Which car has the most comfortable seats?

noflash · 11-14-2005, 02:19 PM

My back is killing me today and that's been on my mind. Do I need an LS 430 to drive when my back is aching (assuming I win the lottery)??

I sat in 3s, 5s, and 7s at the dealership and none did I sit in and say "Ahhhh...".

Yes, I must be getting old.

Maybe I should try an X3 or X5 for the more upright seating positions.

Suggestions?

blueStreak · 11-14-2005, 02:48 PM

Try the 5 series with the comfort seats. A must have option along with sport pack IMO.

Bimmerista · 11-14-2005, 03:20 PM

Or get a Volvo, rip out the driver's seat, put it in the BMW of your choice and Voila

Frank_NJ · 11-14-2005, 03:34 PM

The sport package seats are great.

Bimmerista · 11-14-2005, 03:39 PM

I can vouch for the ZSp seat quality - I find them the best seats I have ever had. Compared with Volvo seats (very comfy) they are less plush but just as comfortable, plus greater side support (which is actually helpfull for back problems).

txusa03 · 11-14-2005, 03:48 PM

Well figuratively speaking, if I had to pay $40000 for a car, yes my back would hurt too trying to bring home the bacon to pay the bills. But in the end it is all worth it because it give me such joys to drive it.

noflash · 11-14-2005, 04:11 PM

Well, the most comfortable seats I ever had were in my '99 328 with sport package. I swore by them.

I am shocked that I cannot get used to my '06 325i's sport package seats.

The e46 seatbacks were completely flat (minus the side bolters).

The e90 seatbacks have a slight curve forward in them that kills my back -- BTW I'm 6'3". The side bolster also are a bit much for me.

I took my car to an automotive upholtery shop and had them put some padding in the mid back area.

It's now bearable, but I still miss my old seats. It seriously makes me consider going back to an e46. I'd consider an M3, but I think their seats were different than my 328i.

So, now I don't know what to shop for. I can't really afford a new 5 series. I'll probalby grin and bear it for the next three years.

Thanks for the replies.

db17k · 11-14-2005, 04:13 PM

Did you try adjusting the Lumbar support? i hope so.

noflash · 11-14-2005, 04:36 PM

Ugh, I didn't get lumbar -- no premium.

Lumbar is too low to affect that new seat's curve anyway. Thoracic support is what I need.

I swear I sat in a 330i and played with the lumbar for 20 min. It was no help. I had lumbar in the 328i, but I barely used it.

younghov85 · 11-14-2005, 04:47 PM

I sat in the new IS 350 seats and they were extremely soft and comfortable but the car is very small. Good Seats though

silverado · 11-14-2005, 06:11 PM

Although the ZSP seats on the E90 are very good, unfortunately they are not very good for me. I am somewhat on the big side (yet wouldn't be called "fat") and the bottom of the seat gets uncomfortable in long rides. I wish the bottom was just a bit wider.

BrunoT · 11-14-2005, 09:32 PM

I find the BMW seats (have owned a 540 with sport seats, one without, and now an E90 w/o sport seats) too narrow for my lats. It's not terrible, but the pressure there can be uncomfortable after a while.

If you want really comfortable seats, try a Saab. We have an '03 9-3 and I prefer it for long trips. They are not cushy soft, but supportive and wide enough for me.

The best seats I had before that were in an '85 Toyota Supra.

cannonspike22 · 11-14-2005, 09:58 PM

im only about 5'4" (small azn guy), so the sport seats are absolutely fantastic for me, its a perfect fit, the side bolsters wrap around my body nicely, and the thigh support makes long trips even more bearable. on the other hand, many of my not so lucky friends are big and tall, and a few of them complained about the tightness of the seats...well what can i say.

DozyDriver · 11-15-2005, 04:46 AM

I can't feel for you as my back is good and the BMW seats are great - for me at least. However, five years ago my brother-in-law (who does have a bad back) bought a VW Golf GTi purely on the basis of seat comfort! He has been very with the car and his back pain has improved as a result, so he believes. VW may have changed their seats in the meantime, the same way that BMW have.

ben1364 · 11-15-2005, 05:34 AM

As is evident from the above responses, comfort is a very individual thing. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for others.

davinet78 · 11-15-2005, 06:13 AM

dont drive stay in bed or sit in your sofa at home that should do the trick lol

noflash · 11-15-2005, 09:25 AM

I think I am going back to the upholsterer for some more cushion in the mid-to-lower area.

Of course, I will update back with whatever happens.

Thanks for the replies.

