Seat Covers

BMWIRL · 11-28-2008, 01:43 PM

Hi guys,

I bought seat covers for my 316i sedan (similar to a 318i) but I need advice on the side airbags - as I don't want to restrict their inflation should they need to. The company I bought the covers from told me they were compatible with side airbags but I don't see any opening (or slit) in the front seat cover sides.
So basically, I need to know exactly where in my seats the airbags are and if I can just leave a hole (in the covers) around them so that deployment will never be restricted.

Thanks in advance

noro · 11-28-2008, 01:51 PM

aren;t the side air bags in the pillars? the seats have no airbags... but then again I may be completely wrong.

canucklion · 11-28-2008, 01:58 PM

the side airbags are in the seats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by noro

aren;t the side air bags in the pillars? the seats have no airbags... but then again I may be completely wrong.

canucklion · 11-28-2008, 02:00 PM

just go to your car and take a look at your seats. The airbags are located at where it says "airbag" (I'm not being facetious), it's that obvious. The airbags are on the outter-side (facing the B-pillars) of each front seat

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWIRL

Hi guys,

I bought seat covers for my 316i sedan (similar to a 318i) but I need advice on the side airbags - as I don't want to restrict their inflation should they need to. The company I bought the covers from told me they were compatible with side airbags but I don't see any opening (or slit) in the front seat cover sides.
So basically, I need to know exactly where in my seats the airbags are and if I can just leave a hole (in the covers) around them so that deployment will never be restricted.

Thanks in advance

canucklion · 11-28-2008, 02:02 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189486

pics from jollerbarn's thread.

BMWIRL · 11-28-2008, 02:34 PM

Sorted! - Thanks guys and yes I noticed that tag (as in the above photo!) at the bottom of each of the front seat sides. Just wanted to be sure about the airbag location!

Next time I change my car I won't need covers because I'll have the sense (and hopefully the cash!) to get leather!

Thanks again

canucklion · 11-28-2008, 02:52 PM

an alternative to seat covers is the OEM seat vest, they're like little bibs for your front seats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWIRL

Sorted! - Thanks guys and yes I noticed that tag (as in the above photo!) at the bottom of each of the front seat sides. Just wanted to be sure about the airbag location!

Next time I change my car I won't need covers because I'll have the sense (and hopefully the cash!) to get leather!

Thanks again

noro · 11-28-2008, 03:02 PM

Ok now I know why there are a ton of wires under my seats.

canucklion · 11-28-2008, 03:09 PM

the wires are there for the electric seat control, airbag, and (if equipped) seat heater

Quote:

Originally Posted by noro

Ok now I know why there are a ton of wires under my seats.

BMWIRL · 11-28-2008, 04:18 PM

Just fitted the driver's seat cover but there's no opening/hole in the cover at the bottom of the side where the airbag is

I can't send the covers back so what options do I have apart from binning them!

Can I cut the cover a leave a flap or cut a complete hole at the side?

Any opinions appreciated

Aurora Bearialis · 11-28-2008, 09:03 PM

maybe you should look at a pic of how they look when they are deployed, might be in the manual or look online. I am gonna send this scenario into MythBusters. "If I have an airbag in my seat and a seat cover on that seat with no opening for the airbag to escape if it were deployed, will I get hurt if I am in the seat?"

BMWIRL · 11-29-2008, 12:19 PM

Just realised (D'OH!) whilst trying to fit the rear seat covers that my rear seat doesn't fold down! I didn't know (until today!) that it's an added extra you have to specify when buying the car. So does anyone know how to remove the back seat (both parts!) ? I need to be able to wrap the covers around the seat in order to get a tight fit.

Feel like banging my head against a wall at this stage!

11-28-2008, 01:43 PM	#1
BMWIRL New Member 9 Rep 19 Posts Drives: BMW 316i ES Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Seat Covers - Advice on side airbags Hi guys, I bought seat covers for my 316i sedan (similar to a 318i) but I need advice on the side airbags - as I don't want to restrict their inflation should they need to. The company I bought the covers from told me they were compatible with side airbags but I don't see any opening (or slit) in the front seat cover sides. So basically, I need to know exactly where in my seats the airbags are and if I can just leave a hole (in the covers) around them so that deployment will never be restricted. Thanks in advance
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11-28-2008, 01:51 PM	#2
noro Colonel 90 Rep 2,707 Posts Drives: '91 M3, '04 E46 ZHP, '72 2002 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	aren;t the side air bags in the pillars? the seats have no airbags... but then again I may be completely wrong. __________________ zhpregistry.net - ZHP stats and free classifieds.
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11-28-2008, 02:02 PM	#5
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189486 pics from jollerbarn's thread. __________________
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11-28-2008, 02:34 PM	#6
BMWIRL New Member 9 Rep 19 Posts Drives: BMW 316i ES Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Sorted! - Thanks guys and yes I noticed that tag (as in the above photo!) at the bottom of each of the front seat sides. Just wanted to be sure about the airbag location! Next time I change my car I won't need covers because I'll have the sense (and hopefully the cash!) to get leather! Thanks again
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11-28-2008, 03:02 PM	#8
noro Colonel 90 Rep 2,707 Posts Drives: '91 M3, '04 E46 ZHP, '72 2002 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Ok now I know why there are a ton of wires under my seats. __________________ zhpregistry.net - ZHP stats and free classifieds.
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11-28-2008, 04:18 PM	#10
BMWIRL New Member 9 Rep 19 Posts Drives: BMW 316i ES Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Just fitted the driver's seat cover but there's no opening/hole in the cover at the bottom of the side where the airbag is I can't send the covers back so what options do I have apart from binning them! Can I cut the cover a leave a flap or cut a complete hole at the side? Any opinions appreciated
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11-28-2008, 09:03 PM	#11
Aurora Bearialis ¡Barça! 168 Rep 12,042 Posts Drives: Rainbow Sandals Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [0.00]	maybe you should look at a pic of how they look when they are deployed, might be in the manual or look online. I am gonna send this scenario into MythBusters. "If I have an airbag in my seat and a seat cover on that seat with no opening for the airbag to escape if it were deployed, will I get hurt if I am in the seat?" __________________ Tate's chicken sucks!
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11-29-2008, 12:19 PM	#12
BMWIRL New Member 9 Rep 19 Posts Drives: BMW 316i ES Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ireland iTrader: (0)	Just realised (D'OH!) whilst trying to fit the rear seat covers that my rear seat doesn't fold down! I didn't know (until today!) that it's an added extra you have to specify when buying the car. So does anyone know how to remove the back seat (both parts!) ? I need to be able to wrap the covers around the seat in order to get a tight fit. Feel like banging my head against a wall at this stage!
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