Seating or Steering column mods?

BXL4 · 04-19-2014, 07:03 PM

I find that I can't fit into any BMW with a sunroof. I'd like to buy a 428i but can't get them without a sunroof in the US. So….

If I can find a way to lower the seat further than stock, I'd be fine.

If I can find a way to make the steering wheel extend further, I'd also be fine.

Yes, I've sat in a 3-er and a 4-er. I've adjusted seating all the way down. I've extended the steering wheel all the way out. Still by the time I recline the seat enough to give me the headroom I need, the wheel is an uncomfortable stretch. I've had a CA try to help me adjust it further. I've got all they have to give.

Yes, I know, I'm built like a penguin. But I'm buying a new 328i ED in August and would consider a 428i or 335i instead if I could fit in it. Thanks for any ideas.

Alpine435i · 04-19-2014, 07:58 PM

Perhaps the car is just not for you.

BXL4 · 04-19-2014, 08:19 PM

Well, that is why I'm ready to default to a 328i (no sunroof required on those) if no other choice is available.

Philipangoo · 04-20-2014, 02:06 AM

You should get aftermarket recaros with macht schnell mount. They sit like 2-3" lower than stock. Then you can buy whatever car you want lol. How tall are you? I didn't think a sunroof would take away that much clearance.

inChargeOfIT · 04-20-2014, 02:13 AM

Maybe the 3GT or 4GC will have a little more head room?

BXL4 · 04-20-2014, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philipangoo

You should get aftermarket recaros with macht schnell mount. They sit like 2-3" lower than stock. Then you can buy whatever car you want lol. How tall are you? I didn't think a sunroof would take away that much clearance.

That could be a solution. I was wondering about recaros. I'll look into that.

As for me, I'm 6'1 tall with 33.5" sleeve length, 31" inseam. Like I said, a penguin.

The sun roof takes about 1/2" to 3/4" away.

TomGun · 04-20-2014, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BXL4

I find that I can't fit into any BMW with a sunroof.

I have the exact same problem.... Luckily, here in Norway the sunroof is an option on the 4-series. It actually feels like it's more than the quoted 1/2" to 3/4" that is lost to the sun roof.

BXL4 · 04-20-2014, 10:21 AM

I should probably add that it isn't that I can't sit without tilting my head but that there is no clearance left with a sunroof. I had an Acura that fit me like that and any bumps in the road made hitting the headliner a real problem. Further, I am entertaining the idea of taking whatever new car I get to the track and there would be no clearance for a helmet in any 3 or 4 with a sunroof.

I shall take a hard look at the Recaro option.

04-19-2014, 07:03 PM	#1
BXL4 First Lieutenant 49 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Alpine White Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Bainbridge Island WA iTrader: (0)	Seating or Steering column mods? I find that I can't fit into any BMW with a sunroof. I'd like to buy a 428i but can't get them without a sunroof in the US. So…. If I can find a way to lower the seat further than stock, I'd be fine. If I can find a way to make the steering wheel extend further, I'd also be fine. Yes, I've sat in a 3-er and a 4-er. I've adjusted seating all the way down. I've extended the steering wheel all the way out. Still by the time I recline the seat enough to give me the headroom I need, the wheel is an uncomfortable stretch. I've had a CA try to help me adjust it further. I've got all they have to give. Yes, I know, I'm built like a penguin. But I'm buying a new 328i ED in August and would consider a 428i or 335i instead if I could fit in it. Thanks for any ideas.
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04-19-2014, 07:58 PM	#2
Alpine435i Banned 28 Rep 386 Posts Drives: 435i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Perhaps the car is just not for you.
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04-19-2014, 08:19 PM	#3
BXL4 First Lieutenant 49 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Alpine White Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Bainbridge Island WA iTrader: (0)	Well, that is why I'm ready to default to a 328i (no sunroof required on those) if no other choice is available.
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04-20-2014, 02:06 AM	#4
Philipangoo Lieutenant 36 Rep 465 Posts Drives: F30 335 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	You should get aftermarket recaros with macht schnell mount. They sit like 2-3" lower than stock. Then you can buy whatever car you want lol. How tall are you? I didn't think a sunroof would take away that much clearance.
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04-20-2014, 02:13 AM	#5
inChargeOfIT First Lieutenant 17 Rep 344 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Maybe the 3GT or 4GC will have a little more head room?
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04-20-2014, 10:21 AM	#8
BXL4 First Lieutenant 49 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Alpine White Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Bainbridge Island WA iTrader: (0)	I should probably add that it isn't that I can't sit without tilting my head but that there is no clearance left with a sunroof. I had an Acura that fit me like that and any bumps in the road made hitting the headliner a real problem. Further, I am entertaining the idea of taking whatever new car I get to the track and there would be no clearance for a helmet in any 3 or 4 with a sunroof. I shall take a hard look at the Recaro option.
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