LEDZEP · 11-15-2005, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by younghov85

I sat in the new IS 350 seats and they were extremely soft and comfortable but the car is very small. Good Seats though

A common mistake is thinking that soft and cumfy seats are good. They are the WORST thing for you. A big fluffy soft mattress feels good too when you first lie on it - but then you wake up the next morning and can barely move! German cars tend to have firmer seats, which I love because you don't become fatigued. I've driven my E90 for about 12 hours in one day with no fatigue at all. In a Japanese or American car I would have had to go to the chiropractor.

The only discomfort is that the seats are a bit low which can give some leg or hip fatigue over long drives, but that is the nature of a sports sedan. I find the lumbar support very nice, and because it's power it's easy to adjust from time to time while driving.

If you need special back support for your upper back, I'm not sure what type of car might be best, but have you looked for a add-on support of some type? I'm sure there must be lots of them available.

longtran · 11-15-2005, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noflash

My back is killing me today and that's been on my mind. Do I need an LS 430 to drive when my back is aching (assuming I win the lottery)??

I sat in 3s, 5s, and 7s at the dealership and none did I sit in and say "Ahhhh...".

Yes, I must be getting old.

Maybe I should try an X3 or X5 for the more upright seating positions.

Suggestions?

you want an upright seating?? just adjust the seat to 90 degrees.....no need for x3 or x5...

LEDZEP · 11-15-2005, 10:55 AM

I believe he is talking about more vertical position from the knee to the foot. That is difficult in the E90 because the seats are low. In a SAV type vehicle or larger luxury car the seats are higher and you sit more as if you were in a chair. Having your legs out in front of you too long creates extra stress on your hips and back.

SCA · 11-15-2005, 11:05 AM

I had lumbar in my E46 330Ci, I rarely adjusted it and if I did I was uncomfortable for quite some time. The X5 with sport seats is very comfortable. I just completed a 240 mile trip in 3 hours. The higher sport seats combimed with heated seats makes for a nice combo. I was not fatigued at all.

wolke9 · 11-30-2005, 07:40 AM

I think the Saab 9-3 Aero seats are the most comfortable out there aside from the Volvo seats. My question is will my 5'8" 190lb body still feel refreshed and pain-free after driving a 3 Series for a 10 hour trip. Unfortunately, I can't test drive one for that long. My new job will require lots of time driving and I am leaning towards the Saab due to the seat comfort. I do like the 3 Series (ZSP) extendable lateral support for the legs, though. . . Please offer some more thoughts on this owners!!

