trouble see gauges through steering wheel??

Oz135i · 12-04-2008, 04:11 AM

Might sound like a stupid problem but does anyone else have trouble seeing the speed gauge etc through the steering wheel gap?? I've adjusted my seat and column in every comfortable position and its still a little obstructed.

Caduceus · 12-04-2008, 04:29 AM

How tall are you?

Do you prefer a long stretch to the pedals or do you sit closer?

I'm 6'0 and like a full stretch to floor the clutch pedal. I also like the seat as low as it goes. I can get the wheel where I need it for a clear view. I'd prefer it a touch lower but then I'd lose my view of the top of the dial.

So for me, no real problems.

corpsman · 12-04-2008, 04:50 AM

Did you have this problem when you test drove it?
I'm 5'6" and I have no problems.

Zuzu · 12-04-2008, 05:16 AM

I am 5'8" with no probs either..

former · 12-04-2008, 08:16 AM

6'2" here and I was able to line everything up just fine. The tilt and telescope was handy though since I tend to lower the seat all the way and then tilt it back and scoot it under the wheel. It might be hard to visualize and probably sounds even weirder but it works...

arrutled · 12-04-2008, 08:19 AM

takes about an hour of sitting in the car and then going around the block after an adjustment before your find your perfect niche!

MZWIE · 12-04-2008, 11:13 AM

Why is this an issue. I can't see them directly, however, I only glance at the gauges twice: once if a warning comes on, or if the Radar Detector goes off.

Other than that there is very little reason to look at the gauges.

TagMan · 12-04-2008, 11:36 AM

I like the steering wheel set a little on the low side. I'm just not into the high truck/bus setting... LOL. So... yes it can obstruct the top of the instrumentation a little, but certainly not enough to become any kind of "issue". My Porsche has the same situation, so it's not unique to the 1er.

Get used to it, and start enjoying the car for all the right reasons.

TM

peppebmw · 12-04-2008, 01:30 PM

I can't see gauges either. I'm 5'7" and have the steering wheel slammed as low as it can go. I don't think it matters where the seat is positioned if you have the steering wheel set in its lowest position as far as being able to see gauges.

Oz135i · 12-04-2008, 02:17 PM

yeah i like the wheel lowish and thats where the problem is. I'm just over 6 foot tall and have the seat down as low as possible. Someone posted on here that the auto seats (which i have) dont go as low as the manual seats so maybe thats the cause. I have to say that i didn't really check on the test drive because i was too amazed with the power (having come from a fairly underpowered audi A4 Turbo Quattro 1.8).

Anyway its certainly not a major issue because i have adjusted now so that i can see enough of the dials to know what i'm doing. Apparently the ideal driving position is to sit back in your seat and put your arms over the steering wheel - rists should sit on top of wheel (not your hands and not your forearm). But its all personal preference in the end.

Just curious

ChrisK · 12-04-2008, 02:33 PM

6' here and I have no problems seeing the gauges.

Midgad · 12-04-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squeak

yea i test drove it and im like 5'7" ish no issue here

Im 5'7 and I have the same issue.
But I like the steering wheel a bit lower.
Fyi, I cant see the very top of speedometer (who needs to see im only doing 80mph neway)
I also cant really see the turn signal arrows.

warmtoes · 12-04-2008, 03:10 PM

I'm 6' tall and I also like my wheel a bit lower which cuts off the top of the dials a bit but it's not a problem really.

turner23 · 12-04-2008, 09:07 PM

Move the steering wheel!

If your tall, I've found lowering the seat helps.

akak1997 · 12-04-2008, 09:16 PM

5'9" no problems here. the only problem I've is the rear view mirror blocking my vision when making sharp right turns

Bringinthewolf · 12-04-2008, 09:41 PM

Courtesy of Guildenstein's post on this thread. It's a bit awkward at first but works really well after a few miles plus you can see through the wheel.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18192

"I have done a lot of reasearch from driving books and takling to people who have gone to various courses. the 10 and 2 position is an anachronisim from when steering wheels were more upright (as in a bus) with a modern vertical plane steering wheel you end up in a somwhat unstable top heavy position at 10-2 that you are always fighting just a little and so can increase fatiuge as well as decreasing responce.

With 3-9 your tactile responce from the car is improved since you are in a lower state of tension (you dont need to grip as hard to anchor you hands), Responce is improved because you simply lower one hand and raise the other as opposed to bringing your hands across your body, and you also keep your arms more clear of the airbag.

