# 2004 BMW 5 SERIES — SEATS
> NHTSA complaint `902314` · 2012-01-28 · BMW of North America, LLC
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** BMW
- **Model:** 5 SERIES
- **Year:** 2004
- **Manufacturer:** BMW of North America, LLC
- **Component:** SEATS
- **Miles at failure:** 124,631
- **Speed:** 65 mph
## Narrative
SEAT-WARMER OVERHEATED, BURNING HOLES THROUGH THE LEATHER DRIVER'S SEAT, CAUSING MINOR SKIN BURNS BEFORE TERMINATING USE OF UNIT.  OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS, I HAD NOTICED A BURNING ODOR IN THE CAR PERIODICALLY, BUT NEITHER I NOR MY MECHANIC HAD BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR.  ON 1/27/12, I FELT THE EXTREME HEAT IN MY SEAT WHILE DRIVING, AND FOUND TWO CHARRED HOLES IN THE LEATHER SEAT.  IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THERE WAS NOT A FIRE PER SE, BUT IN ORDER TO REGISTER THE FACT THAT THERE WAS (MINOR) INJURY ATTRIBUTED TO ONE PERSON, THIS FORM REQUIRED STATING "YES" TO THE QUESTION REGARDING FIRE.  I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THIS FAILURE COULD CERTAINLY LEAD TO FIRE IF CONTINUED USE OF THE UNIT HAD OCCURRED.  *TR
---
*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*