Things to make long journeys more comfortable

[nsi]

Hi,

I drive a fair bit for my job. (Trips on motorways 4hrs+ long each, twice per week.) Car is an E46 BMW 330d M Sport. So it has the suede interior and 'sports' seats like these:


I sometimes get pain in my lower back or shoulders. So I was wondering if you lot have any tips on things to relieve this? I was thinking about one of those heater elements for your lower back/backside. Are these any good? Reccomendations?

Anything else?

Cheers.

PS - I know I could stop and walk about, but when I'm driving although it's for business it's on my own time, so getting home with fewest stops is my preference!

[ChiChoAndy]

Wooden bead car seats... Thousands of taxi drivers can't be wrong!

[andy-xr]

I found with my E46 that it turns you ever so slightly to your left. try straightening out/readjusting a bit

[pacman1]

Learjet for me.

[nsi]

ChiChoAndy said:

Wooden bead car seats... Thousands of taxi drivers can't be wrong!

I'm 28, not 82!!

(There must be a reason why only pensioners and taxi drivers use them?)

ETA: It is actually a potential idea. I'd just have to make sure none of my work colleagues ever saw them...!

[davepoth]

16 inch wheels, and 60 profile tyres FTW.

[Nick3point2]

davepoth said:

16 inch wheels, and 60 profile tyres FTW.

will make 4 5th of FA difference on a motorway.

[LHD]

davepoth said:

16 inch wheels, and 60 profile tyres FTW.

[busta]

You might find that the problem is not the seat itself but the fact it's slightly offset from the steering wheel and pedals. Poor ergonomics of the 3 series unfortunately.

To make long journeys more comfortable buy a Volvo.

[nsi]

LHD said:

davepoth said:

16 inch wheels, and 60 profile tyres FTW.

I've got 18's or 19's I think.
Plus fairly firm suspension, but as others have said, as it's on a motorway I think the problem is more to do with the seat/driving position than the ride/vibrations.

[miniman]

Nick3point2 said:

davepoth said:

16 inch wheels, and 60 profile tyres FTW.

will make 4 5th of FA difference on a motorway.

Nonsense, it makes a huge difference.

[Jayho]

One of those seat massage things you out over the seat?

[bobda]

Have you tried adjusting the lumbar support in the seat? Sounds like you've got it set too soft.

[mgmrw]

busta said:

You might find that the problem is not the seat itself but the fact it's slightly offset from the steering wheel and pedals. Poor ergonomics of the 3 series was the same with E36, mine gives me aches after an hour or two unfortunately.

To make long journeys more comfortable buy a Volvo.SAAB 9-3

EFA

[rfn]

Unfortunately it is because the pedals in the E46 are offset to such a degree that your back is slightly twisted - hence the pain over long journeys.

Something like an MX5 (no jokes) or Volvo V70 are good cars because the steering wheel & pedals & seat line up perfectly. Mk3 Mondeo is rubbish too as the steering wheel isn't not straight on to the seat!

[Fordo]

miniman said:

Nonsense, it makes a huge difference.

+1

- i swapped out a set of 17's with low profiles, for a set of 15's with big fat 'baloon' tyres- it's made a world of difference. Car felt stiff and oversprung before. Now, it feels just right- still a firm ride, but it seems to soak up the little bumps much better, and I don't feel like my spine is going to fall out when you approach an A road roundabout with those horizontal yellow rumble stripes. Interestingly I get lower road noise too (but that could be down to different tyres)

[Kiltox]

One of these



Frenchness aside, I could've driven that for days without stopping other than to refuel. Stupendous comfort for what is a Mondeo rival

[markmullen]

It sounds silly but completely reset your position.

Slide the seat back as far as it will go, and right to the floor and the backrest all the way back.

Now get in and set your position up again from scratch. Loads of people have a seat position that isn't really right for them but they never change it. Making you get yourself comfy again might help.

[H_Kan]

I've found that I get a bit of back pain from my e46 as well. I think it is down to the offset as the seat is comfortable and I've been fine if passengering in it.

[lost in espace]

ChiChoAndy said:

Wooden bead car seats... Thousands of taxi drivers can't be wrong!

Do not wear shorts with these fitted, you will be attached by the hair on your legs.

My new to me Defender had to have its window winder adjusted, the knob stuck in your leg something rotten on long trips.