Are the "Sports" seats worth it?

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
Post Reply
danieltharris
Joined: Fri 21 Nov, 2008 10:56
Posts: 403

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Contact:

Are the "Sports" seats worth it?

Post by danieltharris »

I have the "Standard" seats in my Z3, but have never actually sat in the "Sport" style seats you get in the //M and which I think were an option in later models.

Sitting in my seats, and then sitting in the seats of a 2002 Boxster-S are worlds apart from each other. I find the porsche seats supportive, comfy, and a slightly snugger fit around the sides.

Are the Sports seats from the Z3 similar in feel to say the seats in a boxster?

I used to have Recaro seats in one of my old cars and they were gorgeous, and the best modification I made to it (Fitted them into an Escort GTi from an RS2000 - I was 18 at the time so no laughing at my choice of car lol). They made a huge change to the overall experience of driving the car, and made it a comfy place to be.

Obviously upgrading to these seats isn't cheap, but i've found from past experience it was one of the best ways to improve the car, if the seats you change to are good.

Oh and I think we know they LOOK a million times nicer than the standard seats.
User avatar
Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

Daniel, best way is to sit in them and decide for yourself.

I'm a pretty big guy and in the past "sports" seats have been toooo small for me (especially jap cars :wink: ).

I think the Z3m seats are great, supportive and comfortable on a long drive.

The seats are "limited" in the adjustments compared to some but its the same for all Z3 OEM seats (eg no tilt adjustment).

This does seem a popular mod with several members having done this swap this year + taking advantage of heated seats :D

Hopefully they will give you some honest feedback as to whether it was worthwhile (other than just obvious cosmetic).

Get yourself to a meet, I've never seen anyone say no to a request to sit in a car :wink:
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
Mike Fishwick
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
Posts: 2093

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Daglan, France

fitting

Post by Mike Fishwick »

It's a personal thing - like you I found Porsche seats - in a 924 - to be perfect, although they did not appear to be anything special.

The MR seats, however, I find to be 'All show and no go,' so to speak, with large side bolsters etc but in fact made for overweight Americans. I am about 6 feet tall, and need to lose some weight (13 stones) yet I find I rattle around in an MR.

Like most 'sports' seats, the MR seat has lots of support at the lower sides, but nothing special at the upper side area, below the arms, where cornering forces need some kind of resistance. Perhaps they are designed for an obese midget, whose upper torso would be lower in the seat, but who could only just see over the steering wheel whith the seat fully raised!

I know lots of people claim that they are wonderful, but these folk would say the same of anything with an 'M' label on it, so to speak - like the awful M steering wheel, and strange-shaped door mirrors etc.

Save your money and effort, and buy a good four-point harness if you need anything better.
User avatar
c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
Posts: 4032

  M roadster S50

Post by c_w »

Mike, the door mirrors are awesome on the M, the standard Z3 mirrors are awful square things :wink:

The M seats do look nice (nicer than the same "sports seat" z3 option which is the same seat but lacks the nicer leather/ribbing) but they aren't that supportive, too high, too flat etc. They need to be able to go about 1" lower and have better side support.
Mike Fishwick
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
Posts: 2093

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Daglan, France

Mirror mirror

Post by Mike Fishwick »

Yes - if you like odd pointy mirrors I guess those of the MR are fine, but their shape means that there is a loss of vision where the outer corners of an ordinary mirror would be.

It all depends on one's taste - do you prefer fashion or function?
User avatar
Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Post by Brian H »

Daniel,

I changed my seats last year (along with the rest of the interior :smile:)and I can say that this transformed the whole feel of the car for me. I would definitely recommend the change over.
User avatar
TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
Posts: 5488

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Stafford

Re: fitting

Post by TitanTim »

Save your money and effort, and buy a good four-point harness if you need anything better.[/quote]

Mike have you ever tried using a four point harness in an everyday road car? :lol: they are just a complete faff, great if your doing trackdays but hardly practical on a day to day basis. Plus you have to be very carefull how these are installed as done incorrectly a sure fire way if dismembering parts of your anatomy in an accident.

I don't have M seats but just the standard sports seats and find them very comfortable but then I'm only 5ft 11 and 13 stone so fit reasonable well in the Zed seats. I guess depends on ones build as to whether a seat is comfortable or not.

