Hi-

I'm looking at a 2002 530 e39 with the sport seats. The outside seat base bolster is broken down, and I've heard this is a somewhat common problem. How's BMW been about covering this failure under warranty? I know Audi is quick to deny coverage for something like that.

Thanks...

Get them to replace it as a part of the deal. If it is the pastic seat trim that runs along the side of the seat and houses all of the seat adjustment buttons then they come as a set, driver and passenger, and it is not very expensive from Pacific BMW or Crevier BMW.

I was thinking more along the lines of getting the price worked down than getting them to replace it, since it's at an independant dealer. It's not the plastic trim, it's the actual bolster that's flattened down. The PO was probably some lazy fat-ass, which leaves me wondering about the car in general. I'll probably pass, although the car may go pretty cheap ($27K 36K mile car).