[mikeythemini]

I have had mails from several USA GP owners (& normal USA Mini owners) asking if I can get Recarro seats for them.
Just wondering what the interest is.
They are very expensive - but very nice
I am looking at a container to ship them by sea - but obviously that gives me a problem of distributing them around what is a BIG country

[AprilWhine]

I'm interested in a set, but it's a weak maybe.

[rayscoopers]

I'd be interested as well..keep me in mind when prices and shipping are available. willing to travel reasonable distance to another members location to simplify shipping and maybe save some $$$.

[Chief_Charlie]

Mikey,
Can you confirm a price of 1,361 GBP ($2,590 US) per seat; and would there be shipping on top of that?

[mikeythemini]

The first price I have been quoted is £1970 per seat !!! but I have other 'irons in fires'

[Metal Man]

I am interested if they are the GP seats.

[THE ITCH]

Mickey I'm very interested depending on the price. Thanks for doing this Steve

[Shine]

Mike,

I am very interested.

[Strega]

I will be interested too, but it's based on the price. I have a client who receives regular containers from Italy and the sister company is located in UK. Having the seats shipped over by UPS or DHL will be VERY expensive.
In any case keep me in mind . I can be reached thru e-mail
lastrega@hotmail.com


Proud owner of GyPsy 0142
and Streghina MCSC

[MINIAC]

Pricing Recaros on the MINI UK configurator ...

£1350 - Seat
£ 880 - Leather
£ 190 - Heating
£ 100 - Height Adjust
-----
£2520 

Will the airbags in these seats work on US cars?

[GBMINI]

My concern is that the airbags will not work - USA seats have "load sensing" and this is unlikely to be present in the UK seats; I believe the Recaros aren't available here because they're not tested / approved for the USA airbag requirements.

It used to be that Recaros didn't have side airbags, but I think they do now?


Personally:
This is a nice option but I don't think it will work; I think the price will put many people off, and the air bag issues will put even more people off - there's only 415 USA GP owners to start with, and we only have contact with a small percentage of them.

[GeorgeGP0154]

Mike,
I am in for at least one set and maybe two for the 2nd GP.
George
gconstant@hotmail.com

[MINIAC]

These seats may be of interest to non-GP owners

I believe the airbag technology in these seats is the same as on US models built prior to July 2004.

I agree that the price will probably scare most people away

[Tder]

I would be interested dependent on costing. Also would be interested if you could source JCW/Sparco seats.

Best Regards,


Tom

Tder@harman.com

[Zoomjockey]

In monteray we were told the recaros did not meet US DOT standards.

[Jim Ray]

Quote: Originally Posted by Zoomjockey (original)

In monteray we were told the recaros did not meet US DOT standards.

So true. We were also told in Monterey that the CD changer wiring was in the GP, the hood scoop and boot handle were made of carbon fiber, and that the rear windows were tinted.

Can we spot the trend when it comes to MINI USA?

[kan2]

I live in Japan, but Can I get RECARO sheet of works GP in retorofit?

[Tonyt3]

This would have to be looked at as a modification to your car - of course it wont meet certain local standards (otherwise they'd be already fitted) and you are unlikly to be able to connect the seat airbags, even if they are fitted, as your car will not be set up for them, and doing so would brake the 'local standards' anyway.

So the seats, if fitted, will be for your own comfort only. They will not have the saftey features associated with UK cars. If you work on this basis, you wont go too far wrong.

You will have to get a BMW garage to deactivate the sensors for the airbags. Some garages may not fo this, but i understand it can be gotten round.

Mickey, do remember to order LEFT HAND DRIVE sets for the US markets (assuming the drivers seat has different adjustment functions to the passenger seat)

The standard seats are pathertic in comparison to the Recaro and Sparco type JCW seats - although standard seats do allow for 'bigger butts' to be comfortable - which I understand might have been one of the reasons these weren't offerrred as standard in the US market. (dont take offence, I had to lose 28lbs before I could comfortably fit into my JCW Sparco type seats....)

[vlkwagen]

Any news on this thread?

I would like to buy a set of these seats for my car here in the states - and since I wanna put a set of racing seats in my car anyway, I do not care if the seats are no roadlegal

Any updates?

Thanks


Anthony

[Tonyt3]

Quote: Originally Posted by vlkwagen (original)

Any news on this thread?

I would like to buy a set of these seats for my car here in the states - and since I wanna put a set of racing seats in my car anyway, I do not care if the seats are no roadlegal

Any updates?

Thanks


Anthony

Well, the model of Recaro used in the GP isn't suitable for racing anyway (no harness slots). However, the next years edition Works recaros are available to order now (through Recaro - but not badges 'Works'), and are better in terms of racing spec. Worth taking a look (very expensive though).... they are also used on the Audi RS4 and new S3 I beleive....