[Anonymous]

Hi Guys

I took delivery of my new car yesterday and the dream has turned into a nightmare 🙁
Ive waited with anticipation ever so excited to get the new car only to find the seats are crippling me and nothing like the one i test drove whatsoever 🙁

After 1 day and around 50 miles I just feel like I want to take a pill and never wake up 🙁 Dont worry guys im not going to do anything stupid but I do feel like I am backed up against a wall “again” my Spine is falling apart and the seats sent me to bed drugged up to my limit on my meds in excruciating pain 🙁

The car I ordered was the BMW X1 Xline S Drive 18d Automatic. I can not fault the way it drives but the seats have no padding whatsoever I ordered it without Lumbar because Lumbar doesnt help me at all it just dig into my spine surgery scar and inflames it 🙁

The car i test drove was a 2018 SE model it had the same shape seats but with lumbar they told me how to switch it off and it was fine.

I was assured that the Xline would be exactly the same in seat comfort just leather and not speccing lumbar support would be the same as having it switched off on an equipped car but it clearly isnt!

It feels like it has an amount of lumbar at a fixed position that you cant turn off and although I can tell and feel that the leather is soft whats supporting it isnt 🙁

So I have a £36k car with £1k of extras I saved like mad to afford thats nothing like the one I test drove and is leaving me in crippling pain 🙁

My friend who I live with and has been my rock who is the second driver thought I might be imagining it so we swopped over and we both said hang on the passengers seat is considerably harder and more uncomfortable than the drivers seat! my outgoing Golf both seats were identical.

she often drives me around,I do still drive but you all know what its like when you get days where the pain is soo bad you just cant drive.

So I increasingly spend more time in the passengers seat.

The passegers seat nomatter how I set it I was getting severe thigh pains and back and spine pain.

That said the back of the drivers seat is more of the same as the passengers seat but at least the base seems comfortable.

So im stuck! we are back off to the dealers today 24 hours after delivery to see if anything can be done but I dont hold out much hope.

I have had this issue in the past its all down to short test drives in a car you are assured will be the same as the car you get delivered then its not!

Then Motability make you feel like a trouble maker because you signed that paperwork on order stating you are happy with the car you test drove but that is not the car you get delivered!

I just feel sick to the stomach today a car that was supposed to be a dream a car that drives beautifully rides lovely but the seats are toturing me 🙁

Would be happy to hear from other BMW X1 Xline Owners on here,hoping there is light at the end of the tunnel?

Jo

Topic

[Macca]

My wife terminated a Mokka in 2013 after 3 months due to a number of issues including seats that caused pain.

There was no fee for that but you don’t get the Good Condition Bonus, which is only fair.

The AP was returned pro rata, i.e. less the months of use we had, but just be aware, we had to run the Mokka whilst we found a replacement car. We had to pay the AP for the replacement car on delivery, and only then was the initial pro-rata’d AP returned to us once the Mokka had been returned through the second dealer.

So we basically had to put the second AP on a credit card.

Motability will advise on the options but just keep our experience in mind so that if it does play out like ours did, then it won’t come as a surprise.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Guys

Typed out a long reply earlier and managed to delete the whole thing! Doh!!

So Ill keep this short

Test drive was cloth seats,I do find the seats small too short on the base I never noticed that on the test drive 🙁

Been to BMW today they are going to consult their techs next week and if nothing can be done have spoke about possibly getting a trimmer involved? The latter seems drastic to me and i get the gut feeling could lock me into this car?

I thought if I had an options pack the money invested in that was gone?

Or thats how its worded?

As my condition has got worse i thought it would be nice to have one last fling so to speak so BMW.

Ive had nothing but Volkswagens for 12 years,yes they may be boring but I get on with them Im begining to wish i had stuck with the proverbial pair of comfy shoes……………….

Not only am I getting back pain sciatica now im getting hip and knee pain and after a 15 mile journey today I felt like my circulation had been cut off 🙁

I got out the car and my legs were like jelly 🙁

Think my best friend is a bit annoyed with me right now?

weve shared a flat for over a decade now nothing other that company for each other,think of us like Hinge and Bracket LOL!

She has my best interests at heart but I think she thinks im not giving the car a chance? She has run me around to dealers for months now and it seems like im giving up without even trying 🙁

But I am in real discomfort and pain,we are going to my parents up norf for a few days tomorrow, pre arranged rooms booked cant just back out I think this may be make or break with the car?

