Heated Seat Help

[MRH1966]

I am retro fitting heated seats to my new 2.8 auto (build date June 97). I have the switches and I have ordered the pads of fleebay.
I took the stereo out on Sunday to have a quick look to see if I could find the cable for the switches. But could not see them. Anyone who has done this got info as to where I might find them please. Cheers

 

[Jack Ratt]

I'd check under the centre console. I don't know if they are there, but as the switches on some cars are at the rear of the centre console I'd look there first

 

[MRH1966]

Thanks. I did just think of that but was hoping not to have to remove the centre console. But needs must I suppose!!

 

[5harp3y]

Without removing the console you'd be hard pressed to find them as they are often bundled up under the carpet edges

 

[Mazza]

Just fitted heat pads into my Z3, there were 4 connectors of which the switch cables are two red ones which I located buried into the carpet to the right and in front of the gear lever. I had to remove the centre console to get them out.
The wires are colour coded to show which is the drivers and which is the passenger side. I also needed a relay,
There is also a black 4 way plug under each seat which connects to the heat pads. I had to cut mine off and solder on a new mating plug as BMW won’t supply the original mating part.

With hindsight.....If you can remove one or two of the switch blanks, you may be able to hook out the bunch of wires, and save the hassle of removing the centre console

 

[MRH1966]

Thanks. I will have a go if it is still light when I get home from work. Or I'll get my son to have a look on his day off!!! I'm sure he owes me one!!!!!
Thanks for the photo @Mazza , we are just down the road from you so if you ever need any help, we have plenty of tools and experience with these cars.

 

[mrscalex]

The whole bank of switches at the rear of the centre console can be lifted out with the frame. Well you remove the switches then press out the frame. Though it's fiddly to fit the frame back. That will give you a bit more access to fish around. But not much.