Bolsters wont stop inflating

[Handy Man]

On the commute into work this morning my side bolsters decided they wanted to inflate... forever.

If I hold down the deflate side of the button, they will deflate, but as soon as I let go they pump right back up again and you can hear the pump continue to try to inflate them after they are fully inflated, and even the car is turned off. I disconnected the seat harness to save the battery and hopefully prevent any further damage from the pump running 24/7.

Anyone ever have anything like this happen before? Are the components of the seat individually replaceable (i.e. the switches, compressor, etc...) or am I going to need a whole new seat? I wonder if my EasyCare warranty will cover it.

[MikeD]

Inflate?

[schnell325]

Any other electrical issues? I had this issue with my X5, but there were other electrical issues (all related to an improper battery).

[roastbeef]

Based on the characteristics of my m3's bolsters and my girlfriend's 335d's bolsters, I would speculate that the non-m's are air, and the M bolsters are electric.
Unfortunately, I don't have a solution for you.

[Handy Man]

Originally Posted by MikeD

Inflate?

What I mean is that the bolster is constantly trying to become "tighter."

The reason I said "inflate" is because when you press the button to adjust the bolster, it adjusts by pumping air into a bladder inside the seat. Like this:




Schnell; no other electrical issues, but thanks for the idea.

[8k3]

did you drop a viagra in the seat compartment by chance? ok bad joke over

[BPMSport]

Sounds like the switch is sticking or something spilt in it at some point.

[Handy Man]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

Sounds like the switch is sticking or something spilt in it at some point.

I think that's the most likely cause. Hopefully the switch is replaceable.

[tony093]

It is most likely a bad switch...95%

[Hujan]

I had no idea the car could tighten the bolsters. Which switch does this?

[M3PO]

Originally Posted by Hujan

I had no idea the car could tighten the bolsters. Which switch does this?

The two way rocker switch. I think it's the forward most switch.

[tinman831]

Try and see if you can clean out the switch with some electrical contact cleaner.

[double_j]

Happened on my e46 m3. Easy and quick fix at the dealer but I don't know if it was a switch or something more serious (I was under warranty).

Driving the car was like getting constantly punched in the kidney until I got it fixed.

[Handy Man]

Mike was right. It was the switch.

Disassembled the switch and one side had a bunch of goo on the circuit board. It and looks like something spilled in there and it may have shorted out. Tried cleaning it without any luck, but at least its a cheap part to replace.