Short guy reviews Jonathan Thayer's (mcoupemindy) seat tilt mod.

[BenFenner]

First off, here are the other threads related to this topic (that I could find).

Z3 Seat Mod - DO IT!!!
Z3 Seat Mod - Round 2!
Seat Mod Kits - 2011 Holiday Edition!
Seat height mod kits: Does anyone have any?
Seat tilt mod done!!!
I wish to raise the front of my seat on my Z3M

I ordered the kit recently, and installed it yesterday. I won't get into the design of the kit other than to say I believe it is completely acceptable (if not ideal) from an engineering stand-point (which is why I went ahead and bought it).

I've been on a few long trips in the Coupe and my legs get cramped and my back aches. The last trip I paid special attention to this and decided to purchase the kit.

Long story short: If I weren't so short¹ this would be an amazing modification. I did the passenger seat first and it really improved things a good bit. It really does transform the seating position and everything is a big plus. I was excited to do the driver's side next. When I was finished, I adjusted the seat to allow for proper clutch pedal use and things were not good. I've since taken it for a drive to work and I can't live with this. Because of how far forward I have to move the seat, I also get a huge rise out of the modification. It puts my pelvis close to the steering wheel and I feel like I'm driving on top of the car instead of in it. I believe I recall now reading about one other short person who echoed the same sentiments.

I will be keeping the modification for the passenger seat. It is very good there, since reaching the pedals is a non-issue. If I were taller at about 6' I would be happy as a clam I'm sure.

I see the solution. The height extension needs to happen above the rails so that the overall height of the seat bottom doesn't change when the seat is moved far forward. Canting the seat backward in its mounting on the rails is the solution for me, and I may go about trying to accomplish that at some point. For now, the mod is getting removed on the driver's side.




¹I'm 5' 7" and have a pretty high ape index. This is common, but most people aren't aware of it. This means my wingspan is longer than my height, and combined with a long torso my arms reach longer than my legs by about an inch or more.

[dougmcintyre]

Although better than stock, I also found the amount of rise excessive. Shortening the couplers by 5mm was the answer for me.

[BenFenner]

Here is more talk about short folks from the second link above:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...6#post22722926

There is additional mention of shortening the provided coupler and stud. I don't think that will work for me. The 1" rise translates into 2 or 3 inches by the time I'm forward enough. I don't think any rise below the rails is going to work for me. =(

[lokijibber]

I have a few "Short Guy" sets in my garage. I've distributed some to other members, but it definitely makes a difference. I think the stud and coupler are each 5mm shorter - I'll have to double check.

[BladeRunner919]

We have a slightly different kit on one of the UK forums (albeit from a South African member):

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewt...p?f=11&t=36920

hpim0670b.jpg

[paul4223]

From an engineering standpoint, how short is short? In my glory days, I was close to 5' 11". Over time, and with the ravages of gravity, I'm now about 5' 9.25".

Yoga headstands do not help.

I've got the tilt-mod kit but have not installed it yet because I was anticipating what Mr. Fenner reported.

[BenFenner]

We have a slightly different kit on one of the UK forums (albeit from a South African member):

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewt...p?f=11&t=36920

hpim0670b.jpg

That is a really nice solution for a small height adjustment to the seat.

I'm still convinced rising the rails themselves is not the solution for me.

From an engineering standpoint, how short is short?

The footnote of my first post has the info, but in case you missed it, I'm 5' 7" with short(ish) legs and long(ish) arms.

[paul4223]

[/QUOTE]The footnote of my first post has the info, but in case you missed it, I'm 5' 7" with short(ish) legs and long(ish) arms.[/QUOTE]

I did see that. My question is about MY shrinking physical stature! I thought some of you engineer types could weigh in.

I'm seriously wondering if, at barely over 5' 9" the tilt mod would be effective. I guess the only way to know is to do the mod, but increasingly, I have doubts of how comfortable it would be.

[Wertles]

Well I'm 6'1" and the seat is all the way back for me. The seat tilt was one of the best things I did for comfort. Obviously, comfort is very subjective and personal. Try it and see. It's not that expensive. Besides, with 750 HP, we all know its just a matter of time before Jonathan needs bail money. As a community, shouldn't we all contribute to it any way we can?

[BenFenner]

5' 9" and change is not short. I don't even usually consider myself short at 5' 7", however I guess I am. I like being short actually. This is the first time I've ever wished I were taller if you can believe it.

[lokijibber]

5'9" should be fine with the original kit. I ran it for a year ir so, and the only problem I had was after 3-4+ hours in the seat. ( I like to say I'm 5'8", but really I'm closer to 5'7")

Ben, PM me your address and I'll send you the "short guy" kit. Consider it a thank you for compiling the manifesto.

