[ORIGIN M.]

Some people need an eye exam. You clearly have no issues seeing. I agree it is not a problem.

Originally Posted by DanG

I don't know what all the fuss is about. My visibility is as good as any other BMW I have owned (which is a lot).

[Richy_Boy]

Yes, it's a problem for me.. my car is right hand drive and turning right I have to lean forwards to see the 'island' I'm going around.

It wasn't like this in my e46 M3, so I guess it's just the large mirror/mount.

Rich

[Zooks527]

Originally Posted by DanG

I don't know what all the fuss is about. My visibility is as good as any other BMW I have owned (which is a lot).

I'm with you. I was reading this thread and didn't understand the complaints, so I went outside and sat in my car to take a look. I still don't understand the complaints.

[DYoung]

I agree there is a site line problem with the mirror. The door height and the mirror placement is precisely blocking the view of the apex in a left hand turn. And it's not just at the track, but left hand turns where there's a curbed island are also blinded by the mirror placement.

[Cyberdemon]

I have no issues with the visibility, but I am tall - I imagine if you were shorter or sitting very low in the car it would be more of an issue.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by DYoung

I agree there is a site line problem with the mirror. The door height and the mirror placement is precisely blocking the view of the apex in a left hand turn. And it's not just at the track, but left hand turns where there's a curbed island are also blinded by the mirror placement.

Specially if you are sitting closer to the steering like on a track seating position...

If you are sitting 2 feet from the steering then probably not that much of an issue

[Avex]

Originally Posted by Richy_Boy

Yes, it's a problem for me.. my car is right hand drive and turning right I have to lean forwards to see the 'island' I'm going around.

It wasn't like this in my e46 M3, so I guess it's just the large mirror/mount.

Rich

this. right hand drive in Australia and there are plenty of roundabouts here similar to an island that i have to negotiate. i would say i'm average height as far as human beings go, ~170cm and i have to peer over the mirrors to see what i'm turning into.

i may try readjusting my seating position altogether, but i'm coming from an e92 that i traded in for the m235i and i've never had issues with cornering. I'd say it's more to do with the humongous size of those rearview mirrors.

[aerobod]

When the head is a bit higher and further forward, there doesn’t seem to be an obstruction issue. From a performance driving position perspective, the top of the head should be wrist-thickness from the headlining (with a helmet on, it should just clear). With shoulders pressed against the seat back, both wrists should be able to rest on the top of the steering wheel.

Initially this driving position will feel unnaturally high and far forward, but once you get used to it you can reach all controls without moving your upper body in the seat and also completely cross arms for rapid steering response. In my track car I have a full harness, so keeping the body fully against the seat and still being able to reach all controls and switches is a given, I just do the same in the road cars I drive.

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by aerobod

When the head is a bit higher and further forward, there doesn't seem to be an obstruction issue... I just do the same in the road cars I drive.

Thank you! Same here.

Not only does a tall and forward seat position offer better control, it also gives much improved sight lines – shorter visual distances (both front and rear) to the road surface, and improved pillar views at all four corners.

Car & Driver's 'In-Depth Reviews' provide excellent interior metrics that include model-specific (and comparative) visibility data. For the 2 Series, here's the link. Scroll toward the bottom for the pertinent info.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-driver-page-5

I haven't yet found any recent production car that can match the 2 Series' excellent all-around outward visibility. Certainly, it's among the very best available among today's cars; a key influence in my 2 Series purchase decision.

IMO, a car without superb visibility – no matter how otherwise great its level of performance – cannot be considered a true sports car. YMMV.

[CP911]

I noticed this exact same "issue" when driving my car the other day. I'm 5' 10" and have my seat at the lowest position. Visibility is fantastic everywhere with this car except the mirror blocking my line of sight on some left handers.

It actually made me wonder if this is why M mirrors exist in the first place...when I noticed it, the first thing I though was, "Hmmm, I wonder if the cut-out in those M mirrors would open up a larger gap to see through between the A-pillar and mirror."

I'd buy some M-style mirrors for sure if they help with this. Can anyone comment?

[AndDown]

Originally Posted by aerobod

When the head is a bit higher and further forward, there doesn’t seem to be an obstruction issue. From a performance driving position perspective, the top of the head should be wrist-thickness from the headlining (with a helmet on, it should just clear). With shoulders pressed against the seat back, both wrists should be able to rest on the top of the steering wheel.

+1 this...I am only 5'7" but with a slightly longer torso; even then I still like to position my seat higher so that there's about a clenched fist distance from the ceiling. Our 428i GC has fairly thick A pillars and similar large side mirrors but sitting higher I'm able to see over the mirror. I also position both side mirrors as recommended and this minimizes the blind spots.

[Shovelman]

Visibility is an issue on all cars and trucks. If there were a 1 inch a pillar and no mirror it would still be an interference, though smaller. Unfortunately it is not on the designers' radar.

Compare to a motorcycle w/o windshield.

[Maynard]

Consistent advice to me has been that if I'm looking at an apex (or braking point) out the side window, I'm doing it wrong and need some tape on my windshield. But it is a fairly 'stocky' A pillar.

[530iAndroid]

Coupe’s have a more angled front windshield and the visibility at the A pillar is always going to be lower. But the 2 series is actually not as bad as many other couples. It’s a smaller car so your head is closer to the pillar which doesn’t help.

Take one drive in a Miata RF and the visibility in your 2 series will start to feel like a VW Golf.

[oregondonor]

I don't care for the shape of the mirrors...any of them.