BMW iX1 & X1 2023 Sport Seats are terrible - at least for me.

[@robstacy]

I have been on some long trips and not found any problems with the seats. I am 1.73m height and weigh 73kg.

[@swede-365]

As I say in the video it’s personal. They don’t work for me but glad you are satisfied 😊

[@sal78sal]

dont you find you head is forced forward making you hunchbacked?

[@Spoochy784]

I do about 250 km a day for my job in the ix1, i’m 1m84 with a weight of 93 kg and i got the exact same seats and think they are amazing, best seats i ever had!

[@swede-365]

Glad you like them!

[@cheehongchin445]

As you have bought it with your hard earn money, you have to like it,haha

[@Spoochy784]

@@cheehongchin445 i didn’t, it’s a company car 😀

[@sal78sal]

BMW spent billions to make the seat more uncomfortable. they are literally made for skinny hunchbacks. I will never buy another BMW unless they bring back the old luxury line seats. Shocking BMW, shocking.

[@swede-365]

Yes, the seats are unbelievably uncomfortable and inflexible when it comes to adjustments

[@SteveLoughran]

we are happy with the xLine seats, but we've not done the distances you have. and yes, everyone should drive a vehicle for a few hours before buying.

[@swede-365]

Unfortunately I had no chance as I ordered the car at launch. Never had any problems with BMW seats before but these are terrible.

[@ventsislavivanov4542]

Bigest problem on g series , all the seats are uncomfortable at lest you get in 7 series is crazy even then the other card make it better shame bmw

[@swede-365]

Its actually unbelievable how bad they are

[@xyredmax]

We finally drove the ix1 demo car last week. It had sensotec and they were very hard/uncomfortable. We cancelled our order and got our deposit back. I'm waiting for my Porsche Macan EV order to come through next year

[@swede-365]

The Macan EV will be very exciting 😊

[@chdub3339]

I had the same problem with the seat area you mentionned at 1:00. They were too narrow for me I am 1,82 m for 84 kgs. It was on X1 F48 but the seats seem to have not changed. With Sport / advanced seats it was like 2 iron bars went into my thighs. After 30 minutes driving it was horrible. I chose at that time normal seats , not beautiful , not really comfortable but at least no pain. I changed one month ago for à X3 with sport seats and I thing they are wider or well designed, at least I do not feel the iron bars anymore.

[@swede-365]

The seats are much better in other BMW models. I have a 440i with sport seats and they are very comfortable but at same time offer good support.

[@Gogimon150]

Interesting and sad. I am currently thinking about getting an iX1. During the test drive in the M Sport version with those spot seats I had only the one problem you don't have: The side cushions pushed into my rib cage very unpleasantly with every side movement of the car. They are more than snugly fitting, you could say too narrow. That means on top of the rib hits there is constant pressure on the side of my ribs. I could alleviate that by "pushing" myself out with pumping up the lordose support. The other problems you describe worry me a lot. I will go back to the showroom and make a thorough test.

[@swede-365]

The seats are really bad unfortunately

[@Ofthe7thSon]

Wow, this isn’t good enough from BMW. And it’s sux for me, we pickup our new X1 in 2 weeks (been delayed in a ship for 3 weeks).

[@swede-365]

Its all personal, it might be perfect for you

[@Ofthe7thSon]

@@swede-365 true, problem is I’m about your size. When we test drove the X1 it wasn’t the M-Sport version. Oh well, we will see I guess.

[@kevinwang0206]

Headrests are designed to protect your whiplash. Euroncap videos will show you the reason.

[@swede-365]

They are designed for that in other cars also including other BMW but they are still comfortable

[@AlphaGT4]

They are designed this way to protect you from whiplash for only certain body heights and those who recline their seats to pass a specified crash test. Problem here is car manufacturers just use a one size fits all equation, which is based on the specified height and seating position used in crash tests. Not everyone sit like that. It’s just because BMW, and many other car manufacturers, are cheaping out on production. Also, many drivers don’t know how “head restraint” works. So they are unable to adjust head rests to positions that are appropriate for their level of recline. So this ends up punishing people who drive with a much more upright position, when an upright position is actually better for the back and all that while the head’s distance to the head restraint/rest really minimized in a collision. Porsche bucket seats are much more upright with non adjustable recline. No issue of head being pushed forward (without a helmet). I have never heard of TUV or any safety authorities saying Porsche bucket seats have increased whiplash risks. People actually forget how a head restraint should work. If one really needs to go into details, the narrow design of head restraints are actually a problem. The narrow design passes crash tests, because a lot of times these tests are done with car crashing going forward. In reality people’s heads actually end up flopping around, and the width of the headrests might not be wide enough to catch the heads. Yet no one talks about this. Cars are designed to pass safety tests, but end up neglecting real world usability, comfort, and different circumstances (such as different body types etc, seating positions etc).

