[MetaX]

This is probably a strange question but...For those of you with the sport seats, how do you enter and exit your X3? When I turn to step out, I always feel like I'm smushing and rubbing the outer lip of the bottom seat cushion to the extent that it won't be long before it gets deformed or comes apart from all the friction on the seams. I've tried some different body contortions to avoid this but I probably look like Peewee Herman popping out of a clown car whenever I do this.

I'm of average build & height so I'm pretty sure I'm not classified as a mutant-shaped outlier. My concerns are probably unwarranted but wanted to see if perhaps its all in my technique...

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by MetaX

This is probably a strange question but...For those of you with the sport seats, how do you enter and exit your X3? When I turn to step out, I always feel like I'm smushing and rubbing the outer lip of the bottom seat cushion to the extent that it won't be long before it gets deformed or comes apart from all the friction on the seams. I've tried some different body contortions to avoid this but I probably look like Peewee Herman popping out of a clown car whenever I do this.

I'm of average build & height so I'm pretty sure I'm not classified as a mutant-shaped outlier. My concerns are probably unwarranted but wanted to see if perhaps its all in my technique...

I struggle with this, too. Using the handles on the headliner helps, but you will look silly getting out of the car. The the driver's seat has seen some wear on the outer thigh and side bolster, but I figure I shouldn't worry as I won't keep it past warranty.

[bren]

Yeah, I too realized very quickly that this is going to be an issue. Hopefully the crap leather will actually be a benefit here. If it were Nappa it wouldn't take long to destroy it.

[DJ Daddy-O]

Thought it was just me.

A fairly brutal "climb on board" works for me. No sign of any issues around the bolster so gonna stick with it.

[Le Chef]

It's pretty simple: butt in first, then swing legs over the bolster. Good for the abs!

[Bill S]

I have sports seats on my 2005 535 - now somewhat scratched & worn on the drivers side.
That is why I did not order them for my X3!

[bren]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

It's pretty simple: butt in first, then swing legs over the bolster. Good for the abs!

That's not going to work if you aren't abnormally tall.

[Le Chef]

Originally Posted by bren

That's not going to work if you aren't abnormally tall.

I can do it easily in the X3 and almost as easily in the 911. I'm 5' 10" and 185 lbs.

[bren]

How do you get your feet on the ground while your ass is still in the seat of the x3? Of course it's easy to do in a 911, the thing sits 6" off the ground.

[Le Chef]

Why would you need your feet on the ground and your butt in the chair at the same time? You're moving!

I also have the seat set low.

[MetaX]

Therein lies the rub. After I swing my legs out, I still have a few inches to go before touching down on the ground so that bolster ends up bearing all my weight. In the X3, unless you are flamingo-legged supermodel or an NBA point guard (I am a mere 5'10", 170 lbs), you're going down rather than up as you exit the vehicle. I don't seem to have as much of an issue getting in to the car however.

[bren]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

Why would you need your feet on the ground and your butt in the chair at the same time? You're moving!

I'm picturing something out of the dukes of hazard.

Most of us don't leap in and out of the car like we're on fire.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Slightly off topic.

450 mile journey today and my backside is aching from my sports seats (not had this before and its bloody uncomfortable)

[MetaX]

Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76

Slightly off topic.

450 mile journey today and my backside is aching from my sports seats (not had this before and its bloody uncomfortable)

It actually took me a while to dial in my seat settings (never had so many to choose from before!). Until I finally did, I too was uncomfortable on long trips. The lumbar support level and position took me the longest to settle on, but haven't experienced any discomfort since then. My suggestion is to keep plugging away at different seat settings until you stumble on a combination that works for you. Unfortunately, this takes some patience as you can't always tell right away whether or not your new settings are an improvement. Thank god for memory seats!

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by MetaX

It actually took me a while to dial in my seat settings (never had so many to choose from before!). Until I finally did, I too was uncomfortable on long trips. The lumbar support level and position took me the longest to settle on, but haven't experienced any discomfort since then. My suggestion is to keep plugging away at different seat settings until you stumble on a combination that works for you. Unfortunately, this takes some patience as you can't always tell right away whether or not your new settings are an improvement. Thank god for memory seats!

12000 miles of comfortable driving so far but todays long journey was perhaps just too long.

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by bren

Yeah, I too realized very quickly that this is going to be an issue. Hopefully the crap leather will actually be a benefit here. If it were Nappa it wouldn't take long to destroy it.

You'd think so but the "crap leather" actually stretches out pretty easily, I wish we had the seats in the new 3 Series instead because not only do they look nicer but they're split in two sections on the bottom.

To the OP, chances are the bottom of the seat where you actually sit on will give out before the side bolsters.

[E92LNGCGY]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

It's pretty simple: butt in first, then swing legs over the bolster. Good for the abs!

That's exactly what I do for my E92. I'm going to do the same with the F25 when it gets here.

People think I'm crazy to get into the vehicle this way but this is the proper way and not damage the seat.

[Razel]

I'm the sole driver, so this may not work for most. There are two memory buttons on the seat. First one is my driving position. Second moves the seat back and down to the limits. First one when I'm in, second one when I'm getting out.
Also, FWIW, shutting off the system first and opening the door allows you to just touch the button and release to get the seat to the wanted position. Same for getting in, leave the door open, hit and release the memory button and the seat will go all the way to it's final resting spot. With the system on or the engine running, you have to hold the button until the cycle completes.

[Le Chef]

Originally Posted by bren

I'm picturing something out of the dukes of hazard.

Most of us don't leap in and out of the car like we're on fire.

So I'm going to keep getting in and out the car that way. When I get too old to do it that way I will buy a Buick with a colostomy bag in the door pocket.

[pokerface]

their new Buick Regal GS looks mighty good btw...

[jk]

i don't get it. i just get in and out of the vehicle. i don't know how i do it; but somehow i accomplish this herculean feat without a thought. perhaps i have some special skill of which i was previously unaware.

[jdmass]

+1

I'm really surprised by this one. The sport seats are one of the things I love about this car and I never perceived a problem getting in or out -- and I'm 5'10", 205 lbs. They're also extremely comfortable for long trips.