[BMWbiker]

Originally Posted by hyde

Does anyone think the steering wheel doesn't go down enough. I push my seat as low as possible, I like to seat deep into my driving position, back mostly straight, thigh support extended and ample space for 2nd row. I am 6' and I find myself wishing steering wheel could go lower. Maybe I need to push it forward a bit more but then I have to pull my seat forward. I usually sit with my left leg resting closer to seat, not extended to dead pedal.

I’ve actually been having better results with the seat forward enough that my left foot is firmly on the dead pedal, with a bit of additional flexion of the knee. The gentle pressure of the leg on the dead pedal is keeping my butt and lower back pushed into the seat, thus giving them more support.

I have not played much with seat height yet. I definitely don’t currently have it as low as you describe.

I just watched the Recaro video. I’m going to spot check the tips listed in it tomorrow or Wednesday.

[g11hoonigan]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Proper seat position is very important, watch this video - moving in close to the steering wheel you may feel like an old Grandma at first but it's what you want to do- give it a go, good luck!

I sort of disagree on the part where it said to put the wrist on steering wheel. I am not sure if there was any mathematical consideration of the average people stats, common steering wheel position and seat design and the minimum of 10" distance from the airbag.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by g11hoonigan

I sort of disagree on the part where it said to put the wrist on steering wheel. I am not sure if there was any mathematical consideration of the average people stats, common steering wheel position and seat design and the minimum of 10" distance from the airbag.

Using the wrist on the rim with a straight arm as a measurement guide and then bending the elbow to grab the wheel has been taught for decades. I can recall learning this in performance driving school 20+ years ago. The suggestion was that this provides the optimal arm angle for strength and control for steering. Your point about 10" from the steering wheel hub to allow for air bag deployment before it engages the driver is spot-on. If the arm length and position don't allow the leg length to reach the pedals, pedal blocks are the next consideration.

[BMWbiker]

Here’s a follow up to this topic. I don’t know if the OP will read it. Hope so.

I followed the Recaro video instructions. They helped.

Part of this involved moving the seat farther forward, so that my left foot is planted on the dead pedal with a bit of knee flexion. It reminds me of the seating position when I drove stick shift, but without the third pedal.

This pushes my lower back into the seat and makes my lower back more comfortable.

I hope this helps someone.

[14Down]

I normally keep my wallet in my right rear pocket. On long drives it starts to become painful. Taking the wallet out of my pocket and placing it in the console or globe box while I drive has provided significant relief (no pain if I remember to take it out at the start of the drive; reduced pain if I wait 'til pain starts).
Hope this helps.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by 14Down

I normally keep my wallet in my right rear pocket. On long drives it starts to become painful. Taking the wallet out of my pocket and placing it in the console or globe box while I drive has provided significant relief (no pain if I remember to take it out at the start of the drive; reduced pain if I wait 'til pain starts).
Hope this helps.

Good advice, George!

[EWL5]

I would absolutely sit closer to the steering wheel if the seats automatically slide back on exit (they don't)!

[lfdal54]

Originally Posted by 14Down

I normally keep my wallet in my right rear pocket. On long drives it starts to become painful. Taking the wallet out of my pocket and placing it in the console or globe box while I drive has provided significant relief (no pain if I remember to take it out at the start of the drive; reduced pain if I wait 'til pain starts).
Hope this helps.

The first thing my chiropractor told me years ago was to stop carrying a wallet in my back pocket, especially when sitting and/or driving for any period of time. Turns out she was right.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by lfdal54

The first thing my chiropractor told me years ago was to stop carrying a wallet in my back pocket, especially when sitting and/or driving for any period of time. Turns out she was right.

I can't recall the last time I used a wallet. Another victim of the smartphone era.

[GDEvans]

Originally Posted by avi66

I can't recall the last time I used a wallet. Another victim of the smartphone era.

I came across a problem when I went to collect a parcel recently - No photo ID. None of my cards in my phone had my name on them. In the end they accepted my library card, which was in my phone!!

[avi66]

Originally Posted by GDEvans

I came across a problem when I went to collect a parcel recently - No photo ID. None of my cards in my phone had my name on them. In the end they accepted my library card, which was in my phone!!

lol crazy 🤪

[Cometgrl]

I had a ‘20 x3 30i with sensatec and ventilated. They were very uncomfortable. I also felt like I was always sitting more on my right side. Now I have a 24 x4 vernasca ventilated and have no issues. I know that doesn’t solve your problem but there’s definitely something off about the seats that year.

[BMWbiker]

Originally Posted by EWL5

I would absolutely sit closer to the steering wheel if the seats automatically slide back on exit (they don't)!

Can it be coded in?

[avi66]

Originally Posted by EWL5

I would absolutely sit closer to the steering wheel if the seats automatically slide back on exit (they don't)!

