Seating Position

MisterSkiMask · 07-31-2009, 11:45 PM

I am considering a 135i, I went to check them out today and I found the seating position to be a little...well wrong.

I feel like I am perched on top of the car rather then sitting in it. I am 6'2" and I have driven BMWs off and on (more on then off) since I got my license, and I have never had this feeling in a BMW. The car I sat in had the sport pack, and the seat was adjusted all the way down, but if need to go down about two more inches. Other then that I like the size of the car.

Do any of you guy feel like this? Has anyone found a solution?

HondaGoneRogue · 08-01-2009, 12:19 AM

I'm 6'8". And one of the reasons I bought it was seating position. I put the seat all the way down and then "rock" it back. It's the most comfortable car I have ever been in. I sat in it the first time jokingly just to see people laugh at me getting in the "small" bimmer. After I adjusted the seat I was like WOAH. Let's do a test drive. I bought the car 2 days later.

jibaholic101 · 08-01-2009, 12:48 AM

i am 6'2" as well, and i find that i put the seat back far enough so that i can comfortably push all the pedals to the floor, and the steering wheel is all the way up and out so that i can see the dials. i also find that i have to raise the seat height just a tad to see the dials [with manual seats] where it raises out of the back so that there is one fist between my head and the roof. finding a perfect position takes some time

MisterSkiMask · 08-01-2009, 12:50 AM

There are not many 1's at my local dealer, do the manual seats go any lower then the power seats (I am guessing no, but...)?

jibaholic101 · 08-01-2009, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

There are not many 1's at my local dealer, do the manual seats go any lower then the power seats (I am guessing no, but...)?

hmmm, i am not sure.....

akak1997 · 08-01-2009, 02:33 AM

manual seats Do go lower than powered ones.

Schneller! · 08-01-2009, 02:44 AM

...you could drop the car two inches

Guildenstern · 08-01-2009, 08:06 AM

The manual does go lower, But I got a loaner with power and I'm not convinced it's Significantly lower. I've spent now a year and two months trying to find a good spot on this car. It's a constant compromise between comfortable legs and an acceptable reach for the shifter. I'm Just not shaped right I guess. (And I won't even bother bitching about the no-option sunroof and the top of my head again.)

I'll find the sweet spot someday, then I'll tilt the seat forward to stick something in the back and it will be gone forever.

P.S. I was able to get comfortable in the loaner in like 2 min. Get Power seats.

JimD · 08-01-2009, 08:19 AM

I am 6'2" with a 34 inch inseam (and waist). I like the seating with my manual sports seats. I raised the seat from all down, partially because it allowed me to see the gauges better and partially because it felt I was too low. I have a little more than a hand over my head but probably not a fist, I should try it. I do not have the seat all the way back but I could. But I like to use a touch screen GPS and with the seat all the way back, it is along reach. I like my legs to be flexed a little when working the pedals too. And bringing the seat up a little allows at least a small person to sit behind me.

To get all the way down on a test drive, my son and I had to rock forward a bit in the manual seats.

Jim

former · 08-01-2009, 08:34 AM

6'2" here as well.

I tilt the bottom of the back of the seat all the way down. Raise the front up most, if not all the way to create a sloping effect for thigh support. Adjust the side bolsters to fit. Extend thigh support as well for additional comfort. Adjust tilt and telescope wheel to see gauges and for comfort.

I find there is more headroom in the 1 than in my wife's 335 coupe. But, my seating style as described above has been the same in most cars (other than the Avalanche I had) for many years.

MisterSkiMask · 08-01-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by former

6'2" here as well.

I tilt the bottom of the back of the seat all the way down. Raise the front up most, if not all the way to create a sloping effect for thigh support. Adjust the side bolsters to fit. Extend thigh support as well for additional comfort. Adjust tilt and telescope wheel to see gauges and for comfort.

I find there is more headroom in the 1 than in my wife's 335 coupe. But, my seating style as described above has been the same in most cars (other than the Avalanche I had) for many years.

We are the same size, and that is how I adjust my seat also, I'll try again.

Chapalan · 08-01-2009, 01:34 PM

I'm 5' 8 my issue is trying to compromise between not being plastered against the steering wheel and having a comfortable reach for the clutch.I regret not getting power seats for this one reason. I think it only took me 4 months to find the sweet spot.

