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      01-29-2013, 09:24 AM   #1
wrose100
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How do you get comfortable?

Hey guys,

So I have had my new-to-me 328 for a couple months now, and I still can't figure out the optimal way to get comfortable in the seats. I don't have the sport package seats, and my seats have no lumbar support. I'm usually fine for a while, but if I start to feel pain if I go for any long drive.

So I was wondering what your guys' opinions were on this subject. Can you guys figure out a good way to sit? Is it just a matter of continuing to try and figure out the best seat position?

Thanks so much!
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      01-29-2013, 09:36 AM   #2
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I guess the first question that should be asked is where do you feel the pain? I've noticed that there is something about the placement of the seat and pedal set that makes it very easy to sit too far to the left in the seat. I actually used to sit with my hips not completely parallel with the seat because of this. Try sitting down, then lifting yourself up and dropping back down a little to the right with your lower back lined up perfectly with the seat. That's what I tend to do on longer drives. Once I do that I can usually slouch to my hearts desire without creating any pain for myself, but a lot of it is just finding the right position. The non sport seats really don't provide much support, especially if you're tall. I've found that having the back rest more towards the upright position is a lot more comfortable than having it leaned back.
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      01-29-2013, 09:40 AM   #3
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If I were you, I'd try to find the sports seats for sale.
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      01-29-2013, 09:44 AM   #4
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      01-29-2013, 09:49 AM   #5
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You will get it figured out. Im 9 months into my E92 335i sport and am still slightly adjusting the seat controls. Took me about a year to find the best adjustment on my E46 and then I set the memory button and hope no one screws with it!
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      01-29-2013, 11:00 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeR1994 View Post
I guess the first question that should be asked is where do you feel the pain? I've noticed that there is something about the placement of the seat and pedal set that makes it very easy to sit too far to the left in the seat. I actually used to sit with my hips not completely parallel with the seat because of this. Try sitting down, then lifting yourself up and dropping back down a little to the right with your lower back lined up perfectly with the seat. That's what I tend to do on longer drives. Once I do that I can usually slouch to my hearts desire without creating any pain for myself, but a lot of it is just finding the right position. The non sport seats really don't provide much support, especially if you're tall. I've found that having the back rest more towards the upright position is a lot more comfortable than having it leaned back.
These seats cave in over time. Lower back support was my problem as I didnt have lumbar support. I assumed it would be on $60,000 car as it was on every Audi I ever owned. Maybe try and tilt entire seat back (like rocking chair)..that helped me.
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      01-29-2013, 11:26 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by alex2364 View Post
They instructor is killing the tires by turning the wheel while stationary...
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      01-29-2013, 11:48 AM   #8
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I tried a base model at the dealer to make my wife happy about what I was spending and she immediately agreed that I had to option up the car for the sport and premium seat options since I drive 2 or 3 hours at a time some days.

In any seat, positioning is key. Most people slouch to look cool and because it is comfy for short runs. For long drives, an upright position with bent knees and arms will greatly reduce fatigue. Look at the ALMS & DTM drivers positions, they are closer with no full extension so they an last longer behind the wheel, an hour in those cars is harder than a day in ours.
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      01-29-2013, 12:02 PM   #9
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sport of no sport, it depends how big or tall you are....

... and god forbid someone buy a BMW without the sport seats! shame! lol, jk man, but you would be surprised at how often you hear that. i LOVE my sport seats, but the regular seats and pretty comfy too.

ditch the wallet in your back pocket.

