My helmet hits the roof... What can I do? - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

Frampton · 02-24-2011, 10:33 AM

I'm 5'8 so I don't know why I would have this problem and I havent seen anyone else with this issue.

The helmet i used at the track was a simpson open face, the seat is all the way down, the seat back and steering wheel are adjusted so I'm in the proper driving position as set up by the instructirs at the track I go to.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Are there some helmets with less height to them without sacraficing safety?

Hairy · 02-24-2011, 11:54 AM

You may be constructed in an unusual way (has anyone mentioned anything to you?)

I'm 6'5" and I don't have my seat all the way down. My helmet doesn't touch the roof at all.

Sorry, I know I'm not being any help..... Just in a wiseass mood.

spk74 · 02-24-2011, 12:10 PM

I'm 6', same problem, I think because I have shorter legs and longer torso (or a fatter ass). I had to sit with my seat back uncomfortably reclined to avoid hitting my head.

My steering wheel also cuts into my vision of the top of my speedometer and tachometer when I'm driving around on the street.

I think you can try race seats (my solution), or a european roof panel without the sunroof, possibly?

DriveHard · 02-24-2011, 12:16 PM

Im 5'10 with 32" inseam.. i fit fine ( although i have no sunroof )

it may be your build as in longer torso.

check under the seat and make sure there is nothing blocking the seat from going all the way down. Also the seat tracks in these cars are like a parallergram they go down further if you move the seat back first then tilt etc etc.. dont just go down and back .. try playing with the tilt etc etc you may gain a few 10ths here and there.

also the reason i spec'd no sunroof and Manual Sport seats... all the room in the world

TrojanBMW · 02-24-2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frampton

I'm 5'8 so I don't know why I would have this problem and I havent seen anyone else with this issue.

The helmet i used at the track was a simpson open face, the seat is all the way down, the seat back and steering wheel are adjusted so I'm in the proper driving position as set up by the instructirs at the track I go to.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Are there some helmets with less height to them without sacraficing safety?

I'm onlu 5'7 and I do too - if only a little bit.

I use a Simpson helmet too, I think that might be the problem. I need new Snell 2010, so hopefully the new one won't touch.

Frampton · 02-24-2011, 02:36 PM

I think I am "constructed in an unusual way" hahah, short legs 30" inseam and longer torso... to full engage the clutch i am pretty close to the steering wheel.

Does the clutch stop mod make it travel less because that may help me out quite a bit. I could move back if it wasn't for the clutch.

I have a sunroof that may also be a culprit.

I'm getting the simpson devil ray this weekend so maybe its not as tall as the open face i borrowed last time...

TrojanBMW - I hear you its only a little bit but its disruptive and annoying right!

romak47 · 02-24-2011, 04:54 PM

depending on what type of seats you have i notice that if you recline the bottom seat portion your legs will seem shorter. So, flatten the bottom seat as much as possible instead of tilting it back. Although long distances its more comfortable to angle it back to allow your legs more support.
Also, if you have the seat extender out. push it in.

Dackelone · 02-24-2011, 05:00 PM

OP - have you try the TILT function on the seats? On my manual seats its in the right front(see note bellow! It's the LF!) corner of the seat (near where the seat meets the center console). It will make the seat pivot - which might give you some more extra headroom.

G.L.
Dackel

NOTE: Today I check my driver's seat - the tilt function is at the LEFT front corner of the seat, almost under your left leg's knee area.

Focusedintntions · 02-24-2011, 06:13 PM

I'm 6'3 with a 32 inch inseam and have zero clearance issues with my helmet on...HJC

N55_BBM · 02-24-2011, 07:34 PM

"Was too tall Jones too tall?"

akak1997 · 02-24-2011, 09:09 PM

I also have the same problem, I'm only 5'9, but I've the power sport seats and I like to sit up really straight so my back can feel all the g-force. the power seats doesn't go as low as the manual seats, I think that's the problem.

adrean8j · 02-24-2011, 10:22 PM

I am the same height as you (give or take half and inch...LOL) and I didn't have that problem as you can see here:

Do you have manual or powered seats? Have you tried to use a Bell helmet?

TrojanBMW · 02-25-2011, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frampton

I think I am "constructed in an unusual way" hahah, short legs 30" inseam and longer torso... to full engage the clutch i am pretty close to the steering wheel.

Does the clutch stop mod make it travel less because that may help me out quite a bit. I could move back if it wasn't for the clutch.

I have a sunroof that may also be a culprit.

I'm getting the simpson devil ray this weekend so maybe its not as tall as the open face i borrowed last time...

TrojanBMW - I hear you its only a little bit but its disruptive and annoying right!

I don't recall any instructors having issues and they all were using non-Simpson helmets. I'd test it out in the car before you buy anything.

