How To Properly Adjust Drivers Seat? | BimmerFest BMW Forum

Maybe your like

BMW Forum - BimmerFest BMW Forums banner

Menu Log in Sign up

Home
Forums
BMW Discussion
3 Series & 4 Series
E90/E91/E92/E93 (2006 - 2012)

fasttimes F I was reading something about adjusting the side mirrors using the SAE method to completely eliminate blind spots and someone mentioned they taught this in BMW driving school. They also mentioned being taught how to adjust the seat/steering wheel properly. I had no idea there was a method to do this. Can someone elaborate on this? #1 · Feb 18, 2010 I was reading something about adjusting the side mirrors using the SAE method to completely eliminate blind spots and someone mentioned they taught this in BMW driving school. They also mentioned being taught how to adjust the seat/steering wheel properly. I had no idea there was a method to do this. Can someone elaborate on this? Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Feb 18, 2010 interesting. Im looking forward to some input on this subject. #3 · Feb 18, 2010 I know about the mirrors but not the seat. I put the seat all the way back in every car I drive except that BMW. 1)put the seat at a comfortable length away from the steering wheel 2)your mirrors should be adjusted as follow a) stick your head all the way over so it is touching the driver window b)adjust the mirror out enough so you can just see the side of your car(you do not adjust straight back because you would be just replicating the rear view mirror) c)do the same as above for the passenger side by sticking your into the middle of your car using something like a light to judge the center 3)adjust your review mirror so you can see out the back window I can tell that this works because when I am driving on the highway I can watch cars go from my rearview mirror, to my side view mirror and then into my peripheral vision. It is weird to get used to at first but once you are used to it you will most likely feel driving is a lot safer. I'm sorry if this isn't what you were looking for but it works for me. #10 · Feb 18, 2010 (Edited)

Nick1214 said: I know about the mirrors but not the seat. I put the seat all the way back in every car I drive except that BMW. 1)put the seat at a comfortable length away from the steering wheel 2)your mirrors should be adjusted as follow a) stick your head all the way over so it is touching the driver window b)adjust the mirror out enough so you can just see the side of your car(you do not adjust straight back because you would be just replicating the rear view mirror) c)do the same as above for the passenger side by sticking your into the middle of your car using something like a light to judge the center 3)adjust your review mirror so you can see out the back window I can tell that this works because when I am driving on the highway I can watch cars go from my rearview mirror, to my side view mirror and then into my peripheral vision. It is weird to get used to at first but once you are used to it you will most likely feel driving is a lot safer. I'm sorry if this isn't what you were looking for but it works for me. Click to expand...

I just tinker with mine while i'm driving on the highway until I get that effect. Probably not the safest thing to do, but it works.

0 Reply #4 · Feb 18, 2010 I have trouble 'cause I always want to have the steering wheel as low as it goes. Feels great, but I can't see the speedometer! #5 · Feb 18, 2010 What I was told at the PDC, and has worked well for me, is (in this order): 1. Adjust the up/down seat position so that you have 4 fingers between the top of your head and the ceiling. 2. Adjust the front/back seat position so that your leg is just shy of full extension (knee slightly bent) when your clutch/brake is fully depressed. 3. Adjust the steering column down as low as it will go while still having a view of all of the instruments. 4. Adjust the seat back position so that with your arms fully extended, your hands can drape over the top of the steering wheel. They gave good advice on side mirror adjustment too. Hope this helps! #6 · Feb 18, 2010 Yup, that's exactly what Donnie said. Also, your wrist should be able to rest on top of the steering wheel. 2 Replies #8 · Feb 18, 2010 I did a performance center pick-up also, and was told the same as above for seat possision and mirrors. I have told other people about it and it makes a bid difference. Too many people do not adjust the mirrors properly to pick up the blind spots. I have been teaching my daughter to drive, when her mirrors are properly adjusted, the right hand mirror is perfect for me to see behind. #9 · Feb 18, 2010 The advice given by “Nick1214” about adjusting mirrors, and “keebs64” on adjusting the steering wheel and seats, are both very clear and make good sense. I use a similar approach to mirror adjustment and find it works very well. I recently took a test drive in a 2010 328i sedan without the sports package and was unable to get comfortable in the driver’s seat. I am not intentionally trying to hijack the OP’s thread, but I have a slight variation on “Fasttimes” original question based more on “comfort” than “performance”. I find that, when driving for extended periods (6-12 hours), my back and shoulders get very tired if I am unable to rest my elbows. I would like to be able to adjust the seat and steering wheel on the 2010 E90 so that I can hold the wheel with both hands and, at the same time, rest both elbows on arm rests. (I realize that this objective might not be compatible with performance driving. I would only use it when I am driving at the speed limit on a relatively empty limited access highway.) I am able to adjust the seat and wheel on my MY2000 E46 328i sedan (sports and premium) to meet my seating comfort objective. I realize that body type will be a factor, but is there a way of adjusting seats and wheel that will usually allow elbows to be rested while holding the steering wheel? Would either the “Sports” or “M Sport” package affect the answer? Any help on my question would be greatly appreciated. #11 · Feb 19, 2010 here this guy says it exactly.. skip to :40 ya bums #12 · Feb 19, 2010 (Edited) What about the tilt (horizontal) of the seat? #13 · Feb 19, 2010 (Edited) It depends on the proportions of your body. The general rule is to set the seatback as much upright as you feel comfortable. Adjust it according to the guidelines posted above. Do it along with the forward/backward adjustment of the steering wheel. As for the seat pitch, adjust it so you don't have too much pressure from it on your thighs, at the same time making sure it is supportive enough for you not to scoot forward. 0 Reply #15 · Feb 20, 2010 Heres info on the mirrors! Exactly as Nick1214 stated. With Photos! And hes in a bimmer! http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/tech/mirrors/ I tried it and was scared $hitless earlier. Only problem i found was backing up with mirrors in these positions. I reverse without turning my head back, checking all 3 mirrors. This doesnt let me see whats about to hit the side of my car. #16 · Feb 20, 2010 I tried it, but didn't like it. Maybe it works for people who are a specfic height or something. Being that low (4 fingers between head and roof) felt too low. #17 · Feb 20, 2010 I couldn't get the seat low enough for 4 fingers, but everything else works, except I still like the steering wheel so low it blocks my view of the speedometer. Insert Quotes Post Reply

posts 12M members 804K Since 2001 A forum community dedicated to BMW owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about Bimmerfest events, BMW production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Bringing the BMW community together. Show Less Full Forum Listing Explore Our Forums E90/E91/E92/E93 (2006 - 2012) E39 (1997 - 2003) E46 (1999 - 2006) E36 (1991 - 1999) E60 / E61 (2004 - 2010)