11-14-2005, 02:19 PM	#1
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Which car has the most comfortable seats? My back is killing me today and that's been on my mind. Do I need an LS 430 to drive when my back is aching (assuming I win the lottery)?? I sat in 3s, 5s, and 7s at the dealership and none did I sit in and say "Ahhhh...". Yes, I must be getting old. Maybe I should try an X3 or X5 for the more upright seating positions. Suggestions?
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11-14-2005, 02:48 PM	#2
blueStreak Private First Class 1 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 550i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Try the 5 series with the comfort seats. A must have option along with sport pack IMO.
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11-14-2005, 03:20 PM	#3
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	Or get a Volvo, rip out the driver's seat, put it in the BMW of your choice and Voila
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11-14-2005, 03:34 PM	#4
Frank_NJ ///M Specialist 561 Rep 1,499 Posts Drives: E30 M3, E52 Z8, G83 M4Cx Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NJ Shore iTrader: (0)	The sport package seats are great. __________________ 2023 M340ix my Daily Driver G83 M4CV, F80 M3 CS, E30 M3, Z8, other various BMW's Ferrari F8
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11-14-2005, 03:39 PM	#5
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	I can vouch for the ZSp seat quality - I find them the best seats I have ever had. Compared with Volvo seats (very comfy) they are less plush but just as comfortable, plus greater side support (which is actually helpfull for back problems).
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11-14-2005, 03:48 PM	#6
txusa03 Major General 550 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	Well figuratively speaking, if I had to pay $40000 for a car, yes my back would hurt too trying to bring home the bacon to pay the bills. But in the end it is all worth it because it give me such joys to drive it.
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11-14-2005, 04:11 PM	#7
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Well, the most comfortable seats I ever had were in my '99 328 with sport package. I swore by them. I am shocked that I cannot get used to my '06 325i's sport package seats. The e46 seatbacks were completely flat (minus the side bolters). The e90 seatbacks have a slight curve forward in them that kills my back -- BTW I'm 6'3". The side bolster also are a bit much for me. I took my car to an automotive upholtery shop and had them put some padding in the mid back area. It's now bearable, but I still miss my old seats. It seriously makes me consider going back to an e46. I'd consider an M3, but I think their seats were different than my 328i. So, now I don't know what to shop for. I can't really afford a new 5 series. I'll probalby grin and bear it for the next three years. Thanks for the replies.
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11-14-2005, 04:13 PM	#8
db17k Chicketeh china the chinese chicken, you have? 34 Rep 790 Posts Drives: 335ci hold out Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 S2000 [0.00]	Did you try adjusting the Lumbar support? i hope so. __________________ "In Soviet Russia car forks you!"
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11-14-2005, 04:36 PM	#9
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Ugh, I didn't get lumbar -- no premium. Lumbar is too low to affect that new seat's curve anyway. Thoracic support is what I need. I swear I sat in a 330i and played with the lumbar for 20 min. It was no help. I had lumbar in the 328i, but I barely used it.
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11-14-2005, 04:47 PM	#10
younghov85 Captain 65 Rep 889 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 black 325 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lanham, Maryland iTrader: (0)	I sat in the new IS 350 seats and they were extremely soft and comfortable but the car is very small. Good Seats though
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11-14-2005, 06:11 PM	#11
silverado Captain 288 Rep 874 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Although the ZSP seats on the E90 are very good, unfortunately they are not very good for me. I am somewhat on the big side (yet wouldn't be called "fat") and the bottom of the seat gets uncomfortable in long rides. I wish the bottom was just a bit wider. __________________ 2018 F87 M2 \| LBB \| Executive \| Moon Roof \| Apple CarPlay [2018 F22 M240 (sold) ; 2015 F22 M235i (sold); 2006 E90 330i (sold); 1983 E30 Coupe 320i (sold)]
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11-14-2005, 09:32 PM	#12
BrunoT Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 2012 F-150 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	I find the BMW seats (have owned a 540 with sport seats, one without, and now an E90 w/o sport seats) too narrow for my lats. It's not terrible, but the pressure there can be uncomfortable after a while. If you want really comfortable seats, try a Saab. We have an '03 9-3 and I prefer it for long trips. They are not cushy soft, but supportive and wide enough for me. The best seats I had before that were in an '85 Toyota Supra.
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11-14-2005, 09:58 PM	#13
cannonspike22 Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 275 Posts Drives: 06 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Claremont, CA iTrader: (1)	im only about 5'4" (small azn guy), so the sport seats are absolutely fantastic for me, its a perfect fit, the side bolsters wrap around my body nicely, and the thigh support makes long trips even more bearable. on the other hand, many of my not so lucky friends are big and tall, and a few of them complained about the tightness of the seats...well what can i say. __________________ 06 325i \| Black Sapph \| Leatherette \| Alum \| Steptronic \| ZSP \| Xenon Adapt. \|
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11-15-2005, 04:46 AM	#14
DozyDriver Enlisted Member 1 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 320i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I can't feel for you as my back is good and the BMW seats are great - for me at least. However, five years ago my brother-in-law (who does have a bad back) bought a VW Golf GTi purely on the basis of seat comfort! He has been very with the car and his back pain has improved as a result, so he believes. VW may have changed their seats in the meantime, the same way that BMW have.
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11-15-2005, 05:34 AM	#15
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	As is evident from the above responses, comfort is a very individual thing. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for others.
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11-15-2005, 06:13 AM	#16
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	dont drive stay in bed or sit in your sofa at home that should do the trick lol __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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11-15-2005, 09:25 AM	#17
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I think I am going back to the upholsterer for some more cushion in the mid-to-lower area. Of course, I will update back with whatever happens. Thanks for the replies.
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11-15-2005, 10:55 AM	#20
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I believe he is talking about more vertical position from the knee to the foot. That is difficult in the E90 because the seats are low. In a SAV type vehicle or larger luxury car the seats are higher and you sit more as if you were in a chair. Having your legs out in front of you too long creates extra stress on your hips and back. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-15-2005, 11:05 AM	#21
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	I had lumbar in my E46 330Ci, I rarely adjusted it and if I did I was uncomfortable for quite some time. The X5 with sport seats is very comfortable. I just completed a 240 mile trip in 3 hours. The higher sport seats combimed with heated seats makes for a nice combo. I was not fatigued at all.
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11-30-2005, 07:40 AM	#22
wolke9 apexlvr 10 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2010 VW GTI;335i m-sprt ordrd Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hampton Roads, VA iTrader: (1)	I think the Saab 9-3 Aero seats are the most comfortable out there aside from the Volvo seats. My question is will my 5'8" 190lb body still feel refreshed and pain-free after driving a 3 Series for a 10 hour trip. Unfortunately, I can't test drive one for that long. My new job will require lots of time driving and I am leaning towards the Saab due to the seat comfort. I do like the 3 Series (ZSP) extendable lateral support for the legs, though. . . Please offer some more thoughts on this owners!!
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