[@RudolfGrimm-bv6by]

I have found a solutions for the headrest-problem: I bought original headrests for BMW F30/F31, they fit perfect and the angle can be adjusted. Now it is fine with my neck. And if you don´t know you don´t realize that they are not from the same car .

[@swede-365]

Good you found a solution but shame you should have to exchange the new headrests on a new car.

[@RudolfGrimm-bv6by]

You're absolutely right, it's a shame that BMW delivers headrests with such bad ergonomics. Actually, this would be a case for a recall in which headrests with adjustable inclination are installed.

[@AlphaGT4]

Thanks for this. I just ordered these F30 headrests. Hopefully this resolves the problem. Unfortunately most of the newer cars have the same issue, with maybe the more premium models having less. I know there are many who argue it’s a “head restraint system” and not meant for people to rear of their heads on them. However, I personally think that’s a bucket of BS. It’s just because car manufacturers found the easy way out to satisfy the crash tests. I have placed a cushion on my iX1’s seat to raise myself higher and the headrest issue is gone. The problem is that these cars were designed to just work and satisfy the crash test. Had my torso been another 4 inches higher, the seat would work really well. Basically these “head restraints” are so forward is because the safety tests assume people have a much more reclined seating position, which naturally makes their heads move forward and away from the headrest. However, a reclined position actually puts a lot of stress on the lower back/spine. In short, the guys who sit very upright are being punished with poor comfort when sitting upright actually has its merits. Porsche bucket seats do not push drivers’ heads forward (without helmet on) and are very upright. As far as I know they do a pretty darn good job when it comes to crash tests. I could drive in those buckets for 3hours+ straight and not have an issue. Whereas I am struggling to not have neck pain in my iX1 for even 20minutes drive So all the talks of “the head rests are supposed to push your head forward for safety” is just a bucket of BS, as that statement works for people who lean all the way back and maybe even for certain body heights only.

[@Ton-fg2ik]

I do wonder if you'll not have comfort issues with the new M-sport seats (as is does not have the headrest piece in it)? Thanks

[@swede-365]

No idea, haven’t had any possibility to try them

[@Ton-fg2ik]

@@swede-365 hopefully someone else on your channel. Thanks!

[@SixtyBee]

X1 owner. I totally agree with what you said. 175cm 72kg or 5’9 162lbs.

[@doughelsby886]

I have the new hybrid 25e, a great car spoilt by ergonomically bad seats. I have had the car for 1 month now and have an active seat for the driver. However the passenger is the sports seat which my wife finds most uncomfortable, giving her back and neck ache because of the lack of lumbar support and the fixed headrest. I have also found the seat to exacerbate my back problems. I am trying to get BMW to retro fit an active seat for passenger with little interest from BMW. The hybrid is a great car but make sure you try the seats on a long run and also order active seats.

[@swede-365]

The seats are really bad

[@davidmateaugusztinovicz4203]

I have the same issue you mention at 1:00. I am 1.85 and 85kg, regular cyclist, and the seat is pinching my leg. Whats really annoying is that its particularly painful in the corners, where the seat is supposed to hold me, but it really doesn't, as I am sitting on the bolsters, not between them as you mentioned it. I have the M-Sport 23i with the perforated sensatec (EU-spec, bought the car in France). It's a shame, all the rest of the car is really great, but being so uncomfortable is a bit difficult to swallow. The dealership only had the X-line to test drive, and I didn't have that issue with those. @Swede365 Did you find any solution? Maybe a pillow to sit a little bit higher?

[@swede-365]

Yes, I bought a BMW i4 instead. The seats were the main reason.

[@sal78sal]

the side bolsters are designed by feminists who don't want you to spread your legs on long drives.

[@jsonS1977]

this was really helpful for me as I am picking my options for my new X1. I currently am using an older X1 with sport seats and generally like it...except the head rest!

[@swede-365]

Unfortunately they are terrible

[@laakp]

So many comments that I don’t know if the answer is already there: i have same issue as you and have the car for only a month. Still 59 months in the lease contract. What is your solution to the issue?

[@swede-365]

Change car, that’s what I did

[@Ibrahim.M.]

Hello. I have exact same problems with my Mazda 6, it causes especially neck and shoulder pain. I used a rental 2020 model for 1.5 months without any problem, then bought a 2023 (they still sell it in some parts of the world). Seat shape is different, and the new one is painful for me. I try to make it acceptable with cusions, but for sure the car has not much future with me.

[@swede-365]

Sorry to hear that

[@videos1332]

Hi Swede, We just got our iX1 with the same wheels as yours. Do you notice any high frequency vibration in the steering wheel at 80-100 kmh. I don’t know if I am imagining things or if the ride is just worse with the wheels.

