[stormchaser]

I have read some blurbs about sport seats becoming an option in some of the packages separately in other countries versus automatic as they are in North America with M packages. The main thing I don't like about current configuration of this car, is the inability to shift manually if you don't have paddles. I am not sure the sport seats will be comfortable as some find the bottom bolsters a bit firm? Do we have a way to add paddles and not get sport seats? Has anyone got feedback on the sport seats?

[MontyB1]

Sports seats are great, as good as any seats, super comfortable and we love them in the alcantara.

As for the paddles they come with M-Sport but not X-line. I’m Germany they allow you to add or remove them but not in other markets it appears.

[FlashMonkey929]

For the 2024 model year according to the configurator, it doesn't seem like you're able to delete the sport seats in the US. It also looks like they removed the option to get rid of the M Sport suspension as well. As far as comfort goes, I'd go sit in one if I could. I personally like the comfort of the sport seats, and the cushions and bolsters did soften up a little over time. I'm 6' and 180lbs, and I have just a bit of room between the shoulders to wiggle a little, and the bottom cushion feels a little bigger. On longer drives though, I'd probably have gotten the lumbar adjustment if it was available at the time, as my back problems can get just a little uncomfortable.

[tex2670]

To get paddles, you need the MSport package, which comes std with Sport Seats.

Personally, I think paddles are overrated. My prior 2 cars had them, and I rarely used them. I've had 3 other cars without paddles but with manual shift capability - again, very rarely used. It doesn't feel like a manual transmission at all.

[PatL]

Originally Posted by tex2670

To get paddles, you need the MSport package, which comes std with Sport Seats.

Personally, I think paddles are overrated. My prior 2 cars had them, and I rarely used them.

If the car has a button to swith to sport mode (like my 550i that has paddles as well), then the paddles are just for fun. I can count on one hand how many times I used them for the last 10 years.

Many times a week though, I use the sport mode button to get ready to pounce at a traffic light and/or for a passing or a change of lane.

It looks like the pedal and/or the boost function would be more convenient in the X1 instead of the change of mode process for this use case.

Originally Posted by tex2670

I've had 3 other cars without paddles but with manual shift capability - again, very rarely used. It doesn't feel like a manual transmission at all.

I agree, I used the manual shift of the steptronic even more rarely than the paddles...

[FlashMonkey929]

If you toggle the shift selector from D to L/S it will let you get the jump on lights when they turn green faster than switching to sport mode. I do this all the time whenever I need instant throttle response, and then flip it back as soon as I’m moving.

[stormchaser]

The issue with those above who are nonbelievers in Paddle shifters) is the X1 and it's 7-speed transmission (I wish it were an 8-speed), does NOT allow you to downshift with that tiny small gear knob. Most cars I have ever driven always allow some downshifting for snow, steep hills, and off-road etc. The automatic without paddles is worthless in this arena. With the paddles, it WILL allow you to downshift. I live in the mountains and it really helps to use downshifts when going down steep terrains or in snow. BMW failed in this arena. Give us a paddle shifer option. Or just include them as standard.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by stormchaser

The issue with those above who are nonbelievers in Paddle shifters) is the X1 and it's 7-speed transmission (I wish it were an 8-speed), does NOT allow you to downshift with that tiny small gear knob. Most cars I have ever driven always allow some downshifting for snow, steep hills, and off-road etc. The automatic without paddles is worthless in this arena. With the paddles, it WILL allow you to downshift. I live in the mountains and it really helps to use downshifts when going down steep terrains or in snow. BMW failed in this arena. Give us a paddle shifer option. Or just include them as standard.

I swear you posted about this before. Didn’t you rent a bunch of them before? At this point, you have 3 options: order the M Sport and live with the seats, order the M Sport and pay through the nose to get the standard seats retrofitted, or find another car that suits you better. All I can say is that the sport seats loosened up a little after time, but they were already pretty comfortable for me from the start. If they’re uncomfortable for you now, it’s not likely you’ll love them once they’ve broken in a bit.

[stormchaser]

I have rented the X1 with normal seats 3 times and loved them. I have sat in the sports seats in the dealership and they felt stiff but comfortable, however, it's not a good test unless I could go through a long test drive. Who does BMW seat retro fits? Is there a company that specializes in this on seats? Thanks.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by stormchaser

I have rented the X1 with normal seats 3 times and loved them. I have sat in the sports seats in the dealership and they felt stiff but comfortable, however, it's not a good test unless I could go through a long test drive. Who does BMW seat retro fits? Is there a company that specializes in this on seats? Thanks.

I’m sure the dealer could do it if you threw enough money at them. I’m guessing that either you may lose out on some seat function if the seat heaters or active seat options are present, or they may somehow have to be coded in some way…..if BMW lets you. Knowing BMW, it’s probably not just plug and play lol.

[Tomduck]

The sports seats are stiffer and will remain stiffer than the std seats. I like them but they are what they are, ie sports seats, they are not meant to be the most comfortable option, but be more supportive and ensconce you into them via the bolsters.

The paddle shifts are worth having but 99% of people will use them infrequently, I occasionally drop down to overtake quickly but it’s definitely not overused!

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

I’m sure the dealer could do it if you threw enough money at them. I’m guessing that either you may lose out on some seat function if the seat heaters or active seat options are present, or they may somehow have to be coded in some way…..if BMW lets you. Knowing BMW, it’s probably not just plug and play lol.

By the time you are spending money to buy a 2nd set of seats and have them retrofitted, just buy an X3.....

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by tex2670

By the time you are spending money to buy a 2nd set of seats and have them retrofitted, just buy an X3.....

Exactly. But it’s still an option for someone who is dead set on getting exactly what they want and wants to blow their money.

[stormchaser]

Thanks, everyone. Good luck with your X1' and I hope to be an owner at some point or wait for the new X3.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by stormchaser

Thanks, everyone. Good luck with your X1' and I hope to be an owner at some point or wait for the new X3.

at this point, I think it's wise to wait for the new X3 which is only "months" away.