The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. When the front driver's seat heater was activated, the contact noticed a smoke odor and immediately saw smoke coming from the side of the seat. The failure occurred without warning. The contact turned off the seat heater and opened the window. There was no injury. The contact noticed that part of the seat was burned. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

- Allen, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3 sav. After a seat warmer was activated, the heat generated became so intense that it burned a hole in the seat, as well as the contact's jacket and jeans. There were no injuries. The contact was altered to the failure due to a burning odor. The failure occurred without warning. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the failure was caused by a faulty heating element and the seat would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

- Redmond, WA, USA

The contact owns a 2007 bwm X3 sav. While driving, the seat warmer was activated. The contact felt a sting and smelled an abnormal odor. The contact noticed a hole in the seat. The contact believed there was a short in the seat warmer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 146,000.

- Oxford, CT, USA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 mph with the driver side heated seat activated, the driver seat caught fire. The contact sustained a burn injury that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

I was driving to work early in the morning and since it was a bit chilly, turned on the seat warmer. Within seconds I felt a painful burning in my left rear "cheek" and smelled smoke and something burning. I immediately turned off the seat warmer and the smoke and smell cleared. When I was finally able to stop and assess the damage, there is a burned spot on my leather seat and I have a burn on my backside. I took the car in to my mechanic and he states that I was lucky it didn't start a fire because the damage to the heating element/wiring is so extensive. I was advised not to use it until it could be repaired. I bought this vehicle used and I did purchase a warranty with it, but it doesn't look like this item is covered. However, BMW needs to step up and fix this. I almost got into an accident because of the pain and I actually thought the car was on fire. I was very lucky that turning off the seat warmer stopped any further damage. I've already noted 7 other seat warmer issues for the 2007 X3 model, I've read numerous other complaints on various other internet blogs (which would definitely increase the number of complaints if those individuals knew where & how to file a complaint like this), and I also know that there have been other BMW models with similar issues where there has been a recall (04V575000 recall date : Nov 24, 2004 ). what are you waiting for" for someone to get seriously hurt or worse, die" this is a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed by an immediate recall. This issue nearly caused a fire while I was driving on the freeway and could have caused an accident!!!

- Daly City, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. While driving approximately 39 mph the brakes began to involuntarily engage. The dynamic stability control light began to illuminate momentarily before turning off when the brakes disengaged. The failure continued to recur for the remainder of his destination while driving down a winding road. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the dynamic stability control sensor was replaced. The failure continued to occur. He also mentioned that a few months prior a passenger was burned while seated in the front drivers seat with the heated seat feature turned on. A hole was also in the leather seat and the passengers clothing were also burned. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was repaired. The failure had not recurred. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 45,500.

- Palmdale, CA, USA