Maine1 · 08-01-2009, 07:32 PM

I'm a six footer, and I like the seat all the way down and reclining back a little. The sport steering wheel does block the instrument view a little. I like to tilt it down as far as I can while allowing some view of the speed dial.

RPM90 · 08-01-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

I am considering a 135i, I went to check them out today and I found the seating position to be a little...well wrong.

I feel like I am perched on top of the car rather then sitting in it. I am 6'2" and I have driven BMWs off and on (more on then off) since I got my license, and I have never had this feeling in a BMW. The car I sat in had the sport pack, and the seat was adjusted all the way down, but if need to go down about two more inches. Other then that I like the size of the car.

Do any of you guy feel like this? Has anyone found a solution?

I agree. The seat needs to sit down at least 1" more if not 2".

If you sit back farther, which makes it more comfortable, then the steering wheel doesn't come back as far as it should either.

Some ergo things on the 1 make me think they let a young, not so experienced ergonomics designer and/or engineer decide on the what goes on in the 1.

Try sitting back farther, and make sure you start with the side bolsters full wide, then adjust them in as much as you need.
If they are set too far in, you'll get a feeling on sitting "on" the seat rather than "in" the seat.

The other thing that can cause this feeling is the lumbar setting. Make sure it too is set fully deflated. Then adjust it once you're in the car.

The center armrest's low height and nonadjustability don't help either.
I use my CD case under the armrest to push it up, and now my arm/elbow naturally rest on it, and it's much better.

RPM90 · 08-01-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jibaholic101

i am 6'2" as well, and i find that i put the seat back far enough so that i can comfortably push all the pedals to the floor, and the steering wheel is all the way up and out so that i can see the dials. i also find that i have to raise the seat height just a tad to see the dials [with manual seats] where it raises out of the back so that there is one fist between my head and the roof. finding a perfect position takes some time

1 fist?!
What? Are you measuring the actual headliner, or the distance to the sunroof?
I wish I could get a tad more headroom, maybe about 1-1.5"

I'm 6' 1" and the best I can get is about 1" for headroom, and about 1.75" in the morning, when we're naturally taller.
Head room of course depends on how you set the seatback, and the length of your torso.
I have a tall torso, with a 30-31" inseam, so my torso is tall for a 6' 1" guy.
Also, I like to sit nearly upright, with the back of my head naturally resting on the headrest. I don't have to crank my head backwards to hit the headrest. So, I'm pretty upright. It helps my back feel right.

The clutch-stop I made has really helped me become more comfortable in my 135i as well. Given my shorter leg to torso ratio, with the clutch stop, I can put the seat at least 1.5" farther back, and it REALLY does make a difference.

Question to the manual trans drivers:
When your seat is set to your liking, when you push the clutch pedal all the way in, how much bend is there in your knee? Just guess, like; flat, slight bend, knee sticks out like a hill, 25 degree bend, 45 degree bend, etc...

RPM90 · 08-01-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guildenstern

The manual does go lower, But I got a loaner with power and I'm not convinced it's Significantly lower. I've spent now a year and two months trying to find a good spot on this car. It's a constant compromise between comfortable legs and an acceptable reach for the shifter. I'm Just not shaped right I guess. (And I won't even bother bitching about the no-option sunroof and the top of my head again.)

I'll find the sweet spot someday, then I'll tilt the seat forward to stick something in the back and it will be gone forever.

P.S. I was able to get comfortable in the loaner in like 2 min. Get Power seats.

And, with power seats, you get memory too, so you can easily recall your perfect setting.

Do you feel you need to go farther back, but the clutch pedal travel is too far if you do go back?

If so, I made a clutch stop that helped me.

JimD · 08-01-2009, 09:01 PM

I also sit upright. I do not like seats tilted back. And tilted back is very unkind to anybody in the back seat. I have a slight bend in my leg when I am working the clutch. I can drive fine with the seat all the way back but it feels like a long reach to the radio and GPS. So I come in a few notches. Which also lets small people sit behind me without having to move the seat more forward than normal. I have enough headroom without having to tilt the seat back (but I can see how somebody 6' 8" might have to tilt).