Tim.
Image
2001 Z3 1.9 Roadster Sport - 2012 Z4 sDrive 2.0 M Sport
Hang_em_high
Joined: Tue 21 Jul, 2009 19:14
Posts: 928

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Eastbourne

Post by Hang_em_high »

Had both seats now. Standard seats in the old Zed and now the sports seats in the 2.8. Yes they look loads better than standard but for me I dont find them any comfier,and I didnt find the standards very comy. For me it lacks support in the lower back area.I think though you really should try before you buy as we are all different shapes and sizes and you may or may not find them comfier.
User avatar
Devon Z
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 20 Nov, 2003 21:39
Posts: 651

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Brixham, Devon

Post by Devon Z »

Hang_em_high wrote: For me it lacks support in the lower back area.I think though you really should try before you buy as we are all different shapes and sizes and you may or may not find them comfier.
Agree...I think part of the problem for me being tall(6foot) is that as you lower the seat right down it seems to tilt forward, so I have mine just off the lowest so I still sit back in he seat but I'm still a bit high.
I know some of the guys in the states have fitted spacers under the front of the seats to retify this, I have yet to try it.

Yes they do look much better if you have a two colour trim spec, my first zed had standard seats in an all black trim and looked great, when I ordered my current car I wanted two colour trim and seat heating so sport seats it was.

Just seen the seat mod is been discussed :o
99 2.0 Topaz Individual
User avatar
Canman
Joined: Tue 21 Jul, 2009 15:34
Posts: 1199

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Rotherham

Re: Mirror mirror

Post by Canman »

Mike Fishwick wrote:Yes - if you like odd pointy mirrors I guess those of the MR are fine, but their shape means that there is a loss of vision where the outer corners of an ordinary mirror would be.

It all depends on one's taste - do you prefer fashion or function?
i love the M mirrors, if everthing about motoring was for designed for function only then it would be a boring world.

fashion for me then Mike. :twisted:
Image


Please help. The money will go to a good cause. email me for the link to my fundraising page.
User avatar
peterandjenny
Joined: Thu 26 Feb, 2009 14:07
Posts: 620

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: milton keynes

very much so see link below

Post by peterandjenny »

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=

but depends on how much you pay for them
User avatar
Ian_C
Joined: Sun 10 Dec, 2006 20:10
Posts: 2415

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Lytham St Annes

Post by Ian_C »

Another vote for the ///M Sports seats from me too. I changed mine just over a month ago and find them an improvement over the standard seats. There's definitely less lateral movement going round corners and you feel like you're sitting in the seat rather than on it.
Current...1998 ///M Coupe
Image
Previously...1997 Z3 2.8
Image
gypsycatcha
Joined: Sun 21 Sep, 2008 20:33
Posts: 319

  blank.gif

Post by gypsycatcha »

I changed over to the m mirrors as i think they look great but i would advice sitting in an m first as i have really struggled to adapt over the standard mirrors. Might just be me. As for the seats im interested into how they feel as i had a set of recaro in my old E30 and they were superb so if they are anything like those, il be on the hunt.
danieltharris
Joined: Fri 21 Nov, 2008 10:56
Posts: 403

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Contact:

Post by danieltharris »

Thanks for the input guys.

Well my next question/request is does anybody in the Cheshire area have the sports or M seats that wouldn't mind letting me sit in and see how they feel?

I'm tempted by them but from what most people have said it would be more of a cosmetic change than a comfort/support upgrade. Will have to try them before dropping the cash on them.

Cheers

Dan
User avatar
Ian_C
Joined: Sun 10 Dec, 2006 20:10
Posts: 2415

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Lytham St Annes

Post by Ian_C »

danieltharris wrote: Well my next question/request is does anybody in the Cheshire area have the sports or M seats that wouldn't mind letting me sit in and see how they feel?
Might be worth sending maxman a pm as I'm sure he's done a sports seat retrofit and is somewhere near Wrexham. Failing that you could take a trip up to Lytham and give my ///M seats a try.
Current...1998 ///M Coupe
Image
Previously...1997 Z3 2.8
Image
User avatar
Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

I agree with Mikes comments re the ///M seats ie for me to fit in them "comfortably" then for you average skinny guys :wink: they will not offer the sort of support a "true" sport/track seat would offer.

but they do look ace :twisted:

Your welcome to try mine as well (stored near M6/M62 junction) but if your in no rush I'd wait until one of the forum meets coming up and there is bound to be every possible combination of seat there for you to try :wink:
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
User avatar
c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
Posts: 4032

  M roadster S50

Re: Mirror mirror

Post by c_w »

Mike Fishwick wrote:
It all depends on one's taste - do you prefer fashion or function?
Are talking about your corduroys? :lol:

The only problem I have with the mirrors (and I'm sure my 2.8 was like this) is that the driver's mirror is zoomed-in, a carry over from LHD I presume.
Mike Fishwick
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
Posts: 2093

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Daglan, France

Mirror mirror

Post by Mike Fishwick »

I haven't noticed any difference between the mirrors on my 2.8 (Oct 98) but when driving an MR I feel rather 'blinkered,' due to the lack of vision where the outer top and bottom parts of mine would be.