Ironically, I think our relative lack of height might be the issue. I think the headliner is lower the more forward you get. My sunroof and power seats don't help either.

doogle · 02-25-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frampton

I'm 5'8 so I don't know why I would have this problem and I havent seen anyone else with this issue.

The helmet i used at the track was a simpson open face, the seat is all the way down, the seat back and steering wheel are adjusted so I'm in the proper driving position as set up by the instructirs at the track I go to.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Are there some helmets with less height to them without sacraficing safety?

6'1" 33" inseam, I fit fine in my car (that has manual seats) with a helmet. When I tried a friend's that had power seats, I had to recline the seat more than I felt comfortable with to avoid hitting my head. The helmet used was a bell vortex full face.

Frampton · 02-25-2011, 09:44 AM

i have the sunroof and power seats, seat is tilted pretty flat and extender is pushed all the way in. Checked under the seat and just see a ton of electronics that seem to need room.

all i need is another inch, I'm going to try a few different helmets this weekend and see if that can do it.

thanks for all the ideas guys

aisthetes · 02-25-2011, 10:06 AM

It sounds like your seating position, because there's enough room for taller drivers to fit. I have my seat all the way down, and while it's still not as low as I'd like, I fit fine at 5'10." I sit relatively upright using a proper racing seating position relative to the steering wheel (see Paul Frere or Jackie Stewart driving books), but I make sure the seat cushion bottom is tilted back. That gives additional clearance and helps hold you in your seat around hard turns and may make the difference for you. I've hit my helmet on the roof at one track where there's a bump at speed and one autocross in a similar situation, but otherwise there's never been an issue.

Frampton · 02-25-2011, 10:09 AM

adrean8j do you have manual seats? I wish i was sitting that low like your picture...

Quote:

Originally Posted by adrean8j

I am the same height as you (give or take half and inch...LOL) and I didn't have that problem as you can see here:

Do you have manual or powered seats? Have you tried to use a Bell helmet?

adrean8j · 02-25-2011, 11:53 AM

I have manual seats so I think that is part of the issue. In the picture I was using my ICON Decay Alliance SSR helmet, but I have also used my Bell Star helmet without problems as well.

Frampton · 02-25-2011, 04:50 PM

ok just got back from the track. i didn't run it but I got my new tires installed there and tried on a simpson devil ray with my proper upright seat position. I have a 1/2" to spare with that helmet!

So I ordered one and should have it tomorrow afternoon... problem solved

Thanks!

TJ bmw135i · 03-02-2011, 04:49 PM

Convertible = unlimited headroom

N55_BBM · 03-02-2011, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ bmw135i

Convertible = unlimited headroom

Unnecessary head room I should add.. You won't ever need a helmet because you can't track it lol

Unless you get a rollcage of course

02-24-2011, 10:33 AM	#1
Frampton i miss boost Drives: 2009 Mercedes C63 AMG P30 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 389 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [5.00]	My helmet hits the roof... What can I do? I'm 5'8 so I don't know why I would have this problem and I havent seen anyone else with this issue. The helmet i used at the track was a simpson open face, the seat is all the way down, the seat back and steering wheel are adjusted so I'm in the proper driving position as set up by the instructirs at the track I go to. Does anyone else have this problem? Are there some helmets with less height to them without sacraficing safety? __________________ 2008 135i
	Tweet

02-24-2011, 12:10 PM	#3
spk74 Private Drives: 2008 AW 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 96 iTrader: (0)	I'm 6', same problem, I think because I have shorter legs and longer torso (or a fatter ass). I had to sit with my seat back uncomfortably reclined to avoid hitting my head. My steering wheel also cuts into my vision of the top of my speedometer and tachometer when I'm driving around on the street. I think you can try race seats (my solution), or a european roof panel without the sunroof, possibly? __________________ 08 135i /// Alpine / Black / Premium / Sport / Cold / Nav / Hi-Fi / Sirius / iPod / PDC 98 M3/4 /// Alpine / Dove / Dolby Tapedeck [SOLD]

02-24-2011, 12:16 PM	#4
DriveHard Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 128i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 1,917 iTrader: (0)	Im 5'10 with 32" inseam.. i fit fine ( although i have no sunroof ) it may be your build as in longer torso. check under the seat and make sure there is nothing blocking the seat from going all the way down. Also the seat tracks in these cars are like a parallergram they go down further if you move the seat back first then tilt etc etc.. dont just go down and back .. try playing with the tilt etc etc you may gain a few 10ths here and there. also the reason i spec'd no sunroof and Manual Sport seats... all the room in the world __________________ '11 128i M-Sport Pkg, Sport Susp., 6AT w/paddles, BMW Perf CAI,Charcoal Filter Delete, BMW Perf. Big Brake Kit, BMW Perf. Exhaust, Ferodo 2500's, Titanium shims,135 trunk lip, BMS-PBX Box-Map 3, Castrol RBF600 ,e93 FSB, , f30 Backing Plates,GC Camber Plates, Hankook RS-3's (Track setup)