Jim

superpowers · 08-01-2009, 09:46 PM

gee, all 1 drivers are hella tall.

I sat in a 1 series today and I had to push the seat up a bit. I was staring at the bonnet the entire time. I'm 5'9 by the way. I found the ergo VERY good, haha.

Guildenstern · 08-02-2009, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPM90

Do you feel you need to go farther back, but the clutch pedal travel is too far if you do go back?

If so, I made a clutch stop that helped me.

No My problem is, with the seat back even a bit farther 5th gear becomes a serious reach. Right now I feel too close to the pedals and my left leg meets the steering wheel too often, and the wheel is tipped up too much for my liking.

WhiteOne · 08-02-2009, 12:29 AM

I slide my manual seat all the way back when I get out.
I slide it up when I get in. (depends on shoes)
I keep it mid height and tilted all the way up in the front.
I am 6'2" and 210 pounds.

touareg · 08-02-2009, 12:34 AM

I'm 5'9" and have the manual seats all the way down, though I still kind of feel that I'm sitting a bit high sometimes. I find the side bolsters to be in the way sometimes when I shift or when I want to use the iDrive controller, but I dont' want to slide the seat back anymore because then I'd be too far away from the clutch.

Chapalan · 08-02-2009, 09:23 PM

I'd like to know more about this clutch stop. I'd like to sit further back but can't do it because of the clutch.