I am 6'1'' about 240 lbs, bigger guy, i rock my seat at the "lowest" position, feels like you are almost sitting on the floor, and lean back slightly.

sit up in normal driving position and stick you arms straight out, you should be able to reach the steering wheel comfortably.
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      01-29-2013, 12:40 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer View Post
sit up in normal driving position and stick you arms straight out, you should be able to reach the steering wheel comfortably.
This would actually leave you too far back from the steering wheel. With your arm "straight out" you should be able to drape your wrist over the top of the steeing wheel without having to roll your shoulder forward off the seat back. This way with your hands in the proper 3 and 9 oclock positions your arms are bent and you can turn the wheel a full 180 degrees without having to let go or "shuffle" your grip. Most people sit too far back, resulting in straight arms when driving straight ahead and then shuffling their grip through turns.
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      01-29-2013, 01:06 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChipB View Post
This would actually leave you too far back from the steering wheel. With your arm "straight out" you should be able to drape your wrist over the top of the steeing wheel without having to roll your shoulder forward off the seat back. This way with your hands in the proper 3 and 9 oclock positions your arms are bent and you can turn the wheel a full 180 degrees without having to let go or "shuffle" your grip. Most people sit too far back, resulting in straight arms when driving straight ahead and then shuffling their grip through turns.
Yes! thats it, i knew it was either reach out and comfortably grab the wheel, but that is right, you are supposed to sit back and lay your WRISTS on the steering wheel!!

... Just for the record, I do NOT do this, but is a good way of finding a good seat position. I usually go with the seat back as far as I can while easily reaching full extension of the clutch... lean back and a SLIGHT "gansta lean" to find the right position ... just keep playing with those buttons, you'll get it!
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      01-29-2013, 01:11 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mashimarho View Post
If I were you, I'd try to find the sports seats for sale.
+1 my dad's X5 has non-sport seats and its killer on long road trips for me..I don't know how he does it.
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      01-29-2013, 01:13 PM   #13
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i'm not very comfortable in my seat either, and i have sports seats.. i feel more comfortable in my gf's accord seats than mine for some reason *flame suit on*
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      01-29-2013, 01:18 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mashimarho View Post
If I were you, I'd try to find the sports seats for sale.
I have sport seats, but manual ones. It really makes no sense to me as the side bolsters are power inflatable... Luckily I don't really experience any lumbar discomfort. Those seats are worth the price of admission even without power adjustment.
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      01-29-2013, 02:42 PM   #15
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Thanks for all the help! I will keep trying to find that perfect position!
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      01-29-2013, 03:07 PM   #16
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I don't think there is *one* right position on a long trip. I have my seat set per the usual recommendations, but I find I adjust here and there a few degrees as the hours go on. I put the seat back to "normal" when I get there. Changes the pressure points. I have no problem with 10hr drives in my car. About the only reason I wanted power seats. I do think it is a bit criminal that the lumbar adjustment is not standard - at least a manual one.

As for Sport vs. non-Sport, it all depends on how you are built. I simply do not fit in the sport seats, much as I like the idea of them. I'm 6'2" (but 29" inseam), ~350lbs, and VERY broadly built. Basically, I am built like a Gorilla, all torso, no legs, huge shoulders, small butt. My butt fits in the sport seats, but my shoulders sure don't. And my legs are so short the thigh bolster is worthless bordering on counter-productive.

So if you are tall and thin with long legs, or more normally sized and proportioned the sport seats are GREAT! Otherwise try before you buy.

Then there are the seperate issues of the ride of the sport suspension on Maine frostheaves and the annoying staggered tire and wheel sizes.
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      01-29-2013, 03:34 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wrose100 View Post
Hey guys,

So I have had my new-to-me 328 for a couple months now, and I still can't figure out the optimal way to get comfortable in the seats. I don't have the sport package seats, and my seats have no lumbar support. I'm usually fine for a while, but if I start to feel pain if I go for any long drive.

So I was wondering what your guys' opinions were on this subject. Can you guys figure out a good way to sit? Is it just a matter of continuing to try and figure out the best seat position?

Thanks so much!
Post a pic of you sitting with hands on the wheel. It's hard to tell based on your description.

Make sure your knees don't hit the the dash, extend your arms over the steering wheel so that your wrists rest on top and hands can easily band down. Put your back and hips as far in the seat as possible. Make sure you can easily see through the windows and use mirrors. Also adjust the steering wheel angle/height and telescope if required.

With sport seats and all controls I can't imagine not being able to get comfortable so get them if you can.
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