WTF are the M Multifunction seats on the F10 M5?

[seech]

No one, not even 'Internet', can succinctly describe the difference between the standard sports seats and the M Multifunction seats. I gather they aren't active side bolsters like the E60 M5, but is it just the addition of some lumbar adjustment? Put a deposit down on one yesterday with a lovely spec including the above.

It was standard on my C63, seems a bit odd it's an option on the M5 as my E90 M3 and even our old 1 Series in 2006 had inflatable side bolsters.

[V5Ade]

I'm not sure what the multifunction options adds, however I can confirm the standard seats have electric adjustment including inflating side bolsters.

[seech]

Thanks V5. Some BMW literature I read says that you need them if you want the seat vent or oscillating base, but doesn't say what they do over standard

[sak83]

I think the main benefit is that they offer a lot more adjustability, specifically you can tilt the upper back rest independently of the lower backrest. They are a desirable option and imo look a lot better than the standard seats.

[beanoir]

As above, a greater number of adjustments such as reclining top back rest, adjustable headrest wings and I think things like lumber adjustment are standard on them also. The upholstery is also a different pattern stitching which looks a bit nice than the plain sports seats IMO.

[SPEN555]

If you look at the basic seats like the one below they look like they are out of a 520d;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert-type...

On this one however the multi-function seats look more substantial and a premium product in comparison;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

MF Seats on LCi models also have the M logo in the headrest.

[beanoir]

Another difference, the front leg extension on the standard sport seats slides out, on the MF seats it's electrically operated and kind of un-curls in order to extend which I think is a neat touch.

[seech]

Thanks.

Knew they were a must have but surprised at the lack of info out there, especially from BMW!

[W8PMC]

A simple answer is very little. The only physical difference is as someone above mentioned, the upper section of the backrest can be adjusted on the MF seats (probably useful for hunchbacks). Other than that it's i feel pointless aspects such as the headrest wings (i like most don't tend to sleep in my car) & a couple of adjustments are electric on the MF seats but manual on the Sports seats. Having had 2 F10 M5's with the Sports seats & spent time working out if the MF seats were worth the extra money i chose both times to not tick the box.

One aspect that does give the MF seats an advantage is the look as they do visually look more appealing, but as regards comfort, form & functionality the difference is next to nothing.

Someone above also mentioned the M Logo being only on MF seats, that's totally incorrect as both seat options have the M logo in the headrest.

[beanoir]

W8PMC said:

A simple answer is very little. The only physical difference is as someone above mentioned, the upper section of the backrest can be adjusted on the MF seats (probably useful for hunchbacks). Other than that it's i feel pointless aspects such as the headrest wings (i like most don't tend to sleep in my car) & a couple of adjustments are electric on the MF seats but manual on the Sports seats. Having had 2 F10 M5's with the Sports seats & spent time working out if the MF seats were worth the extra money i chose both times to not tick the box.

One aspect that does give the MF seats an advantage is the look as they do visually look more appealing, but as regards comfort, form & functionality the difference is next to nothing.

Someone above also mentioned the M Logo being only on MF seats, that's totally incorrect as both seat options have the M logo in the headrest.

Well that's not very little really, to recap:

- Upper back rest adjustment
- Electric 4 way lumber support (£275 option on the sports seats)
- More adjustment in the headrest (quite nice to have actually)
- They're generally more comfortable (certainly were when I compared both seats back-to-back a few months ago)
- Leg rest extension doesn't leave a gaping crumb/dirt/hair receptacle beneath your thighs when extended
- Improved aesthetics

I think they all add up to be worth the extra if I'm honest, maybe not for everybody but it's hardly £800 odd pound down the pan if you're the type to benefit from the extra support and adjustment in a drivers seat. Would I pay £2,500 for them, no they're not that good but certainly £800 was worth it.

[MWM3]

A Pile of crap is what they are (although others claim they are very comfortable)...

The ones in my old M5 (new last year) caused bruising and significant pain in my back (there was nothing wrong with my back btw). I ended up getting BMW UK involved and credit to them and the dealer they helped me out of that and into my current M3 (the seats are fine in this) at no financial loss to myself.

[W8PMC]

beanoir said:

Well that's not very little really, to recap:

- Upper back rest adjustment
- Electric 4 way lumber support (£275 option on the sports seats)
- More adjustment in the headrest (quite nice to have actually)
- They're generally more comfortable (certainly were when I compared both seats back-to-back a few months ago)
- Leg rest extension doesn't leave a gaping crumb/dirt/hair receptacle beneath your thighs when extended
- Improved aesthetics

I think they all add up to be worth the extra if I'm honest, maybe not for everybody but it's hardly £800 odd pound down the pan if you're the type to benefit from the extra support and adjustment in a drivers seat. Would I pay £2,500 for them, no they're not that good but certainly £800 was worth it.

By more adjustment in the headrest, do you mean the pointless wings? The sports seats have up/down forward & back so not sure what extra adjustment one would need in a headrest?

Leg extension is a good point but i keep my car clean so not enough time to get bits in the small gap (could be a bigger gap if you have basketball players legs).

Improved aesthetics i'd agree with but for me seats are for sitting in & comfort wise i thought both were exactly the same.

Lumbar i'm not sure on as both have this so i'd assume unless a driver is of a non average height then having the lumbar up round your shoulders or down by your arse may be useful, but at an average 6ft the lumbar on the sports seats is positioned perfectly.

I thought the cost of the MF seats was more than £800, but agree if it is only that then not a huge difference & may be worth it to some.

[HoHoHo]

SPEN555 said:

If you look at the basic seats like the one below they look like they are out of a 520d;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert-type...

On this one however the multi-function seats look more substantial and a premium product in comparison;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

MF Seats on LCi models also have the M logo in the headrest.

Normal seats on an LCIi F10 M5 also have the logo on the headrest

Edited by HoHoHo on Thursday 27th October 21:53

[Wills2]

The car needs the M multi function seats a vast improvement over the standard efforts, they really lift the cabin.