07-31-2009, 11:45 PM	#1
MisterSkiMask Banned 147 Rep 2,014 Posts Drives: I Can not say Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: you must not know iTrader: (0)	Seating Position I am considering a 135i, I went to check them out today and I found the seating position to be a little...well wrong. I feel like I am perched on top of the car rather then sitting in it. I am 6'2" and I have driven BMWs off and on (more on then off) since I got my license, and I have never had this feeling in a BMW. The car I sat in had the sport pack, and the seat was adjusted all the way down, but if need to go down about two more inches. Other then that I like the size of the car. Do any of you guy feel like this? Has anyone found a solution?
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08-01-2009, 12:19 AM	#2
HondaGoneRogue They like my Swag... 433 Rep 3,762 Posts Drives: 15 GSM 435i GC Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Dakota iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 435i Gran Coupe [0.00]	I'm 6'8". And one of the reasons I bought it was seating position. I put the seat all the way down and then "rock" it back. It's the most comfortable car I have ever been in. I sat in it the first time jokingly just to see people laugh at me getting in the "small" bimmer. After I adjusted the seat I was like WOAH. Let's do a test drive. I bought the car 2 days later. __________________ 2015 435i Gran Coupe - Current 2008 AW 135i - Sold
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08-01-2009, 12:48 AM	#3
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 160 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	i am 6'2" as well, and i find that i put the seat back far enough so that i can comfortably push all the pedals to the floor, and the steering wheel is all the way up and out so that i can see the dials. i also find that i have to raise the seat height just a tad to see the dials [with manual seats] where it raises out of the back so that there is one fist between my head and the roof. finding a perfect position takes some time __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
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08-01-2009, 12:50 AM	#4
MisterSkiMask Banned 147 Rep 2,014 Posts Drives: I Can not say Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: you must not know iTrader: (0)	There are not many 1's at my local dealer, do the manual seats go any lower then the power seats (I am guessing no, but...)?
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08-01-2009, 02:33 AM	#6
akak1997 Major 64 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: BMW 135 @ 135mph Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	manual seats Do go lower than powered ones.
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08-01-2009, 02:44 AM	#7
Schneller! Private 6 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi & 2010 X535i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Janesville, Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	...you could drop the car two inches __________________ Model: 135i Coupe/Alpine White/Black Leatherette/6 Speed/PDC/premium hi-fi/i-Pod/USB Adaptor/AluminumTrim/M-Sport Package/NAV system/Lead foot
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08-01-2009, 08:06 AM	#8
Guildenstern or Rosencrantz 11 Rep 455 Posts Drives: 2008 Montego Blue 128i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 128i Coupe [0.00]	The manual does go lower, But I got a loaner with power and I'm not convinced it's Significantly lower. I've spent now a year and two months trying to find a good spot on this car. It's a constant compromise between comfortable legs and an acceptable reach for the shifter. I'm Just not shaped right I guess. (And I won't even bother bitching about the no-option sunroof and the top of my head again.) I'll find the sweet spot someday, then I'll tilt the seat forward to stick something in the back and it will be gone forever. P.S. I was able to get comfortable in the loaner in like 2 min. Get Power seats.
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08-01-2009, 08:19 AM	#9
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I am 6'2" with a 34 inch inseam (and waist). I like the seating with my manual sports seats. I raised the seat from all down, partially because it allowed me to see the gauges better and partially because it felt I was too low. I have a little more than a hand over my head but probably not a fist, I should try it. I do not have the seat all the way back but I could. But I like to use a touch screen GPS and with the seat all the way back, it is along reach. I like my legs to be flexed a little when working the pedals too. And bringing the seat up a little allows at least a small person to sit behind me. To get all the way down on a test drive, my son and I had to rock forward a bit in the manual seats. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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08-01-2009, 08:34 AM	#10
former Practical Idealist 9 Rep 408 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Greater Los Angeles Area iTrader: (0)	6'2" here as well. I tilt the bottom of the back of the seat all the way down. Raise the front up most, if not all the way to create a sloping effect for thigh support. Adjust the side bolsters to fit. Extend thigh support as well for additional comfort. Adjust tilt and telescope wheel to see gauges and for comfort. I find there is more headroom in the 1 than in my wife's 335 coupe. But, my seating style as described above has been the same in most cars (other than the Avalanche I had) for many years. __________________ -f 2009 135 6MT Montego Blue Coupe, Sport, Prem, Cold, Nav, CA, iPod, Smartphone \| Euro Delivery on 10/25/2008
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08-01-2009, 01:34 PM	#12
Chapalan Enlisted Member 1 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I'm 5' 8 my issue is trying to compromise between not being plastered against the steering wheel and having a comfortable reach for the clutch.I regret not getting power seats for this one reason. I think it only took me 4 months to find the sweet spot.
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08-01-2009, 07:32 PM	#13
Maine1 Private First Class 4 Rep 172 Posts Drives: M235xi Join Date: May 2008 Location: Scarborough, Maine iTrader: (0)	I'm a six footer, and I like the seat all the way down and reclining back a little. The sport steering wheel does block the instrument view a little. I like to tilt it down as far as I can while allowing some view of the speed dial.
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08-01-2009, 09:01 PM	#17
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I also sit upright. I do not like seats tilted back. And tilted back is very unkind to anybody in the back seat. I have a slight bend in my leg when I am working the clutch. I can drive fine with the seat all the way back but it feels like a long reach to the radio and GPS. So I come in a few notches. Which also lets small people sit behind me without having to move the seat more forward than normal. I have enough headroom without having to tilt the seat back (but I can see how somebody 6' 8" might have to tilt). Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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08-01-2009, 09:46 PM	#18
superpowers Private 6 Rep 68 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: canada iTrader: (-1)	gee, all 1 drivers are hella tall. I sat in a 1 series today and I had to push the seat up a bit. I was staring at the bonnet the entire time. I'm 5'9 by the way. I found the ergo VERY good, haha.
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08-02-2009, 12:29 AM	#20
WhiteOne Major 28 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2008 AW 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	I slide my manual seat all the way back when I get out. I slide it up when I get in. (depends on shoes) I keep it mid height and tilted all the way up in the front. I am 6'2" and 210 pounds.
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08-02-2009, 12:34 AM	#21
touareg Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	I'm 5'9" and have the manual seats all the way down, though I still kind of feel that I'm sitting a bit high sometimes. I find the side bolsters to be in the way sometimes when I shift or when I want to use the iDrive controller, but I dont' want to slide the seat back anymore because then I'd be too far away from the clutch. __________________ Currently: 2017 M2 MT LBB In a previous life: 2011 Z4 sDrive35i MT \| 2011 Mk6 GTI MT \| 2008 EX35 \| 2008 Cooper S MT \| 2009 135i MT \| 2002 A4 1.8T
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08-02-2009, 09:23 PM	#22
Chapalan Enlisted Member 1 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I'd like to know more about this clutch stop. I'd like to sit further back but can't do it because of the clutch.
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