Massage seats have always been a popular feature in luxury vehicles, and we’ve seen them in cars like the BMW 7 Series for generations. BMW has expanded the massage seat option to more of its range, and right now, massage seats are available on almost 20 models.
Across the BMW range, some models feature massage seats as standard, and some include them as optional extras at a cost. With BMW’s range of packages, you will often find the massage seat option included in either the Executive pack or the Luxury Seating pack.
What are BMW massage seats?
BMW massage seats allow you to activate several different massage settings for the driver or front passenger. Depending on your BMW model, the massage controls feature options such as ‘upper body activation’ and ‘back massage’ to target different areas. You can also select the massage intensity level.
How to access massage seats on your BMW
On the latest BMW iDrive system, you can access the massage seat settings on your infotainment screen. By clicking the seat control button (usually located on your door), this opens the seat comfort screen on your iDrive system.
From there, you can select the different massage programs and set the intensity level.
Which BMW Models have massage seats?
Now that we’ve covered an introduction to how you operate massage seats in a BMW let’s look at those models that include massage seats as a feature.
Which BMW models have massage seats as standard?
In the current BMW lineup, the below models have massage seats as standard:
- XM
- i7 M70
- iX M60
As expected, only a small handful of BMW models have massage seats included without any extra costs. The XM SUV, i7 M70, and iX M60 all start at over $100,000, and for that price, you expect most features to be standard.
Which BMW models have massage seats as an optional extra?
In addition to those BMW models with massage seats as standard, there are a few more BMWs with the option to add massage seats. In the current range, these vehicles give you the option to add massage seating:
- X5 50e
- X5 M60i
- X5 M
- X6 M60i
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- 740i
- 760i
- 750e
- i7 e50
- i7 x60
- iX 50
Across these models, some cars have massage seats as an extra, and some require you to purchase a package with massage seats.
How much does the massage seat feature cost?
The cost of adding massage seats varies across the BMW model range. For some models, you can add massage seats as a standalone option, and for other vehicles, it comes as part of a wider package.
- X5 50e – $1,000
- X5 M60i – $1,000
- X5 M – $3,100 (part of the Executive Pack)
- X6 M60i – $1,000
- X6 M – $3,100 (part of the Executive Pack)
- X7 40i – $3,950 (part of the Executive Pack)
- X7 M60i – $2,100 (part of the Executive Pack)
- 740i – $1,000
- 760i – $1,000
- 750e – $1,000
- i7 e50 – $1,000
- i7 x60 – $1,000
- iX 50 – $3,750 (part of the Premium Pack)
Which BMW models have no massage seats?
Across the BMW range, the models below have no massage seats available:
- X1
- X3
- X4
- 2 Series
- 3 Series
- 4 Series
- 5 Series
- 8 Series
- Z4
- i4
- i5
Due to the interior space needed for larger seats, it’s unlikely massage seats will become an option on these models any time soon.
Can you add massage seats to a BMW?
If you own a BMW without massage seats, you’ll want to know if it’s possible to add this feature. The simple answer is no, but there are a few workarounds – let me explain in more detail.
The BMW system is built into the whole seat and wired through the interior of the car, so you’d have to replace the seat, and the center console controls to add this. That’s a lot of work and will be incredibly expensive, so it’s not worth trying to add massage seats that way.
Another option is to buy an aftermarket massage cover for your seats. There are a lot of options out there, and I’ve used a few massage seat covers in friend’s cars. If you’re looking for a massage seat for your BMW, these are a few of my favorites:
- Six massage functions available
- Supports lower back and lumbar
Are Massage Seats worth buying on your BMW?
For me, the cost of adding massage seats to your BMW isn’t worth it. On their own, it’s a $1,000 option, and in my opinion, that money can be spent on better features (which I’ll talk about in the next section.)
If you’re buying an options pack, like the Executive Pack, and it comes with massage seats, then you need to consider the whole value of that pack. Most BMW packs are better value than options on their own, but I wouldn’t spend thousands on an options pack just to get massage seats.
The BMW massage function is a lot better than some other brands I’ve tried, but I can’t justify that $1,000 cost. If money isn’t a limit, then it’s a different discussion, but if you’re on a budget, the options below are better.
Which other BMW options should you look at?
So, if massage seats aren’t worth the money, what options should you look at instead? In my opinion, here are a few choices that are better value on your BMW:
Air Suspension – available on the X5 and X6 models, for $1,000, this option is far more useful on your BMW. With the ability to change your vehicle height to 5 different levels, lowering your BMW can make loading and unloading from the trunk so much easier.
Parking Assist – For less than $1,000 the Parking Assist pack comes with a 360-degree camera, full exterior sensors and auto park. Even if you’re the best parallel parker in the world, this is a pack I would always pick on my BMW.
Shadowline / M Sport – A set of visual upgrades for around the same cost as massage seats. This is another great package. The Shadowline trim adds black grilles and spoilers, and you get upgraded, ‘more aggressive’ lights.
Want to find out more about the features and options available on BMW models and other brands? Check out the below links:
