[robreputah]

So I'm making this thread for my father whose having a hard time getting into his 435xi sport line. He's had problems with his knees in the past and complains about his car sitting too low...

He doesn't want to consider an SUV, but would anyone have any ideas on sedans that sit a little higher off the ground. I figured a 5 series and recommended that he go sit in a couple different models (audi a6,merc e-class, Infiniti q70) to help him decide what his next car is going to be.

Since this forum is where I get most my auto information, I figured someone had to go through this same experience. I tried the search up top, but didn't find much in return.

Thanks in advance for any help

[cfm56d7b]

One of our neighbors some time ago (we had a friendly conversation) was comparing cars using the almost the criteria. He decided to purchase BMW X3 and could not be happier.

[Duperstar]

Check out the new Volvo s60 cross tour sedan. It's a slightly raised S60 with awd. I'm considering that for my parents who are almost at the same point. My dad has a crv and that cause no issues. My mom has a Jetta and it is starting to feel a bit low for her.

[nicknaz]

If used is an option, I think my wife's E84 X135 is a perfect fit. It is basically a raised up awd 335 wagon

I had a 5er last week while traveling and it might not be the best answer for you father. My knees were still at a 90 degree angle when getting out

I agree with the advice on the X3. Another option in the "non premium" camp is the Mazda CX5. Great handling, looks nice inside. It is a bit down on power but much less costly than a german CUV

[kenya971]

I had a 2015 Mercedes C400. I sat higher in that vehicle than I did my previous 335i or current 340i. The C class being in the same car category as the BMW 3 or 4 series it might be worth a check. I found the Mercedes very comfortable...but I also found it buggy, which is why I'm back in a beemer.

[Lost Horizon]

Originally Posted by robreputah

So I'm making this thread for my father whose having a hard time getting into his 435xi sport line. He's had problems with his knees in the past and complains about his car sitting too low...

He doesn't want to consider an SUV, but would anyone have any ideas on sedans that sit a little higher off the ground. I figured a 5 series and recommended that he go sit in a couple different models (audi a6,merc e-class, Infiniti q70) to help him decide what his next car is going to be.

Since this forum is where I get most my auto information, I figured someone had to go through this same experience. I tried the search up top, but didn't find much in return.

Thanks in advance for any help

Not to sound trivial, but how does he get in and out of the car? Leg Sideways or back towards the seat then sit and swing? Sideways is much harder for those with knee troubles, but for some reason most get in that way... back towards the seat at right angle, drop, sit then swing 90 degrees seems to work much better under such circumstances.

[robreputah]

Thank you everybody for your responses. Some cars i didn't even consider (s60 cross country), but I also wasn't thinking how he was sitting in the car. I assume he's going sideways, but I'll ask

[donkey]

I had a g37 and it was really easy to get in and out of (noticeably easier than my 335i) because the seat and steering wheel would both move out of the way when opening the driver door.

I'm assuming the Q70 would do the same or at least has that as an option.

[Crassus]

I would recommend the Mercedec GLA or Volvo V40 Cross Country which more raised hatchbacks then they are SUV. They are easy to get in and out of without being too tall or expensive to buy.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by robreputah

So I'm making this thread for my father whose having a hard time getting into his 435xi sport line. He's had problems with his knees in the past and complains about his car sitting too low...

He doesn't want to consider an SUV, but would anyone have any ideas on sedans that sit a little higher off the ground. I figured a 5 series and recommended that he go sit in a couple different models (audi a6,merc e-class, Infiniti q70) to help him decide what his next car is going to be.

Since this forum is where I get most my auto information, I figured someone had to go through this same experience. I tried the search up top, but didn't find much in return.

Thanks in advance for any help

One of my university professors was the previous head of GM ergonomics.

He discussed this topic specifically, said it was something like a 2wd (so not lifted) ford ranger type vehicle. The idea is that you don't have to lower or lift yourself to get in. He had a 4-door crew cab version, they don't make it anymore unfortunately. The other thing to consider is visibility. Older people simply can't (and don't) turn their necks as far, so in addition to setting side mirrors correctly (so you can't see the rear of the vehicle), you don't want any obvious obstructions that might be within the range they can see, because they aren't going to be able to go past that easily.

[HFW003]

After many years of playing sport my knees were shagged so I've had partial knee replacement to both knees.

I currently drive an F10 and I have no difficulty with anything to do with driving or getting in/out of it the car. It is a hell of lot easier getting in and out if I can fully open the door though.

[Jaghave]

500L

[otay]

How about a 330i xDrive GT? I think it's sits just a bit higher than F30, but not has high as X3...

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by robreputah

So I'm making this thread for my father whose having a hard time getting into his 435xi sport line. He's had problems with his knees in the past and complains about his car sitting too low...

He doesn't want to consider an SUV, but would anyone have any ideas on sedans that sit a little higher off the ground. I figured a 5 series and recommended that he go sit in a couple different models (audi a6,merc e-class, Infiniti q70) to help him decide what his next car is going to be.

Since this forum is where I get most my auto information, I figured someone had to go through this same experience. I tried the search up top, but didn't find much in return.

Thanks in advance for any help

I'm not sure if he would consider an X4 or X6 an SUV--seems like that might fit the bill. Or an Audi All Road. Or a Mini Countryman.

[robreputah]

He's pretty particular so I would think he'd like to stay with 'luxury', so mazda might be out. The cross-overs may work, but i would think he likes sedans and would probably like to stay with them

[alohasurftoad]

porsche macan s

[BEM-S4]

I just went through this as well. Really the only option is go sit in everything. I spent 3 hours at the BMW dealer w dad climbing in and out of things over and over again. We settled on a 328 sport wagon. Coming out of a 435xi he's not going to be happy with how the 5 handles (I don't think). I'd start with a 340 and go from there. X4. 335 GT sits higher.

[BEM-S4]

You can also try saving 2 different presets on the seat one of in and out and one for driving. Jack the seat up and all the way back for entry then down and up for driving for example.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by otay

How about a 330i xDrive GT? I think it's sits just a bit higher than F30, but not has high as X3...

+1. The GT seat height is midway between a 4 series and X series. So are the driving dynamics. When you're old and arthritic the main issue is standing up when getting out, to a lesser extent squatting down to get in. I thought about a 428GC, but one try at getting in and out of one convinced me on the 328GT.

[jtmann]

My right knee has been sore lately and this seems to be noticeable mostly when getting in and out of my 428i Gran Coupe. My wife's MB GLC300 is really easy to get in and out of. That car is available with an air suspension, so the parked setting may be adjustable.

[capt_slow]

Ingress and egress was one of my first complaints about the car. I either slam my knee on the steering wheel or need to contort my legs to get in.

Eventually got around this by programming in Easy Entry (seat slides back on doors open) slightly changing how I enter the car: extend right leg straight into front right corner of the foot well before sitting.

[Wunsch]

The 3-series GT (Gran Turismo) is definitely something he should look at. The styling and layout is very similar to the 4-series Gran Coupé, just stretched vertically so it's a bit taller. It might be just the difference he needs, but keeps the overall look of a sedan / 4-door coupe, rather than an SUV.