[ManiacGT]

Is it just seat frames? Is there a chance it's elsewhere in the car?

[N8N]

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

Is it just seat frames? Is there a chance it's elsewhere in the car?

I think that that exact question is why everyone is making what would appear to be a big deal, relatively speaking, about this issue.

[GuhBookGi]

I got the same thing from my dealership-- "it's normal corrosion".

Going to contact BMWNA first thing tomorrow.

[shivaswrath]

Originally Posted by GuhBookGi

I got the same thing from my dealership-- "it's normal corrosion".

Going to contact BMWNA first thing tomorrow.

the dealer will tell you that...just call BMWNA, and tell them the dealership you go to, and it'll all get coordinated.

[GuhBookGi]

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

the dealer will tell you that...just call BMWNA, and tell them the dealership you go to, and it'll all get coordinated.

thanks, shivaswrath. will do..
this is all such a hassle. my boards are coming up. i have no time to deal with this!!

[kablammo]

I would bet a nickle that other components are rusting as well, (dash, underdash, etc).

[Ryan9095]

So I just went outside to check my car and low and behold the seats are all rusty underneath... I'm furious! Thanks in advance for the advice on calling BMWNA if the dealer gives me trouble.

[Frogman]

Originally Posted by kablammo

I would bet a nickle that other components are rusting as well, (dash, underdash, etc).

Since the seats were built independently of the rest of the car, I'd bet that the issue is isolated to just the seat frames.

[VictorGzz67]

ooooops!! Another one here with rust under the seats.

F30 335i SL 2013 with rust seats
F30 328i SL 2012 It is OK

BMW will replace the seat frames of both seats soon.

Very bad for a premium car : (

[shivaswrath]

Originally Posted by GuhBookGi

thanks, shivaswrath. will do..
this is all such a hassle. my boards are coming up. i have no time to deal with this!!

yeah, I'd focus on the boards (first time, or just renewing btw?), and just give a call to BMWNA...you'd think at this price tag we wouldn't have to deal with all of this??!!

[DarkTrigger]

Originally Posted by VictorGzz67

ooooops!! Another one here with rust under the seats.

F30 335i SL 2013 with rust seats
F30 328i SL 2012 It is OK

BMW will replace the seat frames of both seats soon.

Very bad for a premium car : (

Nice. Let us know how long it takes to replace.

I may request it too. I think some mild rust is OK as it passivates the surface. Although, it does look really ugly.

[M3@Apex]

Does anyone know if the new replacement seats (and seats used November production) look any different? Does it appear to have some kind of coating or paint on the metal?

Also, for the Canadians in this thread (LewisHamilton, etc.) how did BMW Canada handle your seat issue? Did anything come of it?

[lewishamilton]

Originally Posted by M3@Apex

Does anyone know if the new replacement seats (and seats used November production) look any different? Does it appear to have some kind of coating or paint on the metal?

Also, for the Canadians in this thread (LewisHamilton, etc.) how did BMW Canada handle your seat issue? Did anything come of it?

My dealer took pictures of the seat frames to send them off to BMW Canada. I was told that they could replace them for me. However, it might take a while as they have to order from Germany.

[F30AM]

Some say we are making a big deal out of this. It is a big deal to have rust inside an expensive new car due to inadequate QC. It is so ridiculous that in this day and age a modern expensive car should have a rust issue. It is shameful and shocking that BMW have allowed such a situation to develop. It has now become a global issue and BMW should come clean and provide all affected owners with a seamless solution. In fact, they should instigate an official re-call.

Removing and re-installing seats especially with the replacement of seat bases, can lead to damage of other trim panels. The seats, particularly leather ones, are never the same afterwards. In fact, brand new complete seats should be provided for the affected cars. BMW needs to provide this goodwill gesture for all the incovenience and stress the situation is causing. At present, they have too much wriggle room by doing just the bare minimum by replacing or rust coating the rusty seat bases.

Lastly, I bet BMW knew there was a rust problem and they hoped against hope that no one would notice or take issue. Now how bad and callous is that?

