best BMW for ride comfort?

[cringle]

So I've had my M4 since launch back in 2014, and had a 640d before that. The 6 series had comfort seats and the M4's seats have quite a few adjustments but long journeys in both would give me backache, I've concluded that obviously my back isn't in great shape, but when driving the missus' Merc C250 I'm absolutely fine. I was wondering what people make of the ride comfort / seating position in higher vehicles like the X5? I'm thinking that getting one of these would make an improvement, but a friend was saying something in the exec class like a 7-series has superior ride comfort to the X5 type SUV cars. Anyone with experience of all of these?

[aeropilot]

cringle said:

So I've had my M4 since launch back in 2014, and had a 640d before that. The 6 series had comfort seats and the M4's seats have quite a few adjustments but long journeys in both would give me backache, I've concluded that obviously my back isn't in great shape, but when driving the missus' Merc C250 I'm absolutely fine. I was wondering what people make of the ride comfort / seating position in higher vehicles like the X5? I'm thinking that getting one of these would make an improvement, but a friend was saying something in the exec class like a 7-series has superior ride comfort to the X5 type SUV cars. Anyone with experience of all of these?

I suspect, it's your seating position that is causing the problem.....seat base too low in the 6 and M4, and as such the Merc is higher by default hence why not getting an issue. Worde thing for back pain, is seat base too low and base titled up at front edge, putting the knee joint above the hip joint and thus increasing pressure on the spine.
Try raising the seat base up higher in the M4 and tilt the base front edge down. I had the same issue in my 135i when first bought, but my petrolhead chiropractic got the seat in the right position (albeit an alien one for me) but it works.
After 5 years with the 135i I will though be looking to move to something SUV like, within a few years, X3 or X5 or Porsche Macan as I can't defy age and the back injury is getting worse, and a comfort seat equipped X5 with the higher seat base from floor is the preferred option (shame they only make them in 6 shades of monochrome and not any colours!)

[tdm34]

Or Swap the M4 for an Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo....

[cerb4.5lee]

Had a E92 M3 and currently got a 640d but my old X5 4.8 with its air suspension was more comfortable than both of them even on 20" rims and the higher driving position adds something to it as well.

I haven't been in a 7 series but I would imagine that would hit the spot regards ride comfort for sure.

[cringle]

Thanks for the thoughts peeps. Will try adjusting seat base as i indeed have it low and with front part raised up! Wannabe touring car driver position

[cringle]

Thanks for the thoughts peeps. Will try adjusting seat base as i indeed have it low and with front part raised up! Wannabe touring car driver position

[urquattroGus]

The M135i is surprisingly comfortable and pliant if you have adaptive dampers in "comfort"

This is helped by the face you have non-runflat tyres and just 18" wheels.

Edited by urquattroGus on Sunday 7th February 13:17

[JonV8V]

I think it's got nothing to do with the ride and all to do with the seat position so wheel size ain't going to help, nor run flat tyres and everything else that seems to get trotted out.

I really struggled with my 6 when I had it, even with comfort seats, and I found in my case I was stretching for the steering wheel a bit and ended up with a slightly more upright position and a bit closer. Another thing someone told me ages ago was not to drive with a wallet in a rear pocket. That twists the base of the spine, especially on firm seats that are less compliant (depends a little on the size of your wedge :-) ) . Your specific issue could well be different but the principle is the same and before changing car I'd try a quite different sat position that may feel odd to start and see how you get on.