Cant and dont want to back out now im looking forward to seeing my Mum and Dad but only have that car to take 🙁

I have promised i will return Motabilitys call tomorrow as I missed it today 🙁

[Macca]

Can only speak as we find but we have found Hyundai’s seats to be very comfortable, and if heat is beneficial to you then my wide considers that the heaters in their seats are in exactly the right place to soothe the lower back.

Should you end up having to change the car the Tucson Premium SE is well worth a look and its loaded with kit too.

[joss]

Menorca Mike wrote:

Joss how are your seats ?

Menorca Mike. My BMW X2 is the sports version and I also took the sports pack. Regarding the seats I find suit me very well. I am not a small chap it has to be said but I find the sport seats very comfortable for me. I however do not have back problems.

Yes the seats are firm initially but soon bed in. The lumbar support is electronic while everything else is manually adjusted seat wise. It;s fair to say it took a bit of fiddling to get things just right.

I am more than happy with the sport seats.

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[Mike]

Spinab,

If your options pack was a paid optional extra, it sadly won’t be refunded if you return the car. All you get back is the pro-rata AP. As someone above has said this is only refunded after you collect and pay the AP on your next car.

Motability may waive the £250 early termination fee on your BMW, however that is at their discretion.

I would be wary about having the BMW seats ‘re-trimmed’ though. You maybe just better obtaining a different vehicle that meets your needs. Then perhaps extending the lease on it so you have 5 years motoring in a much more suitable vehicle.

Mike

 

 

[Anonymous]

Getting a little confused here as Joss said I could get pro rata on extras added but the last post says I cannot 🙁

Feelsick to the stomach we have been arguing since the car arrived!

Can’t afford to loose the extras payment but if I had to I had to.

My Friend seems to think it can be sorted out by the dealer I’m not to sure as I’m starting to realise even if they were softer I still can’t get comfortable in any position in those seats

 

 

[Winston]

No you def don’t get back any money pro rata or not on any options , I know this because I had to hand back my first Mota car and lost that side of things

check with Mota and they will tell you the same thing

hope you find a soloution ✋?

[joss]

Apologies to you spinaB. it seems that I have gave bad information with regards to pro-rata payments on paid for extras. However, I believe I am correct with regards to Pro-rata payments on the Advanced payments.

I have read through the mobility contract again. All that mentions is the admin cost of £ 250.00 for early termination of agreement.

It is such a gray area, that with out talking to mobility directly is the only way to find out.  Please call them and let us know what they say. Once again my apologies.

This is from the contract.