The "BMW way" to get seated is:

adjust the seat base for comfort (the tip)
move the seat forward so that with the clutch (or imagineary clutch for automatics) all the way to the floor you still have some bend in your knee (you shouldn't be reaching for it)
adjust seat back and seat hight to give you 2 to 3 fingers of space from head to headliner (which is a little hard in the 1er with a sunroof)
adjust the tilt/telescope so that you can rest one wrist on the top of the steering wheel with your arm fully outstreached and still see the dials.
then headrest so your eye/ear line is in the middle of the headrest area.

Thats what they teach their test drivers and at the performance centers. Try this and you might find a little more space for comfort. It sounds like as you have it now, you may be just a bit too forward"

Oinker1 · 12-05-2008, 01:16 AM

There's guages behind the wheel??????

Dick Brown · 12-05-2008, 01:39 AM

I like to keep the steering wheel in the lowest position and there is no way I can see the speedometer. It's a shame BMW did not put a secondary digital speedometer option in the digital portion as that would have solved the problem

1Ronnie · 12-05-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick Brown

I like to keep the steering wheel in the lowest position and there is no way I can see the speedometer. It's a shame BMW did not put a secondary digital speedometer option in the digital portion as that would have solved the problem

Although it's not particularly convenient, it is possible to bring up the "secret menus" on the centre display, which includes both the "Real" and "Adjusted" speeds. You would only bother when you need this level of detail. The instructions can be found here:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/secu...html#wp1056026

JKAWB · 12-05-2008, 02:17 PM

A lot of times I have to open my eyes to see the guages or put my beer into the cup holder instead of holding it with the same hand that is holding the stearing wheel, my gun, cell phone, and newspaper.

ad78 · 12-05-2008, 02:48 PM

6' here, i dont have any problems neither. the only thing im having issues is the odometer reading.

Oz135i · 12-05-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Ronnie

Although it's not particularly convenient, it is possible to bring up the "secret menus" on the centre display, which includes both the "Real" and "Adjusted" speeds. You would only bother when you need this level of detail. The instructions can be found here:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/secu...html#wp1056026

This sounds interesting - will check it out. So this is essentially a defacto factor digital current speed gauge?????