Fine for a rear view parallel with the car, but lacking a bit in the wider range, particularly if another car is creeping up on you in the outer lane.

I guess you just get used to it.
User avatar
c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
Posts: 4032

  M roadster S50

Re: Mirror mirror

Post by c_w »

Mike Fishwick wrote: Fine for a rear view parallel with the car, but lacking a bit in the wider range, particularly if another car is creeping up on you in the outer lane.
Changing from the roadster to the M Coupe I didn't notice any difference in mirrors, however what I did notice is that there is a bigger blindspot in the roadster due to the roof/rear 3/4 vision.
User avatar
Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

Strangely I did notice a difference between the S50 and S54 door mirrors, ie in the S50 I had a massive blind spot and actually had to fit a small wide angle mirror but in the S54 its fine (I always use mirrors and actually bother to look over my shoulder as well).

I'm not sure why as I have both seats at furthest bottom and back setting. so either, the seats ranges are slightly different, the mirror lens is different or the mirror case is in a different position. Whilst I had both cars on the drive I "roughly" measured the wing mirrors and the later models seemed to be located in a slightly different position on the door. Not sure this makes sense though as all Z door skins have the same part number and I presume the hole for the wing mirror is pre drilled in same locations?

Anyway definately better on the later car :D
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
Stoned@Home
Joined: Thu 12 Feb, 2009 19:35
Posts: 283

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Sea of Green

Post by Stoned@Home »

If my Zed came with:-
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
I may not have bought it
hencei have the 2 stage sport seats :) hence i bought the car :D
& next weekend shall be modding them, with raising the front edge of the seats, to give the bucket feeling it lacks.

I'm 5.11 i have the seat all the way back, with the back support all the way back too, and 1 click above the lowest downward setting, i have 1" (25mm) bolt connectors/couplers on order :D
User avatar
peterandjenny
Joined: Thu 26 Feb, 2009 14:07
Posts: 620

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: milton keynes

If your car came with ?

Post by peterandjenny »

The original black seats ? last spring ones with sports seats were out of our price range ( being facelift or m only ) so for us it has been a worthwhile upgrade, agree with the comments you sit more in the seats than the originals ( just need to sort out the heated switches next )
danieltharris
Joined: Fri 21 Nov, 2008 10:56
Posts: 403

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Contact:

Post by danieltharris »

So what sort of price did you pay for your new ones? If you want to PM me feel free. If you don't want to reveal to everyone for any reason.

Still debating it really as the money could pay for suspension :)
User avatar
Ragtop
Joined: Sun 26 Jul, 2009 20:38
Posts: 790

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Bexhill on Sea

Re: fitting

Post by Ragtop »

TitanTim wrote:I don't have M seats but just the standard sports seats and find them very comfortable but then I'm only 5ft 11 and 13 stone so fit reasonable well in the Zed seats. I guess depends on ones build as to whether a seat is comfortable or not.

Tim.


I also have standard sports seats and find them perfect for me, as Tim says it depends on your build. I find my seats never feel uncomfortable even on long journeys. I really feel part of the car. I am 5ft 10 and 13.5 stone
Image
User avatar
Canman
Joined: Tue 21 Jul, 2009 15:34
Posts: 1199

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Rotherham

Post by Canman »

I only have the standard seats and im only 5'6" and 10.5 stone so unless i use a childs booster seat i will never feel fully secured in whichever seat. :lol: but then i dont go throwing the zed around every corner and find them comfortable enough on long journeys. but if i ever did see any beige sports seats for sale i would snap them up as they're probably hard to get hold of now and they do look fashionably better. 8-)
Image


Please help. The money will go to a good cause. email me for the link to my fundraising page.
User avatar
peterandjenny
Joined: Thu 26 Feb, 2009 14:07
Posts: 620

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: milton keynes

to danieltharris

Post by peterandjenny »

Paid £ 350 but that included door trim , console and m steering wheel. had to travel to yorkshire in december and remove them from a crashed zed
seems a good price as have seen the seats go for that sort of money, hope to get a bit back by selling the existing ones.
User avatar
Jonttt
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 28 Dec, 2008 16:32
Posts: 6554

  M roadster S54
Location: Liverpool

Post by Jonttt »

Bargain :D

Seats normally go for c£500 (sometimes with door cards), steering wheel £125 and centre consol c£100+
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
Image Video or Journal Garage: 2015 FFRR Black Edition, Porsche Boxster GTS, 1997 Porsche Carrara C4S, Ex 2001 BMW S54 Z3m Roadster
User avatar
Tufarlian
Joined: Sat 14 Mar, 2009 20:21
Posts: 307

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Cheshire
Contact:

Post by Tufarlian »

danieltharris wrote: Well my next question/request is does anybody in the Cheshire area have the sports or M seats that wouldn't mind letting me sit in and see how they feel?