02-24-2011, 02:36 PM	#6
Frampton i miss boost Drives: 2009 Mercedes C63 AMG P30 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 389 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [5.00]	I think I am "constructed in an unusual way" hahah, short legs 30" inseam and longer torso... to full engage the clutch i am pretty close to the steering wheel. Does the clutch stop mod make it travel less because that may help me out quite a bit. I could move back if it wasn't for the clutch. I have a sunroof that may also be a culprit. I'm getting the simpson devil ray this weekend so maybe its not as tall as the open face i borrowed last time... TrojanBMW - I hear you its only a little bit but its disruptive and annoying right! __________________ 2008 135i

02-24-2011, 04:54 PM	#7
romak47 Captain Drives: like a bat out of hell Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 917 iTrader: (0)	depending on what type of seats you have i notice that if you recline the bottom seat portion your legs will seem shorter. So, flatten the bottom seat as much as possible instead of tilting it back. Although long distances its more comfortable to angle it back to allow your legs more support. Also, if you have the seat extender out. push it in. __________________ JB4, DCI, Digi boost, CSL eyelids, 5% tint, KW v2's. Bastuck 85mm quad w/ cat+resonator delete mids, LED int ltg, Perf SSK, CF int trim, 19" SF-71 rims, CDV mod, BMS OCC, ER+tial charge pipe. AR DP's, Helix IC,meth,

02-24-2011, 11:54 AM	#2
Hairy Private First Class Drives: 2008 135i Black Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 120 iTrader: (1)	You may be constructed in an unusual way (has anyone mentioned anything to you?) I'm 6'5" and I don't have my seat all the way down. My helmet doesn't touch the roof at all. Sorry, I know I'm not being any help..... Just in a wiseass mood.

02-24-2011, 05:00 PM	#8
Dackelone Moderator Drives: 135i Silber mit/Rot 6MT N54 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany Posts: 13,016 iTrader: (0)	OP - have you try the TILT function on the seats? On my manual seats its in the right front(see note bellow! It's the LF!) corner of the seat (near where the seat meets the center console). It will make the seat pivot - which might give you some more extra headroom. G.L. Dackel NOTE: Today I check my driver's seat - the tilt function is at the LEFT front corner of the seat, almost under your left leg's knee area. Last edited by Dackelone; 02-25-2011 at 05:08 PM.

02-24-2011, 06:13 PM	#9
Focusedintntions Colonel Drives: 2011 135i M-Sport :D Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA Posts: 2,580 iTrader: (1)	I'm 6'3 with a 32 inch inseam and have zero clearance issues with my helmet on...HJC __________________ Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death… – Hunter Thompson

02-24-2011, 07:34 PM	#10
N55_BBM Major Drives: 2011 135i Coupe Join Date: May 2010 Location: PA Posts: 1,038 iTrader: (1)	"Was too tall Jones too tall?"

02-24-2011, 09:09 PM	#11
akak1997 Major Drives: BMW 135 @ 135mph Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,161 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	I also have the same problem, I'm only 5'9, but I've the power sport seats and I like to sit up really straight so my back can feel all the g-force. the power seats doesn't go as low as the manual seats, I think that's the problem.

02-25-2011, 09:44 AM	#15
Frampton i miss boost Drives: 2009 Mercedes C63 AMG P30 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 389 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [5.00]	i have the sunroof and power seats, seat is tilted pretty flat and extender is pushed all the way in. Checked under the seat and just see a ton of electronics that seem to need room. all i need is another inch, I'm going to try a few different helmets this weekend and see if that can do it. thanks for all the ideas guys __________________ 2008 135i

02-25-2011, 10:06 AM	#16
aisthetes First Lieutenant Drives: 997.1 Carrera S Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 337 iTrader: (0)	It sounds like your seating position, because there's enough room for taller drivers to fit. I have my seat all the way down, and while it's still not as low as I'd like, I fit fine at 5'10." I sit relatively upright using a proper racing seating position relative to the steering wheel (see Paul Frere or Jackie Stewart driving books), but I make sure the seat cushion bottom is tilted back. That gives additional clearance and helps hold you in your seat around hard turns and may make the difference for you. I've hit my helmet on the roof at one track where there's a bump at speed and one autocross in a similar situation, but otherwise there's never been an issue.

02-25-2011, 04:50 PM	#19
Frampton i miss boost Drives: 2009 Mercedes C63 AMG P30 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 389 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [5.00]	ok just got back from the track. i didn't run it but I got my new tires installed there and tried on a simpson devil ray with my proper upright seat position. I have a 1/2" to spare with that helmet! So I ordered one and should have it tomorrow afternoon... problem solved Thanks! __________________ 2008 135i

03-02-2011, 04:49 PM	#20
TJ bmw135i Private First Class Drives: 2008 135i Convertible Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portage, MI Posts: 140 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135i Vert [0.00]	Convertible = unlimited headroom

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