Ventilated vs Non-ventilated Multi-contour seat comfort

[SUV55]

I am going to order a 2015 X5 with Mocha Nappa leather multi-contour seats. I have read that in the 2015 X5 the ventilated seat option (with another package) is only a $50 upcharge.

I also read that with ventilated seats, there is less padding on the seat bottom (and seat back?) which makes it firmer and less comfortable. Those that have owned both or have compared both, please comment relative your opinions on comfort.

I hear the X5 ventilated seats don't work that great anyway. At $50 for the ventilated seat option, would most of you pass on it in light of the above?
I do like the look of ventilated seats a bit better because I find the horizontal stitching lines on the Nappa seat backs a bit busy.

I did recently compare Dakota leather MC ventilated seats to Dakota leather MC non-ventilated seats. The non-ventilated seats seemed to have more padding and be a bit more comfortable. But these seats were not Nappa leather nor Multi-Contour, so I am not sure if my comparison would be that telling.

Your feedback is appreciated.

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by SUV55

I am going to order a 2015 X5 with Mocha Nappa leather multi-contour seats. I have read that in the 2015 X5 the ventilated seat option (with another package) is only a $50 upcharge.

I also read that with ventilated seats, there is less padding on the seat bottom (and seat back?) which makes it firmer and less comfortable. Those that have owned both or have compared both, please comment relative your opinions on comfort.

I hear the X5 ventilated seats don't work that great anyway. At $50 for the ventilated seat option, would most of you pass on it in light of the above?
I do like the look of ventilated seats a bit better because I find the horizontal stitching lines on the Nappa seat backs a bit busy.

I did recently compare Dakota leather MC ventilated seats to Dakota leather MC non-ventilated seats. The non-ventilated seats seemed to have more padding and be a bit more comfortable. But these seats were not Nappa leather nor Multi-Contour, so I am not sure if my comparison would be that telling.

Your feedback is appreciated.

Totally agree on them being VERY BUSY without ventilation. To each his own, for me it looks like Spiderman did some work on it. Not a fan of contrast stiching in most cases. Also heard about less padding from the dealer. I sorry i did not go for both for other reasons. Take ventilation if for nothing else than for the looks

[Hang0ver]

check this thread out in another bimmer forum..

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=789053

Mods: sorry for posting outside URLs. Please remove if this is against rules.

[SUV55]

That would be me. Anymore comments would be welcome. I have a week or so to finalize my build. Thanks.

[pinstripe1]

I've had my 50i for about a week. Dakota & MC ventilated so a little different than your question. I didn't notice a difference in cushion & comfort with or without ventilated. I find my seats very comfortable.

I'm happy with the ventilation performance. Definitely won't blow you away with power but definitely help on a hot texas day. I don't stick to the seats like I used to (Audi not ventilated).

[SUV55]

Thank you Pinstripe1, your post is helpful. By the way, how long did you spend comparing the comfort of BMW ventilated to unventilated? A few moments or more ie a drive or a good duration. Thanks.

[pinstripe1]

I didn't do a dedicated comparison of the seats. I test drove several x5s for about 15-20min. Some had ventilated and some didn't. I didn't notice any difference for that duration.

The nappa seats are softer than Dakota but I went with Dakota for color and durability.

[SUV55]

Great...thank you.