You could set the second seat memory to slide back to max. Yes it means pushing a memory button when you want to exit, and again when you enter.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by BMWbiker

Can it be coded in?

Originally Posted by avi66

You could set the second seat memory to slide back to max. Yes it means pushing a memory button when you want to exit, and again when you enter.

I won't do that because that 2nd memory seating is my wife's setting and down the road the oldest kid's when she starts driving (they're about the same height so no adjustment may be needed).

Especially disappointing since Mercedes has had "Comfort exit" since a 2012 C Class I owned and they continue to support it. I even had it on my Acuras and I never considered them a true luxury make.

The X3 is my first BMW and to be told I need an X5 to get this feature is ludicrous (especially now that the entry-level car is actually the X1)!

[avi66]

Originally Posted by EWL5

I won't do that because that 2nd memory seating is my wife's setting and down the road the oldest kid's when she starts driving (they're about the same height so no adjustment may be needed).

Especially disappointing since Mercedes has had "Comfort exit" since a 2012 C Class I owned and they continue to support it. I even had it on my Acuras and I never considered them a true luxury make.

The X3 is my first BMW and to be told I need an X5 to get this feature is ludicrous (especially now that the entry-level car is actually the X1)!

Not tried this, but can’t the seat memory be set by key/profile ?

Theory being two seat memory positions per key/profile. Add an additional key and get two more. Hence, your wife can have her own setting on her key/profile etc.

I get it’s not ideal, and isn’t MB exit, but it pay be a practical solution that may work for some.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by avi66

Not tried this, but can’t the seat memory be set by key/profile ?

Theory being two seat memory positions per key/profile. Add an additional key and get two more. Hence, your wife can have her own setting on her key/profile etc.

I get it’s not ideal, and isn’t MB exit, but it pay be a practical solution that may work for some.

The point is it's automatic in other luxury makes and disappointing that my $54k+ car doesn't have it. I'd probably be more upset if I paid $65-70k for the M40i w/the same limitation!

Luckily, there's far more I love about my X3 compared to my prior car so I live with it for now!

[avi66]

Originally Posted by EWL5

The point is it's automatic in other luxury makes and disappointing that my $54k+ car doesn't have it. I'd probably be more upset if I paid $65-70k for the M40i w/the same limitation!

Luckily, there's far more I love about my X3 compared to my prior car so I live with it for now!

Yea, I get that, I understand the frustration, and it may be a purchase consideration for some.

However, given that it’s unlikely BMW will ever offer this as a retrofit on the G01, and some may not want to install additional third party electronics, I was simply suggesting a practical solution that may help some people.

[bocabimmer]

I’m 6’5”. For me the X3 seats have been the most comfortable second only to my E70 X5 with the comfort seats.

Then came our Expedition. Those seats apparently designed for stereotypically large people. A giant cushion with no lateral support. Suddenly the X3 seats felt cramped.

Out of curiosity, I went and sat in an G05 X5 with comfort seats yesterday and while they are bigger, my leg still hangs over the side bolster. Basically they aren’t that much bigger at all. Suddenly I don’t feel so bad about the size of the X3 anymore.

[arRod1981]

Originally Posted by EWL5

I won't do that because that 2nd memory seating is my wife's setting and down the road the oldest kid's when she starts driving (they're about the same height so no adjustment may be needed).

Especially disappointing since Mercedes has had "Comfort exit" since a 2012 C Class I owned and they continue to support it. I even had it on my Acuras and I never considered them a true luxury make.

The X3 is my first BMW and to be told I need an X5 to get this feature is ludicrous (especially now that the entry-level car is actually the X1)!

The full "Comfort Exit" does not exist in the X5. Only the steering wheel fully retracts when the X5 is turned off, the seat does not move.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by arRod1981

The full "Comfort Exit" does not exist in the X5. Only the steering wheel fully retracts when the X5 is turned off, the seat does not move.

Even so, that would really help as my knee is constantly knocking the steering wheel on exit!

[MM0021]

I’ve had an X4 m40i for about 6 months and I am considering trading it in for an X5, solely because of the seats. I have the Vernasca leather, nonventilated seats. Car is great, look, performance, etc. Seats are killing me. For me it’s how narrow the seat bottom is and bolsters. Dig into my hips. Don’t think there is a way to address outside of a seat cushion, which I’ve done but don’t like the feeling of being disconnected from seat/heating element.

Nonetheless, I find it shocking how many people have had bad experiences with these seats. For a $70K car, I never would have imagined such an issue. Essentially they took the 3 series seats and put them in an SUV. Doesn’t seem like the best design idea, but sure it is profitable for BMW.

Oh well I’m probably going to take a major loss on trade. But can’t have my car causing me pain.