[MaximumG]

In my current seat position, which is just perfect for me, the upper part of my dashboard is blocked by my steering wheel. I can't see the upper 1/3 of my speedo and tachy. I rely on memorizing that if the needle points "up", that's 80 mph, or 3.5k rpm in the other dial. I also can't see my turn indication. I could move my steering wheel up but it just wouldn't feel "perfect". Anyone else got this problem as well?

I have to say though, the seats are perfect. It's neither too high or too low (when I lower the seat all the way). The lumbar support, after adjustment, fits me like a baseball in a catcher's mitt - really nicely. I like my steering wheel all the way down and close enough to me where my elbows form a 90 degree angle.

The problem is - I can't slide in and out of the cabin easily. I remedy this by setting a normal seating position in seat memory #1 and a seat further back position in memory #2. Does anyone else have the same problem? I think it's a matter of the side bolsters being very tall compared to my previous E46s.

[HX_Guy]

How tall are you? 6'+? I'm 6'0" and have the same issue, but it's the same issue in our Mercedes E350 because I like to put the steering wheel as low as possible.

I don't really need to see the top 1/3 of the speedo since I coded for a digital speedo in the gauge cluster.

[MaximumG]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

How tall are you? 6'+? I'm 6'0" and have the same issue, but it's the same issue in our Mercedes E350 because I like to put the steering wheel as low as possible.

I don't really need to see the top 1/2 of the speedo since I coded for a digital speedo in the gauge cluster.

I'm not as tall as you but I like to sit upright. I sit in my cars like I'm driving a go-kart.

Coding a digital speedometer?? Damn it. I need that!

[kerm1t]

why not just adjust ur steering column? you can either push it up or down, or pull it back, forward

[HX_Guy]

I think he's saying the optimal steering wheel position for him ends up with him not being able to see the gauges.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by MaximumG

I'm not as tall as you but I like to sit upright. I sit in my cars like I'm driving a go-kart.

Coding a digital speedometer?? Damn it. I need that!

$30 and you could do it yourself, it's super easy.

[MaximumG]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

$30 and you could do it yourself, it's super easy.

Thanks. I think I might end up doing a bunch of coding, speedo being one of them. Some of the other annoyances like the nav warning whenever I start my car, could be done away with coding.

Sitting in and driving the car, I feel like BMW has build the perfect car for me. And then came along an engineer who said, "nope, we're going to move the dashboard a couple inches higher."

I didn't have a problem with my previous 3 E46's. Though, it is probably a problem with the way I sit. I've had one too many hours playing Gran Turismo on a Logitech steering wheel, wedged between my legs....

[ska///235i]

I know exactly what OP is talking about, Im 5'8 (with shoes) and I do like to sit low but then I'll miss the lower part of the tach even with steering all the way down. Also when I sit too low the bucky mirror block alot of the visibility of the leftside. I guess I wont be doing any Gangsta lean

[deathsliver]

Originally Posted by MaximumG

In my current seat position, which is just perfect for me, the upper part of my dashboard is blocked by my steering wheel. I can't see the upper 1/3 of my speedo and tachy. I rely on memorizing that if the needle points "up", that's 80 mph, or 3.5k rpm in the other dial. I also can't see my turn indication. I could move my steering wheel up but it just wouldn't feel "perfect". Anyone else got this problem as well?

I have to say though, the seats are perfect. It's neither too high or too low (when I lower the seat all the way). The lumbar support, after adjustment, fits me like a baseball in a catcher's mitt - really nicely. I like my steering wheel all the way down and close enough to me where my elbows form a 90 degree angle.

The problem is - I can't slide in and out of the cabin easily. I remedy this by setting a normal seating position in seat memory #1 and a seat further back position in memory #2. Does anyone else have the same problem? I think it's a matter of the side bolsters being very tall compared to my previous E46s.

Can't you tilt your steering wheel in the proper position?

[Neckbeardz]

Originally Posted by deathsliver

Can't you tilt your steering wheel in the proper position?

I think OP is saying that the "proper" or perhaps most comfortable steering wheel position ends up blocking the tach. He could change the position of the steering to be able to view the tach, but then it would no longer be as comfortable.

[SuitedUp]

Yes. I have the same issue. The position of the steering wheel is more important than the position of the speedo. I'm 6'0"... It's damn near impossible for me to see the entire speedo without putting the steering wheel absurdly high. I prefer it as low as possible.

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by SuitedUp

Yes. I have the same issue. The position of the steering wheel is more important than the position of the speedo. I'm 6'0"... It's damn near impossible for me to see the entire speedo without putting the steering wheel absurdly high. I prefer it as low as possible.

