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      03-27-2026, 04:09 PM   #4
smokinjoe64
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Drives: e92 M3 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: OC SoCal

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2012 BMW M3  [9.75]
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Quote:
Originally Posted by narkotic View Post
Yea - I appreciate all of that but I am already aware as I found tons of topics on the whole airbag thing and how to code stuff.

I'm asking how to integrate aftermarket heated seats to a BMW heated seat interface. Do the wires that ultimately go to the OE seat simply supply different voltage to the coils, or is it more complicated. Like, do I need to keep a box behind, or can I find the pins and just connect them to give me low/med/hi
Depends on your choice of how this function to work and AM seat config.
> Model intended to install?
> Already 'compatible' ready for BMW harness?
There are options for how-to methods along with different config requirements.
For instance, Recaro CS use simple 12V heating circuits (2-stage or 3-stage depending on model/variant).
Typical options:
  1. OEM-style (retain BMW buttons & functionality)
  2. Standalone Recaro heating
  3. Hybrid (OEM buttons => aftermarket controller)
Easiest method for use of OE buttons, load handling, w/o CAN headaches:
  • Use BMW heater output to trigger relays
  • Power Recaro heaters from fused 12V
  • Keep OEM control working
    > Friends example, retained OE wiring harness from donor seat. Build custom adapter harness (don’t cut car wiring).
All said, precisely why didn't opt to carry over heated seats to Recaro's.
IMO, too much hassle - - additional direct cost increase of seats; required mods/customization efforts...living in SoCal who 'needs heat'
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e92 M3 - Interlagos Blue | Recaro GTs w/Fox Red Extended |Carbon Leather
BPM Stage II; SuperSprint: header-back, catless, nonresonated, F1s; Infinity Design CF intake; Partee Racing CF plenum; do88 coolers; Bilstein B16 kit w/EDC, monoball links; Brembo BBK; AutoSolutions SSK


Last edited by smokinjoe64; 03-27-2026 at 08:05 PM..
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