BMW M3 Power Seat Dead: Troubleshooting Memory Controls

Hi there! I had a similar problem with my 2003 BMW M5 last year. I have some experience working on cars, but electrical issues always make me nervous. The symptoms were exactly like yours, complete power seat failure. Took it to my regular workshop and they found a loose connection in the wiring harness under the seat. There were some damaged cables that needed fixing. Total repair was 95 Euro including labor, mainly for reconnecting and securing the wiring properly. To help you better, could you tell me if you hear any noise when trying to adjust the seat? Also, did the issue start suddenly or gradually? Knowing this would help determine if you're dealing with the same problem I had. Just make sure you get it checked soon, faulty wiring can cause bigger issues if left unattended.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Had my last service just 2 weeks ago at 124424 KM. Actually, I do hear a faint clicking sound when pressing the controls, but nothing happens. The issue started quite suddenly, worked fine one evening, completely dead the next morning. Makes sense about the wiring harness being the culprit. Given our similar BMW electrical systems, I'll have my mechanic take a look at those connections first. Hopefully it's just some loose wires like in your case, and not something more serious with the motor or control module. Really appreciate the tip about getting it checked soon, definitely don't want to risk any bigger electrical problems!

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your M3. You know what, that clicking sound you mentioned is really interesting, it's exactly what I heard with my M5 before getting it fixed! Since both our BMWs are from around the same era, they probably share similar wiring setups. Just to add to my earlier experience, when my mechanic dug deeper, they found that the clicking was coming from the seat motor trying to work, but not getting proper power due to those damaged wires. In my case, some of the wires had gotten pinched and partially stripped from regular seat movement over time. Since you're hearing the same symptoms and your issue came on suddenly like mine did, I'm even more convinced it's likely the same wiring harness problem. My repair was pretty straightforward once they identified the exact spot of the damage. Just keep in mind that getting to those wires can be a bit tricky, they had to partially remove my seat to access everything properly. Nice that you've got such low mileage on yours! Would love to hear what your mechanic finds when you get it checked out. The clicking sound is definitely a good clue to point them in the right direction.

Thanks so much for the follow-up! That's honestly super reassuring to hear that the clicking sound matches your experience exactly. Wasn't sure if mentioning it would help, but clearly it's a key symptom! Just booked an appointment with my mechanic for tomorrow morning, told him about the wiring harness possibility and the clicking sound. He seemed to think you're spot on about it being a power delivery issue to the motor. Really glad I asked here before letting them start out of nowhere replacing expensive parts. Will definitely make sure they check those wires thoroughly, especially around any pinch points where the seat moves. Makes total sense about the seat removal, I'll prepare myself for that level of work. Would be awesome if it turns out to be a simple wire fix like yours was. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience in such detail. It's made me feel much better about getting this sorted!