rubber_ducky

I doubt that there is a filter, but I could be wrong. My guess is that the fans just put the air into the cabin (not an issue if you have a 'vert). The normal HVAC then deals with it in it's normal way. In reality, the air is no more stinky than it would be if you didn't have ventilated seats. In fact it's probably less stinky as the air doesn't hang out in the space between the seating surfaces and your sweaty, stinky body for as long.

alirob

Lately Ive been doubting whether they are working or not. I can't find "ventilated seats" on the wiring diagram to check the fuse.

alwaysideways

Sorry for the newb question but what year did this option become available?

gota911

This option first became available in the 2009 model year cars.

RedHotCayenne

Ventilated seats are a must! I first experienced them in my Infiniti FX35. When I was searching for my Pcar, I restricted my search to only those equipped with this option. I ended up getting a 2012 4S Cab. The ventilated seats are definitely worth it - they work independent of the A/C and, even when not in use, I find the perforated seats to be more comfortable ("airy") than the standard 911 seats. Also, point of comparison - the Infiniti approach is to blow air while the Porsche sucks air. Both systems work, but in my opinion, the Porsche approach works better.

Minok

Yeah, because the sucking of air is more effective at pulling perspiration through your clothes and off of your skin, which is the evaporative effect that cools you. With the blown approach, the restriction of where the air can exit at the sides of your body would seem to limit cooling in the middle unless you drive leaning forward.

Boriska

Newb here. Took delivery of '13 Cayenne with premium plus with vented seats. They work great for 5-10 minutes then shut off.... And u cant turn them back on for couple minutes at least. Never had this happen on my Saab. Dealer says they suppose to shut off when the cabin gets cold enough;(???

Does this happen to any of you guys?

Thanks!

PCC

I'm shocked to see all the positive comments. I can barely feel the difference. In contrast, I drove a ford rental car with A/C seats .. HUGE difference, worked great .... I'm really disappointed with the ventilated seats .. maybe later models are better .. I have a 2009

Dr.Bill

I had the ventilated seats on my C2S. They worked OK, even with the A/C off.

The only thing I didn't like was the discoloration around the perforations in the leather. The inner surface of each 'hole' is not treated or dyed. Sweat, water, anything will stain the untreated leather. I know a couple people with bad stains from spilling coffee or soda. (Not sure why one would drink in a car, but that's another discussion.) There is no good way to clean the untreated leather either. Of course, my seats were Natural Brown, with black seats it may not be an issue. I have seen stains on several pre-owned cars with seat ventilation too. Mostly light colors like beige, but something to be aware of.

Edgy01

Only word of caution I have was from my salesman who suggested that the perforated seat leather will not be as durable over the long haul as the non-perforated. If you're in a high humidity area, it would seem to be a highly desirable option. I know that having seat heat is invaluable to me--I can't believe people leave some of these less expensive options unchecked.

stefang

Agreed, I bypassed several nice cars with gritted teeth because they were lacking heated seats. Once I moved up to an '09 the vented ones became just as much of a must have. I think they're great.

davis

Heated and ventilated seats were must haves for me as well. They work great and I use them all the time.

vman4639

Actually, this happened to me in my X5 - and yes, instead of burying it in the seat, there is an immediate and horrible response as that same air is recirculated over your shoulders. I was laughing and coughing at the same time.

The following ideas occurred to me:
- Hook up my seat intake with the passenger seat output (obvious reasons)
- Have a "reverse" button on the seat that sucks in air and redirects out of the car. Call it the "BMW seat filtration system" and charge another couple hundred dollars.

pissedpuppy

I have heated seats - they;re great for SF

I'd love to check out ventilated - all the great reviews are compelling

why don't you just tell the wife she's not driving your car? I do, it works. her driving scares the hell out of me - no chance she driving my car!

SARGEPUG

I miss them everytime i'm in my GL, I am spoiled by them in my CLS and C2S!