16 Contract Hire Agreement | Terms and Conditions Contract Hire Agreement | Terms and Conditions 17 motability.co.uk motability.co.uk16. When you may end this Agreement16.1 You may terminate this Agreement if:16.1.1 at any time we are in default of any of our main obligations under this Agreement; or16.1.2 you or the Disabled Person (as the case may be) cease to be entitled to receive or deal with an Allowance; or16.1.3 you request that this Agreement be terminated and we (in our sole discretion) agree to such termination either in writing or verbally.16.2 In order to terminate this Agreement under Clause 16.1 you will give us not less than 14 days’ written notice and, in the case of default by us in the performance of our obligations, we will have the opportunity to remedy the default.16.3 At any time after the end of the Minimum Hire Term referred to in this Agreement, you may terminate this Agreement by giving us not less than 14 days’ written notice.16.4 In the event of termination by you:if we or our claims agent determine that it is not economic to repair any damage.15.2 In order to terminate this Agreement under Clause 15.1, we will give you not less than 14 days’ written notice and, in the case of a default by you in the performance of your obligations, during that period, you will have the opportunity to remedy the default.15.3 At any time after the end of the Minimum Hire Term, we may terminate this Agreement by giving you not less than 14 days’ written notice.15.4 Any termination shall not affect our respective rights under this Agreement prior to termination, nor our respective obligations, which are intended to continue after such termination.15.5 If we terminate this Agreement because you are in breach of any of your main obligations, then:15.5.1 you will no longer have permission to keep possession of the Vehicle or Replacement Vehicle without our permission;15.5.2 we will be entitled to take back the Vehicle or Replacement Vehicle;15.5.3 you must use reasonable efforts to return the Vehicle or Replacement Vehicle to a place directed by us as 15. When we may end this Agreement (continued)soon as possible at your own expense together with, where applicable, the Certificate of Motor Insurance, all keys (or equivalent) and the current “MOT” test certificate in respect of the Vehicle or Replacement Vehicle (if applicable);15.5.4 you will still be required to pay any amounts which have become payable to us at the date of termination but which have not been paid; and15.5.5 you will also be responsible for any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by us in relation to recovery and, pending any sale of the Vehicle, storage of the Vehicle, including, but not limited to, solicitor’s fees, agent’s fees and towing and storage charges.15.6 If we take back the Vehicle and it contains property owned by you or someone else we will write to you. You must then collect it within 21 days of the date of the letter, or such longer period we may agree with you. If you do not do this we may destroy this property or sell it on your behalf even if you do not own the property. We will pay to you the sale price, less any amounts payable by you under this Agreement. If you do not own the property, you will be responsible for any claim made against us by the owner.
16 Contract Hire Agreement | Terms and ConditionsContract Hire Agreement | Terms and Conditions 17motability.co.ukmotability.co.uk16. When you may end this Agreement (continued)17. Your responsibility for Interest 17.1 If any sum payable under this Agreement is not paid by its due date, we may require you to pay us interest at the rate of 2 percent per annum above the base lending rate of HSBC Bank plc. accruing daily from the date for payment until the payment is received by us, whether before or after any judgment which may be awarded against you.16.4.1 you must return the Vehicle to a place directed by us which is within a reasonable distance of the dealer from whom you collected the Vehicle, together with where applicable the Certificate of Motor Insurance, all keys (or equivalent), the handbook, the service record book and the current “MOT” test certificate in respect of the Vehicle;16.4.2 you must pay to us an administration fee of £250.00; 16.4.3 you must pay to us any amounts due under this Agreement (including, but not limited to, any Excess Mileage Payment, any insurance policy excess, any unpaid Loss and Damage Excess and any amounts in respect of repairs to the Vehicle and reinstating the Vehicle following modifications or adaptations);16.4.4 you will continue to be responsible in respect of Rental Instalments until the termination date and to pay to us any other amounts which have become payable to us at the date of termination but which have not been paid;16.4.5 pending any sale of the Vehicle, you will be responsible for and pay to us any costs and expenses incurred by us in respect of the storage of the Vehicle. We may, at our discretion, waive the payment of all or part of the sum due in appropriate circumstances

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[Just2Fish]

I lost a lot of extras payment (nearly £3000) when Vauxhall messed up my order so I had to find an available car fast, a wonderful Golf, but had to change that after just months when my condition deteriorated and I needed a big car. The loss was on the Golf. Now I’m happy with my Alhambra Xcellence but have to change again after just a few months to another Xcellence because my condition is worse again and I need a hoist, and, of course, the AP has risen. Motability’s system didn’t allow for just adding a hoist to my existing Alhambra – that’s daft. Fortunately, as the Xcellence comes with everything, I’m not losing on extras this time. Motability have been brilliant, mainly, they’ve let me switch twice within months, they will try to help, but a switch may cost you. With empathy.

[BionicRusty]

I truly hope you get sorted SpinaB.

I have an X1 with std seats and I find them perfect. That said, I do have major issues with my legs and back and long seats cause major pain and makes driving n some cars impossible . For me I love that they are quite short. I have one leg about 3 1/2 inches shorter than the other so long seats are a no-no. I did have to pay a lot to get electric seats as I can’t get in and out without them but on the whole I love them. Seems I’m in a minority here. ?‍♂️

? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?

[Abercol]

First thing my wife said when we test drove the X1 was “My god, these seats are awful, its off the list” Same for the Gran Tourer we then went out in, the Gran Tourer had their normal seats, the X1 the sport seats, I found both to be too small, unsupportive, hard as a rock and just plain bad.

The S-Max on the other hand, I drove from Aberdeen to Bristol, then back to just past Manchester in one day last month, not a twinge. Bliss. Nearly as good as my old V70 which had the best seats I ever sat in. No wonder I kept it 8 years.

 

 

In life, it's not who you know that's important, it's how your wife found out.

[Macca]

Tried both the X1 and the Active Tourer in the showroom. Told us all we needed to know. We didn’t take it any further.

