Front Seat Heater/cooler Problems of BMW 528

3 holes have been burnt through the drivers side lumbar support by the seat heater. I'm afraid that I don't have pictures currently available, but this seems to be a known problem. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2008 BMW 528 🔎.

Upon turning the seat heater on I noticed a burning smell and smoke inside the car. The seat was unusually hot. I felt a burning sensation and pulled over to find that the seat heating element had burned through the leather and two layers of a heavy duty winter coat. When I turned it off the smoke stopped. We took the car to the BMW dealership and was told it is not part of a safety recall or under warranty. Refused any monetary consideration and wanted $1400 to repair. Considering the car could catch on fire the repair should be considered a safety issue and repaired for free.

While driving I activated the drivers side seat heater. After a minute or two, I noticed a burning smell and then started to feel a burning sensation in my left side by my pant pocket. I reached towards the area and the leather seat material was extremely hot and appeared to be scorching the leather seat material. I immediately turned off the seat heater and will not use it again until it is repaired. This same scenario happened almost five years ago to the same vehicle. The defective part was replaced by my dealer service department. The part apparently fails after an average of five years. This is a safety hazard as one could get burned while driving and not know what to do which could result in a serious crash or fire.

See all problems of the 2000 BMW 528 🔎.

Noticed a burning smell in the last few days and determined that it is only there when the seat heater is on. There is an odor that can best be described as the smell from an overheated hair dryer. It is obvious something in the seat is overheating and could be a potential safety hazard. I also noticed very hot areas on the seat near the left side where my left rear pant pocket would rest. Nhtsa campaign #04v575000 addresses this issue on model year 2004 BMW 5 series cars, but mine is a 2000.