What were BMW thinking with the e92 M3 seating position

[jon-]

Everytime I spend some time driving other performance cars (most recently the new C63S which is the first C63 I've thought was better than the M3/4 of the time), I get back in my M3 and feel like I'm driving a noddy car I'm sitting so high.

I know they did the £6000,0000000 M Performance seat option but they're not made anymore and like hens teeth to find second hand.

I'm not convinced of any of the aftermarket options, they either look too rice, or don't fold, or don't have heating.

Rant over.

[Wills2]

It is a little high, the F80/2 is better in that regard.

[Tony B2]

Which model year is your car?

I do remember when I first got my 2008 MY E92 it did feel ridiculously high, but apparently later years had a redesigned base/mechanism which lowered the seat base.

My current (2012 year) is not the same at all, and I can be comfortable without lowering it as far as it will go.

Either I have got used to it, or I have shrunk.

[jon-]

Tony B2 said:

Which model year is your car?

I do remember when I first got my 2008 MY E92 it did feel ridiculously high, but apparently later years had a redesigned base/mechanism which lowered the seat base.

My current (2012 year) is not the same at all, and I can be comfortable without lowering it as far as it will go.

Either I have got used to it, or I have shrunk.

Mine is a 2008, I'll try and sit in a later one to see if it's different.

[Eviltad]

I went from a Z4 to a 2012 M3, so assumed my lofty position was because of my change in vehicle.....i.e I actually am driving in a higher seat position.

[cerb4.5lee]

It frustrated me a fair bit too, it's because of all the electric gubbins and you can get low in a normal 3 series.

[stef1808]

Funny that, I find the position the best of a bad bunch on my e92. Miles better than the e46, and slightly lower than the m4.

1m has the best so far I've tried and from what I've heard - its better than the M2

[Max Maxasson]

Yep I find it near perfect for me....but then I spent years making small adjustments until I finally got it right. TBH mines not even set all the way down - I've found slightly higher up with the steering wheel set low works really well.

Edited by Max Maxasson on Tuesday 8th November 11:08

[jon-]

Probably doesn't help I'm 6'4,have silly hair, and like to be quite close / upright near the wheel.

This is me wedged in - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27PcQObpNsQ

[Evolved]

Recaro CS, problem solved.

[xjay1337]

Was gonna say the £60000,0000 as you say Performance seat package is just Recaro Pole Positions which can be bought brand new from any Recaro dealer for around £2200 in your choice.
Not heated, no. But do fold.

I have Recaro pole positions in my car (not a BM I will admit) and they are very comfy for long journeys.

[GroundEffect]

I'm 6ft and I don't even have my seat at its lowest...

It's fine.

[krallicious]

I only found the seating position to be high after I tried my old car agin after getting out of a 997. I too sit very upright and close to the wheel but am only 6ft.

The biggest problem I had was wearing a helmet on track days as I felt that my head was wedged against the roof lining.

[Smuler]

jon- said:

Probably doesn't help I'm 6'4,have silly hair, and like to be quite close / upright near the wheel.

This is me wedged in - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27PcQObpNsQ

Slightly off the original theme, but this is an excellent video review. I found it cleared things up, as I moved in May from a 335i with first Michelin Pilot Supersports (on my stock 19s) and then Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, on 17s I'd originally put on for winter tyres, to

An E46 M3 on 19s with continental conti sport 5

complimented, as my daily runabout, by a E46 325 on 18s with continental conti Sport 5.

Well that's what I thought, after viewing your video I realise the M3 has the high performance Sport 5P's which are excellent; and that's a relief as the 'ordinary' conti's I have on the 'ordinary E46' are useless, the wet grip is the worst of any tyre I've had in ages.

Michelins are excellent, by the way, though I preferred the grip of the MPS4's

Thanks for sharing

[jon-]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the Recaros.

Smuler said:

jon- said:

Probably doesn't help I'm 6'4,have silly hair, and like to be quite close / upright near the wheel.

This is me wedged in - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27PcQObpNsQ

Slightly off the original theme, but this is an excellent video review. I found it cleared things up, as I moved in May from a 335i with first Michelin Pilot Supersports (on my stock 19s) and then Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, on 17s I'd originally put on for winter tyres, to

An E46 M3 on 19s with continental conti sport 5

complimented, as my daily runabout, by a E46 325 on 18s with continental conti Sport 5.

Well that's what I thought, after viewing your video I realise the M3 has the high performance Sport 5P's which are excellent; and that's a relief as the 'ordinary' conti's I have on the 'ordinary E46' are useless, the wet grip is the worst of any tyre I've had in ages.

Michelins are excellent, by the way, though I preferred the grip of the MPS4's

Thanks for sharing

I've a feeling the new king of 19" and above is going to be the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. I'll find out for sure in Jan when I get to test them, super excited!