[@swede-365]

No such problems for me. Ask your dealer to rebalance the wheels.

[@sunseeker-yb5qt]

Same problem for me, the M-Line is therefore a no go for me.

[@nvinclined]

Thanks for your videos - Very helpful. We purchased an X1 in US. Problem we have is that the interior trimming (silver) reflects on the outside mirrors making it very difficult to see out of them. If you lower the front side windows, problem disappears. Besides putting black tape on the silver in the interior trimming, any suggestions. Right now, not safe to drive.

[@swede-365]

Sorry, not a problem I have experienced. But there are a lot of different wraps on the market that you probably can put on. Maybe a clear matte one.

[@SteveLoughran]

I just went out and checked and even on the xLine models you don't get any ability to do much with the headrest. I don't see them trying to squeeze you so much when you sit in them though. Given you'd be hard pressed to take corner the (heavy, high centre of gravity) SUV into cornering the way you could stress an i4: sport seats do really come over as an affectation. Presumably BMw had to think of all the ways to differentiate the models given the engines are identical

[@swede-365]

The i4 has really comfortable sport seats that also offers better support but it’s also a bigger car.

[@spacepig7434]

Thank you for your informative videos. 👍 Don’t know if this is an issue in right hand drive iX1/X1 due to lazy conversion from LHD (like the armrest), but has anyone noticed that when you seat dead central in the seat, with head central in the headrest, the BMW badge in the centre of the steering wheel is way out of line with things that are dead central in the cockpit display. The angles of the seat, pedal offset, and steering column are all over the place. I have sat in a different iX1 and an X1 PHEV in a showroom and they were the same as my iX1. In a RHD car, the steering wheel is not parallel to the seat base at all, and is set closer to the drivers door. Have seen one reviewer mention a slight offset, but once you see the misalignment with the cockpit display (e.g. select the driving speed in the display which gives a single central number) you can’t un-see it. Hips, shoulders, arms and eyes all pointing in slightly different directions. 🤷‍♂️

[@swede-365]

Sounds weird but as they did a cheap solution for the centre console probably they have also saved money on this. Actually there is quite a lot of cheap solutions for such an expensive “premium” car. As example the rear doors are only hard materials while the front doors are partly soft touch materials. Also the door closing sound is not that premium.

[@schaerfentiefe1967]

I tested these seats at my local BMW dealer here in Saarbrücken, Germany. I am 1,77m with a weight of 88kg. I had no problems with my legs or thighs. Also the position of the headrest seemed fine for me (I did not expect this to be fine, but it was). My problem was that the space between the sides of the backrest is too narrow for my wide chest, so these sides poked into my lower ribs! I had the same problem with several "sport" seats of other car brands (like the Ford Focus ST Mk3), so I was not surprised. I also felt a lack of lumbar support in these seats (these were not the active seats). So my wohle back was in a curved position instead of a straight position. But tilting the backrest further back helped me to sit much more comfortable!! Since my legs are quite short I could move the seat close enough to the streering wheel, so I could sit with a relaxed arm position although the backrest was tilted further back. To tilt the backrest futher back might also help you with you shoulders and the headrest....

[@swede-365]

Thank you but I have tried all possible seat positions and can’t find any that is good for me.

[@ericpratt3810]

I agree! They are awful. I have to drive with a pillow in the small of my back.

[@swede-365]

Yes, unbelievable bad!

[@sean82sylt]

I totally get it. In a few of my former BMW’s with sport seats I’ve had a tendency to get sciatica symptoms in the legs because of the way the thigh rest against the bolster. For example a recent 600 km journey in a F11 with sport seats was quite a bit painful. Never any problems in standard or comfort seats. Some sport seats were better than others. When ordering my iX1 back in september my plan was to keep it for a while, so I didn’t want to risk that the seats were uncomfortable in the long run. Therefore I opted out on the M Sport Package with the obligatory sport seats. I’ve had it now since january and no issues what so ever with the standard active seats, perfectly happy with them. 191 cm/88 kg.

[@swede-365]

As I ordered the car at launch I had no possibility to try it and never had any problems with other BMW sport seats. If I would have tried it I would definitely not chosen the M package because of the seats.

[@marcbungener1877]

Thank you for this ! noted to try them extensively prior purchase. In my current Lexus RH450h from 2011 the seats also are not so good (not for the same reasons). Prior to that I had a 550i Touring BMW with confort seats and theses were the best I ever had along with a Cadillac STS.

[@swede-365]

Best to try them before purchase.

[@arnasduskinas]

This is not M-sport seats it is just a sport seats. M-sport seats it’s totally different.