Dan
I live in Middlewich, not too far from Chester.

You're welcome to try the seats in my Zed.
Seats piccy

Let me know if you want to meet up.

Mark
danieltharris
Joined: Fri 21 Nov, 2008 10:56
Posts: 403

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Contact:

Post by danieltharris »

NICE Z3! Love your 3.0l

I'm actually going to be around Middlewich tomorrow, not sure if will be at a time suitable for you, but I am in Middlewich a lot lately so could come up with a mutual time if you're happy to let me have a sit in them.

Middlewich is reasonably small so chances are you won't be far from where i'll be.
Tufarlian wrote:
danieltharris wrote: Well my next question/request is does anybody in the Cheshire area have the sports or M seats that wouldn't mind letting me sit in and see how they feel?

Dan
I live in Middlewich, not too far from Chester.

You're welcome to try the seats in my Zed.
Seats piccy

Let me know if you want to meet up.

Mark
User avatar
Tufarlian
Joined: Sat 14 Mar, 2009 20:21
Posts: 307

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Cheshire
Contact:

Post by Tufarlian »

PM sent
User avatar
komis
Joined: Wed 01 Dec, 2004 11:18
Posts: 475

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Post by komis »

Had the standard seats in the 1.9 and now sports seats in the 2.8. Not really a huge difference between them, I'm relatively slim and I don't feel that side support in the sports seats is particularly great, I think the Z3 seats were rather built with.. "wider" people in mind :D But they are very comfortable, I've done really long journeys in them without any issues, just make sure they're not tilted too far back and they will support your back quite well.

Don't expect to get the same tight-hug feeling that you would on the Boxster sports seats. Hell, even my dad's A3 sports seats feel more snug than the z3's!

However, as others have already said, they do look ace, and they're worth the money if you can find a good set of used ones!
wwwwOOOff!!!
Image
User avatar
OO 1005
Joined: Mon 14 Nov, 2005 12:00
Posts: 213

  M coupe S50
Location: St Peter

Post by OO 1005 »

Just read on Bimmerforums that apparently the M seats and the sport seats are not the same.. apparently the M seats are narrower and the foam is different... Anyone confirm this?
User avatar
c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
Posts: 4032

  M roadster S50

Post by c_w »

OO 1005 wrote:Just read on Bimmerforums that apparently the M seats and the sport seats are not the same.. apparently the M seats are narrower and the foam is different... Anyone confirm this?
Looks and feel pretty similar to me, just that the M has different grade of leather and is ribbed. But could be wrong! I would say that it also depends on the wear; I've sat in a lower mileage M Coupe and the seat was like an old saggy arm chair compared to my own which felt much "tighter" - the seat wasn't obviously worn but maybe had had a larger sized owner for a while that had flattened it out lol.
Riwa
Joined: Mon 23 Nov, 2009 23:45
Posts: 32

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Växjö

Post by Riwa »

You are correct, the M seats and the sport seats are different.
M seats: http://www.maidstonetrimming.co.uk/USER ... 281%29.jpg

Sport seat: http://picasaweb.google.se/lh/photo/oGU ... directlink
User avatar
komis
Joined: Wed 01 Dec, 2004 11:18
Posts: 475

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Post by komis »

They feel exactly the same to me (comparing with my pal's M, his car is slightly higher mileage but not too much).

Don't be confused by the seat stitching, it would be quite stupid for BMW to have 3 different seat types for a (reasonably) limited production run car (let's not forget that even its switchgear is mostly E30 lol).

I think these pics demonstrate that the seats are essentially the same (save for different seat covers).

http://picasaweb.google.se/lh/photo/oGU ... directlink
http://www.bmwmregistry.com/faq/M_Coupe_Interior.jpg
wwwwOOOff!!!
Image
User avatar
oakley6691
Joined: Tue 25 Apr, 2006 13:33
Posts: 257

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Abercrave

Post by oakley6691 »

I would say the 'sports' seat are better than standard but no where near as good as the seats in my last car which came standard with sparco bucket, they were amazing at holding you in position.

I have today replaced the seat base foam in my z3 sport today, bit of a pain of a job but i took the car for a quick spin afterwards and could feel the difference immediately. The old base was soft on the supports and i could feel metal on the right hand support under the leather, my mates felt like this when he bought his a few years ago, and now he has a hole in the leather, so i was taking no chances. 8-)
Image
Post Reply