[punkeyfunky]

Hi all.

I did a search and just read this thread:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=23577
...all abour replacement seats and airbags. However, it didn't answer my questions, hence, new thread

I just ordered new Corbeau seats, as the standard BMW ones actually make my butt hurt after an hour. Thats not good when I commute two hours each way, every day!

My dealer is saying that they only have the codes to disable the passenger airbags (head & side), and not the drivers side airbag, and not the pretensioners.

This means that when I switch on after a seat change, the airbag light will be on, since the system has detected a fault, and therefore *no* airbags will work.

Has anyone managed to work around this? I mean, I'd like to have the driver/passenger airbags working (hard coded to be on) and the side airbags hard coded to be off, since the factory seats and their airbags are coming out).

Dealer says that BMW won't give them the codes to be able to effect the airbag deactivation as I want it.

I suspect there is a fudge somewhere to 'utilise' the connectors under the seat, but I've not found anything here...

I guess I could go playing with my multimeter and the connector blocks, but as I'm no electronics wiz, I don't think I'll get very far...

What are other owners doing? Living with no airbags?

Lee

[Dark Silver S]

Consider getting four- or five-point harnesses instead of bags.

[punkeyfunky]

Originally posted by Dark Silver S
Consider getting four- or five-point harnesses instead of bags.

Hmmm. I like the idea, but I've got *no* idea where they'd be anchored. Hows that work then?

Lee

[Albert]

Check out this seat how-to thread for solutions to the airbag dilemma: Seats

[Phat_Mini]

Hi

I have fitted Cobra Seats in my mini and had it retrimmed a year ago and as i am aware there is no way round the air bag light at the moment, in the pic below the guy with blue cobra seats got a letter from BMW direct and they voided all his warranty, my dealers fine

Phat

[Phat_Mini]

pic

[Dark Silver S]

Quote:

Originally posted by punkeyfunky
Originally posted by Dark Silver S
Consider getting four- or five-point harnesses instead of bags.

Hmmm. I like the idea, but I've got *no* idea where they'd be anchored. Hows that work then?

Lee

I was looking at one online ad for four-point belts, and it appeared that they had anchored them to the two front lap points and the two rear lap points.

[punkeyfunky]

Quote:

Originally posted by Albert
Check out this seat how-to thread for solutions to the airbag dilemma: Seats

Ooooh I like that! I'll have to consider giving that a try!

I don't know if it'll work with the sensor pad for the passenger side, but I'll try it anyway.

Thnx

Lee

[punkeyfunky]

I didn't get any joy from the dealer, even though they originally said that disabling the airbags would be 'no problem'.
So, I called BMW Customer Service and explained my position, so see if they'd respond to a 'reasonable' request (being polite can get you a long way...).
I emailed everything in yesterday, just waiting for a response...

Lee

[punkeyfunky]

Nothing firm back from BMW yet. Dude says I could wire a resistor in series (like we already knew) but is waiting for more details from BMW.
Personally, I'm not sure whether they are paying any attention to it at all...

Anyway, new Corbeau seats are due to arrive tomorrow (after much harrassment of Halfords, but thats another story), so I'll be fitting[1] them this weekend.

Lee

[1] Make that 'trying' to fit them...

[punkeyfunky]

BMW responded (at last). Asked for my dealer details, and said that 'Germany are ready now', whatever that means.

I'll waiting further details... fingers crossed they'll sort it.

[OZChris]

There's an excellent article on MCO about installing new seats.

Here's the link:

http://www.minicooperonline.com/modu...c&topic=5593&0

Good luck and please post some pics.

Chris

[punkeyfunky]

Quote:

Originally posted by ccsmini
There's an excellent article on MCO about installing new seats.

Here's the link:

http://www.minicooperonline.com/modu...c&topic=5593&0

Good luck and please post some pics.

Chris

I've seen that one; it's going to be my 'fitting' guide.

I'm hanging on to see what BMW do about the airbag thing, so that I won't have to faff about with resistors/wire etc.

But I'll definately post pics

Lee

[FastLaneTuning]

Oh lord, here comes my biased response of the day.....

punkeyfunky:

You said that you were uncomfortable in the STOCK seats? Prepare for a beating if you spend any more than 30 mins while 'resting' on Corbeau's. Our corporation sold almost $20,000 worth of Corbeau seats and accessories. I PERSONALLY have had two different sets of Corbeau seats (both Carrera's - now called CR-1's). I couldn't stand the first set any longer, so I gave in and bought Sparco Torino's. I had them in my Honda, then when I got ready to sell the car, I took my Torino's out of the car and put CR-1's back in (I sold my stock seats, so I needed something to go in it to sell!)

My business partner who had the account with Corbeau told me when I ordered the Corbeau's the first time that Sparco's aren't worth almost twice as much per seat - they were made out of 'the same stuff,' as he was told. Have you ever heard the phrase 'you get what you pay for in life?' IT APPLIES WITH SEATS!

I drive 8 hours from home to school whenever I travel back to my parent's house. I almost had to go to a doctor after driving home with the Corbeau's, but I had NO PROBLEMS when I got home with the Sparco's. Coincidence? I think not.....

