Driver side seat heater gets very hot, even at the lowest setting. Will burn my leg if left on. For this reason, the seat heater in no longer safe to use.

- Upper Marlboro , MD, USA

The contact owns a 2004 BMW X5. The contact stated that he started to smell something burning from under the driver's seat. The contact pulled over at a gas station to have the vehicle inspected. The attendant found that there was a hole under the seat from the heated seat element. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer where they replaced the heated seat element, but not the actual seat. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 89,000.

- Essex Junction, VT, USA

2004 X5, 58,000 mile. Drivers heated seat burned a hole in the leather and my left leg/buttock area was burned. I switched off the seat button, and put out the glowing leather seat fire. This burned me slightly and could have cause a serious fire. I have contacted the BMW dealer and said it would not be covered under a recall or warranty. Approx. Cost is $750 to repair. This is a serious safety issue that should be covered by manufacture. I see there is a pattern of problems with this item. Help!!

- Rutland, VT, USA

Driver side seat overheated and caused a burn to seat. When I contacted the dealer, they fixed the system but wanted to charge me approx$1000 for the seat cover. When I resisted the charge, they changed the seat cover at no charge. No previous complaints were found. Just checked your website an there seems to be a similar problem in raleigh nc. I sold the car in 2008.

- Concord, MA, USA

2004 BMW X5. Driver's side heated seat malfunctioned causing a burn in the seat and burned the pants of the driver. Contacted the BMW service center in raleigh, North Carolina where the situation will be rectified soon.

- Apex, NC, USA