[@swede-365]

It was the only available seats for the M model up until they just recently made the M Sport seats available. Adjusted now 😊

[@pferdeschorshi]

Thanks for that. My iX! with M Sport & active seats (same as yours) arrived at dealer yesterday so I should have it next week!

[@swede-365]

Hope the seats fits you better than me

[@far_tech5555]

I totally agree with you about the upper back and headrest comfort. For me sometimes it feels very uncomfortable and sometimes OK. I had an idea to add seat pillows to fill the gap and support the neck, so it can decrease the pressure on the lower neck area. I will try to buy a pair to see if that helps. A simple adjustment in the headrest could have solved the issue which is really disappointing to not have it.

[@swede-365]

Some users have changed the head rest as I have heard. Shouldn’t be like this in a premium car!

[@alanjames6742]

I got my iX1 back at the end of April and I’ve waited for a while to give a report on the seating comfort … and thankfully my sitting position holds and I don’t have to inflate or deflate whenever I get in the car. As to the width of the seat, I’m fine with that. However, I am having dreadful problems with the app. I can no longer remotely change battery charging level, open or close the car or activate the fan to cool the car down. I think I might have to delete the app and reload thus losing all my data.

[@alanjames6742]

By app I meant the app on my iPhone.

[@pietpietergames4840]

Should have chosen the real Leather seats instead of that poor alcantara

[@swede-365]

I prefer Alcantara before leather, not so cold in the winter and hot in the summer. The design of the seats are the same in leather as I know so the problem would be the same.

[@patsun74]

But the all sensatec seats are awesome!

[@swede-365]

The design is the same as I know for all sport seats no matter if it’s sensatec, leather or alcantara.

[@pietpietergames4840]

@@swede-365 I ordered a X1 xDrive 30e (hybrid) with real leather sport seats and did not have any issues when test driving it, even though I am 1.94m tall… However, I did not option the electric seats, to make sure you can sit lower (there is no electric motor underneath the seats). Right now I own a G21 330i with real leather sport seats which are also really good.

[@swede-365]

It’s very personal which seats that is good so the important thing is to try them before. I have M440i G22 with real leather sport seats and they are excellent.

[@willparton]

Can you get the M Sport without sports seats?

[@swede-365]

Don’t think so…

[@willparton]

@@swede-365 oh dear…..do the Sport and X-Line come without sports seats?

[@patsun74]

Hur långt har du kört med bilen nu? Här är det 600 underbara mil!

[@swede-365]

1000 mil

[@patsun74]

@@swede-365 jag är sjukt nöjd! 😁

[@swede-365]

Det är bra 👍😊

[@RudolfGrimm-bv6by]

Thank you for this Video, as always your findings and comments are well focused and right on the point! I agree, the headrests have very bad ergonomics! It wouldn't be a problem if they could be adjusted in inclination! With the headrests removed, I sit perfectly in the shoulder area, with the same seat adjustment with headrests it's terrible, especially on long journeys. Did you find any solution for that? Greetings from Austria!

[@swede-365]

Thank you 🙏 I know one German guy who has taken headrests from a BMW F31 which is adjustable when it comes to depth.

[@alanjames6742]

I’m pleased you mentioned the problem of having to deflate the seat … I thought I was doing something wrong.

[@swede-365]

No it’s really a pain…every time I start the car

[@ShamanAthleticTraining]

the x1 is the most uncomfortable piece of crap ever made. period.

[@swede-365]

The comfort is surprisingly bad for a BMW

[@Titans4ever2]

BMWs are 🗑️

[@swede-365]

🥱

[@JOHNNYK202]

I've really enjoyed your videos on the X1. They have been very informative. I'm sorry to hear your seats are giving you such a hassle. I'm 180 cm and 98kg, and have the same seats and find them comfortable. I actually find the shoulder supports great because I've quite wide shoulders. On another topic, I would like to ask you about the fan speeds of the climate control. When on very low you can barely hear the fan yet when you go up only 1 step to low the fan is quite loud. I know you had some concerns with your climate controls before an update. Im just wondering is this something you've noticed and if so has the update helped? Thanks.

[@swede-365]

I have the same problem with the fan even after update.

[@JOHNNYK202]

@Swede365 Thank you for the quick reply. I was wondering should I bring my X1 back to the dealership. I find it strange that there is such difference in fan noise between very low and low. I try to leave it very low as much as possible.

[@swede-365]

Yes it’s actually very annoying. All level’s except the lowest are very noisy but the lowest is more or less useless when it comes to function. In my 440i I can easily set a good and functional level.

[@swede-365]

Another problem is that there is not a good adjustment possibility for the air vents. The degree you can turn them are extremely limited so on all level’s except the lowest you get cold air that blows on your body instead of for instance the door panels.

[@JOHNNYK202]

@@swede-365 I agree. Not much point having cool air blowing on your body.