Sorry for raining on your parade, if I did. I just want to give the best advice I know how to give, considering we said a few choice words to the stuck-up people at Corbeau. Just to let you know, we have sent in a letter to Corbeau complaining about 1) their customer service, 2) the fact that their brackets never fit right the first time in ANY car we installed them in, and 3) the fact that they didn't care that we sold so many seats and accessories for them, they still treated us like dirt and on our last order - MY order for MY seats - they screwed me over on the brackets and wouldn't return them.

My 2 cents..... take it for what it's worth!

[punkeyfunky]

Quote:

Originally posted by FastLaneTuning
Oh lord, here comes my biased response of the day.....

Heh, be my guest - I'm glad to hear from someone who's as opinionated as I am!

Quote:

You said that you were uncomfortable in the STOCK seats?

Oh yeah; but then that could be related to my old inuries from my BIG crash of 5 years ago. I survived - just. But my nerves are all in a real mess.

Quote:

Prepare for a beating if you spend any more than 30 mins while 'resting' on Corbeau's. Our [snip] seats (both Carrera's - now called CR-1's).

Aka 'targa sport' here in the UK.

Quote:

[snip]
My business partner who had the account with Corbeau told me when I ordered the Corbeau's the first time that Sparco's aren't worth almost twice as much per seat - they were made out of 'the same stuff,' as he was told. Have you ever heard the phrase 'you get what you pay for in life?' IT APPLIES WITH SEATS!

I see where you are going... Yes, they Corbeau's are cheap in comparison to other makes. I'd originally put that down to the fact the Sparco are more aligned with the racing/track world and spill over into road products, and Corbeau are more targetted at the road use/modified production cars area.

Quote:

I drive 8 hours from home to school whenever I travel back to my parent's house. I almost had to go to a doctor after driving home with the Corbeau's, but I had NO PROBLEMS when I got home with the Sparco's. Coincidence? I think not.....

I think I'll be diplomatic here... The production Cooper seats give me sooo much pain after an hour, I am ready to sell the car...

So, I figure that I'll take a chance on the Corbeau's as I hope that they'll be better comfort-wise than the production seats.

I guess it's mostly down to personal preference - for example, I prefer to be held tightly in a seat (like I am in my Supra), with soft seats (not the hard ones, like the Cooper).

I'll try them out and see how it goes.

Quote:

Sorry for raining on your parade, if I did.

Hell no... a bit of a rant is always good to get the boards jumping

Quote:

I just want to give the best advice I know how to give, considering we said a few choice words to the stuck-up people at Corbeau.

It's appreciated.

Quote:

Just to let you know, we have sent in a letter to Corbeau complaining about

1) their customer service,

I'm right with you there. Halfords ordered them from Corbeau. I was told they'd be in within a week. 3 weeks later and I'm still waiting, and Corbeau keep making excuses to Halfords. Still, if they aren't here this Friday, I'll be getting a full refund from Halfords. I might end up with Sparco's after all

Quote:

2) the fact that their brackets never fit right the first time in ANY car we installed them in, and

I read this another thread about fitting CR1's. I'll take my chances and hope that there isn't too much work involved.

Quote:

3) the fact that they didn't care that we sold so many seats and accessories for them, they still treated us like dirt and on our last order - MY order for MY seats - they screwed me over on the brackets and wouldn't return them.

I think this is an affliction that affects a great majority of "tuning" or "modification" companies.
My nearest shop, AutoXS (Paul M will know this place) have always been miserable, and didn't respond to any of my three separate enquires. I'll not ever go back. I look at it as their loss, as I was looking at around £1000 on wheels for the Supra.

If I find a company that I like, that responds to my questions, and doesn't give me any crap - I'll stick with them.

Maybe we should set-up our own shop?

Quote:

My 2 cents..... take it for what it's worth!

10-4 ; thanks for that.

FastLaneTuning? You ship internationally?

Lee

[FastLaneTuning]

punkeyfunky:

I swear, it is because of people like yourself that make buying this new car of mine so much more enjoyable. If I were to make a similar post like that directed towards someone with a Honda or Mazda or whatever else in the world of imported vehicles to the US, they would have taken all this offense to me saying what I said. I appreciate your diplomacy in this regard, it is very welcoming.

Good luck with your experience. My apologies for sounding like a know-it-all, I did not realize you also own a SUPRA. Of course, I'm the 21 year old with this car as his only real asset, and I'm trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about in the real world with REAL people (not the 17 year old kids I have to put up with all the time asking for 'Altezza tail lights' for their 94 Accord....), who have REAL assets. I hope that everything works out for you in this project - and I REALLY hope that these seats work out so that you don't get rid of this wonderful car!

I have PM'ed you on our international shipping policy. The last time I said ONE WORD about my business on this messageaboard, a moderator (not Paul) deleted my post, which is pretty unfortunate. They also stated that they would be forwarding my complaint to Paul Mullett, but I have yet to hear anything back, thus I will be finishing this part of the conversation through a PM.

We shall keep in touch!