[BenFenner]

Todd, I appreciate the offer, but don't do that on my behalf. I truly feel a different solution is in my future. Keep an eye out for that thread when I get around to it.

[gmushial]

Well I'm 6'1" and the seat is all the way back for me. The seat tilt was one of the best things I did for comfort. Obviously, comfort is very subjective and personal. Try it and see. It's not that expensive. Besides, with 750 HP, we all know its just a matter of time before Jonathan needs bail money. As a community, shouldn't we all contribute to it any way we can?

At 6' 1" the mod has proved indispensable given how the Z is used, ie, touring. Before about 4 hours was the limit; since the mod there have been 11, 12, 13 hour days... and afterwards, able to get out of the Z and walk away (like a human). Before, after 4 hours it took some walking to unstiffen... probably the most important mod we've made to the Z.

[lokijibber]

Todd, I appreciate the offer, but don't do that on my behalf. I truly feel a different solution is in my future. Keep an eye out for that thread when I get around to it.

No worries. If nothing else, it could be a temporary solution while you get yours figured out.

I had to buy a small lot to get what I needed, so I had a few extra sets. I kept Jonathan's kit on the passenger side, and gave a few others away. I have at least two sets left if anyone needs them.

[BenFenner]

I'm just going to take the spacers out on the driver's side when I get home and figure something else out. If I have to live with the stock setup forever, that wouldn't be a huge issue.
I drove the car back home for lunch and with more time in the seat it is completely disconcerting with the new seating position to the point of mild anger. I have no doubt those with the seat further back are enjoying the benefits, but if you're my height (have the seat almost fully forward to begin with) then you're likely not going to enjoy the benefits from this modification.

[paul4223]

5'9" should be fine with the original kit. I ran it for a year ir so, and the only problem I had was after 3-4+ hours in the seat. ( I like to say I'm 5'8", but really I'm closer to 5'7")

Thanks for your insights, Todd. It's the extended time in the driver's seat that I was wondering about. I don't position the seat all that far back now.

Paul

[dkindig]

I'm 5' 8" and when I did my seats I picked up 18mm spacers (slightly under 3/4") from McMaster-Carr and they have been perfect for me. 30" inseam...

[Bcar]

...we all know its just a matter of time before Jonathan needs bail money. As a community, shouldn't we all contribute to it any way we can?

LOL.
He's going to need this mod/paint job soon...


I'll be installing this mod soon, been sitting on my shelf. was worried about how my wife would like it, she's 5'10" so should work.

[dubzz24]

Too bad it didn't work out for you OP. For reference for any similar height prospective buyers, I'm 5'10" and I found the new seating position to be greatly improved.

[Garducio]

I got the seat mod kit and i'm 5'7" and i love how it feels. i have alot of space and it's so much better than stock.

[BenFenner]

Install pics are finally up on my build thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...0#post27952840

[Bear Grylls]

I just installed the tilt mod yesterday, I honestly do not know why I put up with the car for so long without it. It makes my back and leg pains go away almost entirely compared to before.

Such a huge improvement with such a small modification. I am 5'11

[Tib]

I also have reread all of the information written about the tilt seat mod, and from the information that has been wrote and my personal experience (my car has the mod) I have come to the conclusion that its more about the foot to hip distance than overall height.

If your natural seating in the car is with the seat in most rear-word 1/3 of its travel you will most likely love the mod, in the middle 1/3 it seems to be more subjective, and the front 1/3 of the travel you will most likely feel pinned under the steering wheel do to the compounded upward movement as the seat slides forward.

My wife standing 4'10" not only can no longer reach the peddles with the mod, she feels with the seat all the way forward the clearance between the bottom of the steering wheel and the seat is to tight to be comfortable.

I think the mod Ben is working on will tilt the seat above the sliders, thus not compounding the upward movement as the seat is moves forward. I was thinking about looking into a mod the moves the tilt to above the sliders as this would make it so the wife could again get to the peddles and do some of the driving again.

[BenFenner]

If your natural seating in the car is with the seat in most rear-word 1/3 of its travel you will most likely love the mod, in the middle 1/3 it seems to be more subjective, and the front 1/3 of the travel you will most likely feel pinned under the steering wheel do to the compounded upward movement as the seat slides forward.

We're on the same page here for sure. This is my feeling on the matter as well.

I think the mod Ben is working on will tilt the seat above the sliders, thus not compounding the upward movement as the seat is moves forward.

Absolutely correct.

[Kram71]

I'm a little confused. Does the mod help "shorter" guys or hurt?