[Stuart]

Same reason we discounted the BMW range. Found all the seats to be just too hard, also the reason we had to hand back our 3008 as the seats in that were the same although that only showed up after a few months of use and it was due to the fact the seats are stitched right down the middle which over time becomes very uncomfortable. The tiguan we have now is sublime and the massage drivers seat is brilliant, however the comfiest seats by far have to go to the Audi Q3 we had, those were like armchair comfort.

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Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate trim
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Loves 3D printing & Plastic model kits
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[POPS]

I have a BMW X1 Xline and had to pay extra to add electric sports seats as the standard seat was too short and gave no thigh support. (the sports seat has an extendable thigh bolster)

I currently sit in the rear seat (passenger side) with the arm rest down as I find this the most comfortable place to travel any distance (I have spinal nerve damage as well as other problems). It might be worth a try SpinaB. I know it may sound like second best, but the rear seating compartment of an X1 provides a really comfortable and pleasant ambience.

I’m fortunate to have two ‘named drivers’ which means I’ve got a driver on call most of the time.

[JS]

POPS wrote:

I’m fortunate to have two ‘named drivers’ which means I’ve got a driver on call most of the time.

Two Drivers- back passenger seat- Don’t tell me one is called Geeves and the Other James I don’t think my sides would take it,  “Home James and don’t spare the horses, oh and have Geeves have the Hot Tub Ready for my Return”

lol your making me jealous Pops I’ve got to do the Bingo Run tonight and I’m sure if they had thier way the 3 of them would have me wearing a suit and Cap

[POPS]

I didn’t mean to sound like a toff JS. I’m lucky that two of my sons are able to find time as and when I need them. “James” (really!) lives three doors down from me, lol. …. life ain’t bad …. another of my sons keeps the hot tub shipshape and bubbling for the rest of us.

 

 

[JS]

Ha ha brilliant.

[Jerry]

I have a BMW X1  2017 with leather seats had no trouble with them but I called into BMW the other day and the dealer told me they have a lot of complaints about the seats on the X1 so they know they have a problem with the seats.

[Anonymous]

Just got back home from a visit to see my parents its been orginised for months so had to go regardless and the X1 was all we had !
Been a few hundred miles in it now and it was terrible as others have said the seat bases are just too short and way too hard!
Went into a VW Dealers today to prove concept and sit in a Golf like I had the seats are both wider and longer why oh why didnt i just get another Golf? Its a mess wish i could turn the clock back and undo this 🙁
As Pops says on reflection to have a fighting chance id need the knee support but that said because of my back issues i would need the non sports seat back half of each seat a seat that doesnt exist 🙁

Theres inches of padding in VW Seats and I doubt even 1 inch in the BMW seats I just liken them to a barely upholstered park bench 🙁

Where I have been ive had terrible phone reception so I will ring motability tomorrow.

The verdict has now come back from the dealers they are backtracking and have washed their hands of me after 72 hours of ownership are now backing out of any help they offered and have told me to just sit on a towel in a £36k car!!!!

So if I sit on towels they will push me further off an already too short base……………………

Eitherway I will ring motability tomorrow who knows with the good condition bonus (my handback was spotless) It might soften the blow of the extras pack.

Think its obvious I cant go on with this car but where i go from here I dont know as I cannot get a Golf no they are no longer on the scheme 🙁

[Philjb]

Use a towel are they for real?

[Mark]

Hi

A few years ago I got a VW SV in SE trim with “comfort seats” within several days I found just sitting in the driver’s seat very uncomfortable. My previous car had been a Seat Altea XL in SE trim and the seats were never any problem. I took the car back to VW and informed them of the problem, two days later I watched a mechanic remove the seat and fit a new foam seat base. The result was the seat was now comfortable. In my case the foam base was faulty.

[Anonymous]

Just to let you all know there has been a solution but sadly the solutionwill loose me £1000 🙁

Obviously I cannot get back the optional extra payment but today Motability have agreed to let me terminate if I so wish to ?

They have also waived the £250 cancellation fee and rounded my good condition bonus up to help 🙂

Motability also informed me that I could of tried the car on the day before entering the pin and rejected it then.

Instead the salesperson steamrollered me into a seat and made me sign everything over before getting the car for me 🙁

Its amazing what you find out later………………………………..

We are currently having a domestick here though as its been made clear Sam (My Friend/Flatmate/Carer delete as applicable) is not happy its going back.