[punkeyfunky]

Well.... I have to admit, FastLaneTuning was right; all predictions (except the comfort thing) came true.

Corbeau officially suck.

Picked up the seats on Friday. Got them out and...

1) one seat has the 'headrest' part bent, due to the way it's been packed
2) both seats have marks on them. Not bad marks, but not what I expect.

Spent most of saturday faffing about trying to get the frames to fit. Not a chance; they just don't fit. I did explicitly state that this was for an 03 car (not the different fit 02 car) and I think I've still got the 02 frames.

Went back to retailer on Sunday morning (Halfords), and they were very helpful & understanding. They are going to call Corbeau and ask them WTF is going on.

Deal is, that I get the correct frames by Friday, otherwise everything goes back for full refund. If that happens, I'll look at Sparco's or Cobra's instead.

Oh, and to top it all, the "resistor in the airbag connector" fudge didn't work, so the airbag light is now on.

A pretty frustrating weekend all in all.

So, I guess this should be a heads up to other MINI folks. If you are looking at Corbeau's - think twice, and be prepared for lots of grief & hassle.

Pah...



Lee

[FastLaneTuning]

punkeyfunky:

I know you wouldn't want someone to tell you 'I told you so' at a time like this, so I won't be the one to do that.

It is unfortunate, however, that Corbeau still can't get it right. Funny thing that this came up with your seats, because of what I was doing last night around 7PM.....

I got to see my 'old' car again last night. I recently sold my 1998 Honda Accord EX-V6 Coupe so that I can purchase the MINI. I sold it to a 17 year old kid, I 'rented' him the Sparco Torino seat I had in there prior to trying to get the car sold. I had both Corbeau's in my possession, along with both brackets and both 3 point double release harnesses - quite honestly the ONLY thing Corbeau ever did right. The harnesses are just about as good as the Sparco model with the 2nd buckle behind the seat so you can move it forward without undoing the bolts in the harnesses behind the seats, but at about half the price. I DO infact recommend these harnesses, just not the seats!!!

So here's what had happened. I went to install the Corbeau passenger side seat in May, and it wouldn't go in - just as you described it didn't in your case. I took the car home and tried to do it, and worked on it for about an hour. Nothing.... So I used one of the most important tools necessary to work on a car - the BFH. Note that the first word of the acronym is BIG and the last word is HAMMER, you should be able to figure out the middle one.

While positioning the bracket on the ground, I used the BFH to bend one of the brackets backwards and inwards so that it would finally line up - this took another 2 hours. The bracket finally went it, but only have 3 hours worth of 'adjustments.' The driver's side seat was not so easy - if you call that easy. While trying to do the same thing, I actually BROKE the misaligned bracket and was therefore SOL. I reinstalled the Sparco driver's side seat, and had my business partner who deals with Corbeau try and work something out with them.

That was in MAY. They never returned his calls, people in their office went on vacations, and he could not get a hold of anyone who could help him with this problem. We just needed them to pay for the shipping to return the broken, misaligned bracket, and send us a new one! They wouldn't do it. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, we couldn't take it anymore from Corbeau....

My business partner just sent me back the bracket. It was welded by a guy who welds and repairs BOATS. I got it on friday, and installed it into my old Honda last night, so I could get my beloved Sparco seat out of that 17 year old's hands, and back into mine. The bracket that was broken was replaced with a custom fabricated one with a shorter stock, so that it would line up with the holes a little better. I only had to hit it 4 times lightly with a rubber mallot, and it went right in the car.

For everyone else reading this....

DO YOU WANT TO GO THROUGH THE SAME THING? I sure hope not... Buy a Sparco, save yourself some SERIOUS aggrevation and time! It might be more money, but in the long run, the seats are MUCH more comfortable to sit in, they install RIGHT in the car because the people at Wedge Engineering (who strangely enough make BOTH Corbeau and Sparco brackets, along with just about everyone else's too) actually took the time for the nicer seats. When I was removing the Sparco from my 'old' car last night, and comparing the brackets to that of the Corbeau's that I gave the kid, I could not believe how nice the Sparco's were. Its seriously like night and day....

Not to sound rude towards punkeyfunky or anything, but honestly people, I hope everyone learns a lesson by this unfortunate incident. I wish him luck with this situation, and you are certainly lucky you bought them from a store and not directly like I did - at least the store will be the one to take the hit if they can't get the brackets to fit, and not YOU directly like it was for ME!

Please keep me (and everyone else, of course) informed on how everything goes. Good luck with everything, I hope you get more comfortable seats than the stock ones that were giving you trouble before!

[punkeyfunky]

No offense taken on my part. I'd already bought the seats etc when your warning came up.

If even one person here on MINI2 thinks twice about the Corbeau farce, then it's probably worth it.

I'm still awaiting further contact from Corbeau. Retailer agreed that if I don't have a good solution by Friday, everything goes back and I get refund. Then I go buy Sparco's or Cobra's.

Roll on Friday...



Lee

[goin440]

Anyone ever watch a five-year old get a kick outta picking their nose and eatting it. LMAO! When its "all gone," they are somewhat upset even. LMAO!

See this thread about resisters and airbag lights.