[roadcarver]

Originally Posted by M3@Apex

Does anyone know if the new replacement seats (and seats used November production) look any different? Does it appear to have some kind of coating or paint on the metal?

Also, for the Canadians in this thread (LewisHamilton, etc.) how did BMW Canada handle your seat issue? Did anything come of it?

I have a November build 335i. Upon looking under both front seats I see that there is no rust. I did notice what appeared to be evidence that the silver metal had been dipped or sprayed with something. It kind of looks like what dried milk or something similar might look like on a metal surface once dried.

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

I have a November build 335i. Upon looking under both front seats I see that there is no rust. I did notice what appeared to be evidence that the silver metal had been dipped or sprayed with something. It kind of looks like what dried milk or something similar might look like on a metal surface once dried.

Same as your's. Mine was built 22nd Nov 2012. No rust so far.

[BimmerHJ]

Originally Posted by F30AM

Same as your's. Mine was built 22nd Nov 2012. No rust so far.

BMW found the rusty seat problem and fixed it since Nov 2012 production.
Before Nov. 2012 production, almost every F30 has rusty seat frames, and BMW tried to keep it secret, hoping nobody look under the seats!

[shivaswrath]

Originally Posted by F30AM

Some say we are making a big deal out of this. It is a big deal to have rust inside an expensive new car due to inadequate QC. It is so ridiculous that in this day and age a modern expensive car should have a rust issue. It is shameful and shocking that BMW have allowed such a situation to develop. It has now become a global issue and BMW should come clean and provide all affected owners with a seamless solution. In fact, they should instigate an official re-call.

Removing and re-installing seats especially with the replacement of seat bases, can lead to damage of other trim panels. The seats, particularly leather ones, are never the same afterwards. In fact, brand new complete seats should be provided for the affected cars. BMW needs to provide this goodwill gesture for all the incovenience and stress the situation is causing. At present, they have too much wriggle room by doing just the bare minimum by replacing or rust coating the rusty seat bases.

Lastly, I bet BMW knew there was a rust problem and they hoped against hope that no one would notice or take issue. Now how bad and callous is that?

Well let's hope the tech's are competent enough NOT to knick the trim, etc....I suspect it won't require taking the seat physically out, you can actually drop the seat back on to the rear seats, change the base, and screw everything back in.

This is a fear of mine though, usually things are done nice and tight at the factory, if you loosen it, might lead to weird issues down the pike.

I've installed Recaro seats into previous cars before, and honestly, it's pretty straightforward, so hoping the tech's can manage to do it right...HOPING!

[Mamasgotkids]

Originally Posted by benn.

i don't think people realize how much more expensive these cars are overseas.. if this guy trashed this car, chances are he could probably buy a bunch more.. chump change for him.. not to mention only the extremely WEALTHY are able to afford such cars
we're lucky to live in the U.S.
ours only cost a fraction of what they would overseas..

From having bought 3 BMW's while living in Germany, they are not more expensive relative to other cars there. Both comparable Ford and VW models (Mondeo and Jetta) would have been more expensive for me to purchase than the BMW.

Anyone who would destroy the car is insane. And likely very rich.

[shivaswrath]

So just received word my frames are on order from Germany...safe to assume that all of them coming from germany are coated? Parts couldn't tell...

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

So just received word my frames are on order from Germany...safe to assume that all of them coming from germany are coated? Parts couldn't tell...

Mine too. I originally sent an email to BMW Munich and they referred it to BMWNA who contacted me today. They said my dealer is aware and to schedule a time for the fix.

I think I'll wait until I do an interim oil change with a coupon they gave me upon delivery.

[Monkeycmonkeydo]

Originally Posted by BimmerHJ

BMW found the rusty seat problem and fixed it since Nov 2012 production.
Before Nov. 2012 production, almost every F30 has rusty seat frames, and BMW tried to keep it secret, hoping nobody look under the seats!

It must have been before that as my car is a sept 2012 production and seats are perfect. No rust at all.

I feel bad for all y'all. I have faith BMW will make it right.