Bit of a stab in the dark here but does anyone know if 1 series or e92 3 series seats fit in a z3?
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1 series / 3 series seats fit a z3m?
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Unfortunately the BMW performance seats, which are Recaro Sportster CS seats will not fit in the MC. I know because I bought one (Recaro that is) and tried it. The issue is not so much with the shoulder or "wing" width, but rather with the width at the back of the base (i.e. where the seat recline handles are). The problem is that the MC cockpit floor tapers in or narrows after the end of the door, which means that the CS seat will not fit, especially if you want to mount it as low as possible. I tried removing the handle etc. on the inboard side, but just couldn't get it to fit. (Believe me I wanted to as it is a supremely comfortable seat.)
My reason for wanting to change the seats was to be able to sit a little lower so I could wear a helmet for trackdays. The issue is not so much that I am that tall (just under 6 foot), but rather that I have a long torso for my height, so headroom is often an issue in most cars. This also means that the Recaro Pole Positions that most people install are also no good as I don't fit in them. I also wanted to keep an adjustable reclining seat for everyday use, rather than a fixed back racing bucket.
After a long investigation in to all types of aftermarket seats, in the end I went with the Sparco R100 seats which are designed for narrow cars. While not in the same league quality wise as the Recaro CS seats, I was able to fit them in and significantly increase the available headroom. (However I still had to remove the inboard seat recline handle to get them to fit.) In practice I have found them surprisingly comfortable on long trips and they certainly hold you in better on track.
Obviously, if headroom is less of an issue for you then you will probably be able to mount other seats in, by not having to mount them so low. Fixed back race buckets are easier as they are much narrower in the base, but as CW says, the shoulder width is the problem with most race seats. In addition, unless you make special adapters, you will often find that different seats do not position you centered onto the steering wheel. If you look at the standard MC seats you will notice that they are offset on the runners.
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Yea as above the Z3/Coupe is a nightmare for changing the seats due to the offset rails. I quickly trial plonked a VX220/Elise seat in my car and the steering wheel was about 2"+ left of centre! It's only then you realise just how much the standard seats are offset "inwards" to the car following the taper of the transmission tunnel. I think VX220 seats would work with some fabrication, they are very light also if a bit "basic".
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Originally posted by ZedVan View PostUnfortunately the BMW performance seats, which are Recaro Sportster CS seats will not fit in the MC. I know because I bought one (Recaro that is) and tried it. The issue is not so much with the shoulder or "wing" width, but rather with the width at the back of the base (i.e. where the seat recline handles are). The problem is that the MC cockpit floor tapers in or narrows after the end of the door, which means that the CS seat will not fit, especially if you want to mount it as low as possible. I tried removing the handle etc. on the inboard side, but just couldn't get it to fit. (Believe me I wanted to as it is a supremely comfortable seat.)
My reason for wanting to change the seats was to be able to sit a little lower so I could wear a helmet for trackdays. The issue is not so much that I am that tall (just under 6 foot), but rather that I have a long torso for my height, so headroom is often an issue in most cars. This also means that the Recaro Pole Positions that most people install are also no good as I don't fit in them. I also wanted to keep an adjustable reclining seat for everyday use, rather than a fixed back racing bucket.
After a long investigation in to all types of aftermarket seats, in the end I went with the Sparco R100 seats which are designed for narrow cars. While not in the same league quality wise as the Recaro CS seats, I was able to fit them in and significantly increase the available headroom. (However I still had to remove the inboard seat recline handle to get them to fit.) In practice I have found them surprisingly comfortable on long trips and they certainly hold you in better on track.
Obviously, if headroom is less of an issue for you then you will probably be able to mount other seats in, by not having to mount them so low. Fixed back race buckets are easier as they are much narrower in the base, but as CW says, the shoulder width is the problem with most race seats. In addition, unless you make special adapters, you will often find that different seats do not position you centered onto the steering wheel. If you look at the standard MC seats you will notice that they are offset on the runners.
great info
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