E90 320d Seats?

[Vlad the Imp]

I'm thinking about getting a 320d SE Touring but do 30,000+ miles a year and need it to be comfortable. I had a Saab 93 previously which by all subjective standards was a failry crap car apart from the seats which were incredibly comfortable. I'm reminded of this as I'm driving an Audi A4 loan car at the moment and am getting the impression that the seats are a leftover from the Spanish Inquisition.

Are the standard SE seats comfortable, is it worth coughing up for the Sports seats option?

[Vladimir]

Are we related?

Try the seats - I found the sports seats made my legs ache. I find the standard SE leather ones more comfy over a long distance but I'm in the minority.

In fact I've never had a car with seats as comfy - three hour drive? No problem. I arrive as fresh as I left.

[finestjammy]

I tried the standard seats with and without lumbar adjustment as well as the sports seats. I found I got most comfortable in the standard seats with the lumbar adjustment. If I was a B-road blaster I probably would have gone for the sports seats as there isn't that much side support in the standard seats when you're 'pushing on'. As 90% of my driving is on motorways though, I went for standard seats.

[edo]

I've just given a company 320d back that was an M sport with sports seats, and we have replaced it with a 320d "ED" with standard seats.

I miss the adjustable side bolster and thigh bolster support as well as the front under leg support.

having said all that, the normal seats are still pretty comfortable - just not so supportive if you are chucking it about.

[Vlad the Imp]

Thanks all, the consensus seems to be that they're not that bad. I will be steering well clear of any M Sport versions as I'd heard the ride was pretty stiff and can't see the point in sports suspension on a car that's never going to be used on a track.

[Tea Pot One]

Vlad the Imp said:

Thanks all, the consensus seems to be that they're not that bad. I will be steering well clear of any M Sport versions as I'd heard the ride was pretty stiff and can't see the point in sports suspension on a car that's never going to be used on a track.

The suspension on the M sport is not too hard ... softer than my Z4M or S2000 ... and not too much different from an Edition 30 Golf Gti I had either ...

The seats in my M Sport 320d coupe are fine on long journeys ... FWIW - better than the other cars I mention

[edo]

Wrong wheel choice makes the ride far worse than the (quality) Eibach springs in the M-Sport.

M sport with 17's is great. SE with 19's is st....

Just test whatever specific car you plan to buy well before buying.

[Sticks.]

Vlad the Imp said:

Thanks all, the consensus seems to be that they're not that bad. I will be steering well clear of any M Sport versions as I'd heard the ride was pretty stiff and can't see the point in sports suspension on a car that's never going to be used on a track.

Prob best to try both if you can. I have a dodgy back but found the M Sport better. The ride was firmer but the seats more supportive with greater adjustment, and less lateral movement, which I found more comfortable.