12-04-2008, 04:11 AM	#1
Oz135i New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	trouble see gauges through steering wheel?? Might sound like a stupid problem but does anyone else have trouble seeing the speed gauge etc through the steering wheel gap?? I've adjusted my seat and column in every comfortable position and its still a little obstructed.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-04-2008, 04:29 AM	#2
Caduceus First Lieutenant 342 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 2008 135 (sold), 2017 M2 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	How tall are you? Do you prefer a long stretch to the pedals or do you sit closer? I'm 6'0 and like a full stretch to floor the clutch pedal. I also like the seat as low as it goes. I can get the wheel where I need it for a clear view. I'd prefer it a touch lower but then I'd lose my view of the top of the dial. So for me, no real problems.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 04:50 AM	#3
corpsman 130 kmh, yeah right. 1 Rep 194 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Montego,6MT, Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Landstuhl,Germany iTrader: (0)	Did you have this problem when you test drove it? I'm 5'6" and I have no problems. __________________ 2009 135i Montego, black leatherette, gray poplar trim, sports package, CA, Ipod/USB, premiun stereo,Assist, took delivery nov 14, 2 weeks early. :thumbup:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 05:16 AM	#4
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	I am 5'8" with no probs either..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 08:16 AM	#5
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 and I was able to line everything up just fine. The tilt and telescope was handy though since I tend to lower the seat all the way and then tilt it back and scoot it under the wheel. It might be hard to visualize and probably sounds even weirder but it works...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 08:19 AM	#6
arrutled Colonel 104 Rep 2,474 Posts Drives: Olsa Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western Mass iTrader: (0)	takes about an hour of sitting in the car and then going around the block after an adjustment before your find your perfect niche! __________________ AW 135i w/ blackette, performance short shift kit, BMW alarm, Performance rotors, APEX ARC-8 wheels, Direzza Star Spec 235/275, Dinan stage 3 suspension, M3 wishbones/tension rods/front sway/rear subframe bushings and thats all folks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 11:13 AM	#7
MZWIE Lieutenant Colonel 388 Rep 1,660 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: GEORGIA iTrader: (0)	Why is this an issue. I can't see them directly, however, I only glance at the gauges twice: once if a warning comes on, or if the Radar Detector goes off. Other than that there is very little reason to look at the gauges.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 11:36 AM	#8
TagMan Car Addict!! 60 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: '08 135i Convertible Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Malibu, California iTrader: (0)	I like the steering wheel set a little on the low side. I'm just not into the high truck/bus setting... LOL. So... yes it can obstruct the top of the instrumentation a little, but certainly not enough to become any kind of "issue". My Porsche has the same situation, so it's not unique to the 1er. Get used to it, and start enjoying the car for all the right reasons. TM __________________ 2008 /// Commemorative /// 6-Speed /// Titanium Silver /// Fully-Loaded /// 135i Convertible
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 01:30 PM	#9
peppebmw Lieutenant 21 Rep 412 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: middle of CT iTrader: (1)	I can't see gauges either. I'm 5'7" and have the steering wheel slammed as low as it can go. I don't think it matters where the seat is positioned if you have the steering wheel set in its lowest position as far as being able to see gauges. __________________ 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth 2021 Jeep Wrangler JLU Sport S 2022 RE Continental GT 650
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 02:17 PM	#10
Oz135i New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	yeah i like the wheel lowish and thats where the problem is. I'm just over 6 foot tall and have the seat down as low as possible. Someone posted on here that the auto seats (which i have) dont go as low as the manual seats so maybe thats the cause. I have to say that i didn't really check on the test drive because i was too amazed with the power (having come from a fairly underpowered audi A4 Turbo Quattro 1.8). Anyway its certainly not a major issue because i have adjusted now so that i can see enough of the dials to know what i'm doing. Apparently the ideal driving position is to sit back in your seat and put your arms over the steering wheel - rists should sit on top of wheel (not your hands and not your forearm). But its all personal preference in the end. Just curious
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 02:33 PM	#11
ChrisK Major General 4449 Rep 7,594 Posts Drives: '19 M2C Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (7) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [7.00] 2015 Porsche Macan S [0.00]	6' here and I have no problems seeing the gauges. __________________ www.ReTuneTheDeTune.com 2019 M2 Competition (Sunset Orange)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 03:10 PM	#13
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	I'm 6' tall and I also like my wheel a bit lower which cuts off the top of the dials a bit but it's not a problem really. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 09:07 PM	#14
turner23 Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 218 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	can't see through the steering wheel? Move the steering wheel! If your tall, I've found lowering the seat helps.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 09:16 PM	#15
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]	5'9" no problems here. the only problem I've is the rear view mirror blocking my vision when making sharp right turns
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-04-2008, 09:41 PM	#16
Bringinthewolf 1 for the road 20 Rep 780 Posts Drives: SGM 135i Cabrio Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, B.C. iTrader: (0)	Courtesy of Guildenstein's post on this thread. It's a bit awkward at first but works really well after a few miles plus you can see through the wheel. http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18192 "I have done a lot of reasearch from driving books and takling to people who have gone to various courses. the 10 and 2 position is an anachronisim from when steering wheels were more upright (as in a bus) with a modern vertical plane steering wheel you end up in a somwhat unstable top heavy position at 10-2 that you are always fighting just a little and so can increase fatiuge as well as decreasing responce. With 3-9 your tactile responce from the car is improved since you are in a lower state of tension (you dont need to grip as hard to anchor you hands), Responce is improved because you simply lower one hand and raise the other as opposed to bringing your hands across your body, and you also keep your arms more clear of the airbag. The "BMW way" to get seated is: adjust the seat base for comfort (the tip) move the seat forward so that with the clutch (or imagineary clutch for automatics) all the way to the floor you still have some bend in your knee (you shouldn't be reaching for it) adjust seat back and seat hight to give you 2 to 3 fingers of space from head to headliner (which is a little hard in the 1er with a sunroof) adjust the tilt/telescope so that you can rest one wrist on the top of the steering wheel with your arm fully outstreached and still see the dials. then headrest so your eye/ear line is in the middle of the headrest area. Thats what they teach their test drivers and at the performance centers. Try this and you might find a little more space for comfort. It sounds like as you have it now, you may be just a bit too forward" __________________ "So the question is — do you want comfort and size, or do you want to drive?"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2008, 01:16 AM	#17
Oinker1 Banned 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2008 iTrader: (0)	There's guages behind the wheel??????
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2008, 01:39 AM	#18
Dick Brown Private 4 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 1m, Porche Boxster, Audi A8L Join Date: May 2008 Location: NYC & FL iTrader: (0)	I like to keep the steering wheel in the lowest position and there is no way I can see the speedometer. It's a shame BMW did not put a secondary digital speedometer option in the digital portion as that would have solved the problem
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2008, 02:17 PM	#20
JKAWB Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 295 Posts Drives: 08 135i Black Sapphire Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tampa FL iTrader: (0)	A lot of times I have to open my eyes to see the guages or put my beer into the cup holder instead of holding it with the same hand that is holding the stearing wheel, my gun, cell phone, and newspaper.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2008, 02:48 PM	#21
ad78 Yr1OfD1 107 Rep 900 Posts Drives: 2015 F34 M Sport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	6' here, i dont have any problems neither. the only thing im having issues is the odometer reading.
	Appreciate 0 Quote