Deep down I want another Volkswagen and thats causing a row 🙁

Dealership I went to for years has really gone down hill but to me though boring VW are a comfortable pair of shoes

Will keep you all posted

Thank you for all your support and advice you have been brilliant 🙂

[Macca]

Dare I say, Sam is not leasing the car, you are. Its your decision surely? If they are a good friend/carer surely they would want you to be as comfortable and psin free as possible?

Sounds like its played out similar to our situation 6 years ago. Shame about losing the grand, but i guess sometimes we learn hard lessons.

What I didn’t appreciate was that you could take the car out on delivery to the dealership, and still reject it if not happy with the choice. Good to know.

Best of luck with finding a replacement.

[BigDave]

Anonymous wrote:

Just to let you all know there has been a solution but sadly the solutionwill loose me £1000  Obviously I cannot get back the optional extra payment but today Motability have agreed to let me terminate if I so wish to ? They have also waived the £250 cancellation fee and rounded my good condition bonus up to help  Motability also informed me that I could of tried the car on the day before entering the pin and rejected it then. Instead the salesperson steamrollered me into a seat and made me sign everything over before getting the car for me  Its amazing what you find out later……………………………….. We are currently having a domestick here though as its been made clear Sam (My Friend/Flatmate/Carer delete as applicable) is not happy its going back. Deep down I want another Volkswagen and thats causing a row  Dealership I went to for years has really gone down hill but to me though boring VW are a comfortable pair of shoes Will keep you all posted Thank you for all your support and advice you have been brilliant

 

At least you can start to look afresh now and hopefully find a vehicle (VW or otherwise) which will be more suitable for your particular disability.

The only potential downside (other than losing the £1k on your optional extras on your BMW) is that you will keep the uncomfortable BMW until your next vehicle arrives. Hence, it could be worthwhile trying to find a dealer who has pre-built stock, rather than wait many months for a ‘new build’ to arrive, as has been the case with some VAG cars of late. Okay, you don’t get a full choice of colours or extras, but you could be driving away in a more comfortable vehicle a lot quicker than waiting for a factory built order.

It is not always easy trying to ‘test out’ your new car with a sales person hovering over you wanting to get you to input your PIN on vehicle collection day,  but remember you are the customer and stuff the salesman/woman. Only enter your PIN when you are satisfied with the vehicle.

Dave

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Just to let you all know there has been a solution but sadly the solutionwill loose me £1000 Obviously I cannot get back the optional extra payment but today Motability have agreed to let me terminate if I so wish to ? They have also waived the £250 cancellation fee and rounded my good condition bonus up to help Motability also informed me that I could of tried the car on the day before entering the pin and rejected it then. Instead the salesperson steamrollered me into a seat and made me sign everything over before getting the car for me Its amazing what you find out later……………………………….. We are currently having a domestick here though as its been made clear Sam (My Friend/Flatmate/Carer delete as applicable) is not happy its going back. Deep down I want another Volkswagen and thats causing a row Dealership I went to for years has really gone down hill but to me though boring VW are a comfortable pair of shoes Will keep you all posted Thank you for all your support and advice you have been brilliant

Sorry to hear about your experiences with the X1. My wife and I have had an X1 for 3 years now. My wife (who has MS) finds the seats OK for her, it’s me (the driver ) who struggles with them. They’re OK for short journeys but we just did a trip up to Speyside (from Leeds) and I arrived pretty tired and sore. Our previous car was a VW CC and we did a trip to Devon. We both arrived fresh as a daisy after that one. Seats are like chalk and cheese. We have struggled with the car over the years because as my wife’s leg strength has dwindled I’ve struggled to get her in the car due to the small door opening. The doors don’t open very wide either. Other than these issues it’s been a bloody good car.

We were going to order a Mazda 6 Tourer as out next car. The seats are gorgeous in that car, and it’s a lot easier to get my wife into, but as per usual for us, the bloody car was taken off the scheme! So we went back to see Steve Thompson at VW JCT600 in Bradford (Steve and this dealer are superb) and are ordering a VW Passat Estate. Luckily this car was put back on the scheme. An absolute joy to be back in a VW – they are always seen as boring but they do their job so well.

 

I know the Golf is off the scheme, but have you thought about a Passat as your next car? Or if you want a Golf sized car, the Mazda 3 has very comfortable seats and is a lovely car to be in.

[Author]

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