Ditto.

6'2" and all legs. My seat setup is usually:

-Seat slid all the way back, as low as it can go
-Seat bottom tilted all the way backwards
-Seat back tilted all the way forward (to form a right angle)
-Thigh support pulled all the way out

Sort of like sitting in a chair that's lightly tilted on the back 2 legs. This, along with the thigh support fully extended, helps support my long legs. But, as others have pointed out, if I lower my steering wheel to a nice comfortable position (elbows at 90 degrees), the steering wheel partially blocks the instrument cluster. Minor annoyance, but livable.

I gotta say the seats in the 2-er are one of the top 5 things that made me get this car. Not squishy-plush or too-firm racing style. Perfect balance for me of everyday comfort, fine for road trips and yet plenty of support for those occasional sideways maneuvers.

I've been puzzled as 1 or 2 reviewers have made the point that the seats are too upright. Not for me. The cockpit feels nice and performance-oriented, while still making it possible for me to unfold my daddy-long legs and climb out from a tight parking space.

[HX_Guy]

Grabbed a quick picture to show the vertically challenged members what we're talking about.
This is the view of the gauges with the steering wheel at an optimal level. Yes, the steering wheel could be adjusted up, but then it wouldn't feel as ideal while driving.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by bladeomatic

Ditto.

6'2" and all legs. My seat setup is usually:

-Seat slid all the way back, as low as it can go
-Seat bottom tilted all the way backwards
-Seat back tilted all the way forward (to form a right angle)
-Thigh support pulled all the way out

Sort of like sitting in a chair that's lightly tilted on the back 2 legs. This, along with the thigh support fully extended, helps support my long legs. But, as others have pointed out, if I lower my steering wheel to a nice comfortable position (elbows at 90 degrees), the steering wheel partially blocks the instrument cluster. Minor annoyance, but livable.

I gotta say the seats in the 2-er are one of the top 5 things that made me get this car. Not squishy-plush or too-firm racing style. Perfect balance for me of everyday comfort, fine for road trips and yet plenty of support for those occasional sideways maneuvers.

I've been puzzled as 1 or 2 reviewers have made the point that the seats are too upright. Not for me. The cockpit feels nice and performance-oriented, while still making it possible for me to unfold my daddy-long legs and climb out from a tight parking space.

Another 6'2" here. I'm not understanding how you can be full rear, but have your elbows at 90 degrees. I would be concerned that 90 degree elbow bend may bring you too close to the steering wheel hub in the event of air bag deployment (aim for a minimum of 10" from hub surface to your sternum), and less than optimal steering control. In racing school long ago, the technique we learned for a good distance was to sit and reach straight-arm for the windshield. Then adjust distance to the steering wheel to have the wheel rim line up with your wristwatch. Then bend your arms slightly to grab the wheel. That angle is far more open than 90 degrees. Just trying to be helpful here.....

[w3rkn]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Grabbed a quick picture to show the vertically challenged members what we're talking about.
This is the view of the gauges with the steering wheel at an optimal level. Yes, the steering wheel could be adjusted up, but then it wouldn't feel as ideal while driving.

My wheel arcs right across both tach & speedo.

Yep.. I never know what speed I am driving. These cars are engineered with long legs in mind... pushing you away from the wheel thus changing the angle of perspective..

[Glassjaw047]

And I thought I was the only one with this issue haha...I with you too buddy! when it comes to the signal changing, I just look at my side mirror accents as you can see them light up. In regards to how fast I'm going.....I always catch myself looking down into the gauges lol

[bimmerbuff]

Ha, I have the same problem. Thought it was just me!

[kerm1t]

you guys must be sitting really high

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by kerm1t

you guys must be sitting really high

Try this.....get a tape measure. Sit down and find the crest/high point of your hip bone on one side. Measure from the crest to the top of your head. I am 29".

[david.orr]

Sounds like you tall guys need a 428 435 instead

[MaximumG]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Try this.....get a tape measure. Sit down and find the crest/high point of your hip bone on one side. Measure from the crest to the top of your head. I am 29".

Yeah. I've been taught to rest my wrist on top of my steering wheel, when I extend my arm. It's not exactly 90 degrees. With a protractor, I'm measuring 100 +/- 5 degrees, possibly 95 degrees.

The center of the steering wheel is exactly at level and 11 inches away from my sternum. NHTSA recommends "10 inches or more away".

I'm measuring 31" from the top of my head to my iliac crest, and my view of the dashboard is exactly the same as what HX_Guy sees.

[Demetrius Joel]

I have the same issue. Had them in all my BMW's. It's just the way I position the steering wheel.