Numark318i View Post
.. Didn’t even consider the other leather option as I don’t think it ages very well.
The Dakota in my 2014 535i, build date 11/13, looks just like new. No wrinkles, creases or any other visible deformity.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:07 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST