[GTS Daddy]

Originally Posted by Ex_Stig

Sounds like a pretty lousy sales advisor.

[handsomdave]

anyone here with a manual m car with bucket seats?

i'm wondering if that center bolster part interferes or starts to get in the way of the balls when going back n forth from clutch to brakes.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by handsomdave

anyone here with a manual m car with bucket seats?

i'm wondering if that center bolster part interferes or starts to get in the way of the balls when going back n forth from clutch to brakes.

I asked this question a few months back when ordering. The consensus was "no issue." I'll let you know later this week after I pick her up...

[Eddie2315]

Originally Posted by handsomdave

anyone here with a manual m car with bucket seats?

i'm wondering if that center bolster part interferes or starts to get in the way of the balls when going back n forth from clutch to brakes.

i have a manual G80 and you don't notice the center piece at all

[chris3g]

Originally Posted by metalbmxer

Ok NVM
System error on their end

Exec package is back on !

I would make them put full leather back on as well, there is no reason you can't get black full w/buckets if that's what you want.

[HNSKP]

Originally Posted by handsomdave

anyone here with a manual m car with bucket seats?

i'm wondering if that center bolster part interferes or starts to get in the way of the balls when going back n forth from clutch to brakes.

Same here. No issues with heel-toe either. Yes it rubs the inner thigh but it's not uncomfortable.

Just to affirm OP's (correct) decision, I've autocrossed the M4 with and without buckets and the seats make a massive difference. It's not just how it holds you in, but also the lower seating position and better communication of chassis movement.

My wife also finds them very comfortable since she likes to curl up in the seat.

[handsomdave]

thanks chiefs. that's what i wanted to know…didn't spec them but going to update the build. they look amazing and take the car to another level for sure.

i really love the ventilated seats however. i keep it on auto and as soon as i sit, i do feel the coolness and no more back sweats.

do the bucket seats offer some ventilation with design?…or just not yet as hot ? i'd imagine the seats are some type of hybrid to offer the sport feel and breathe-ability.

ps. the wife can sit in the back if she doesn't like the bucket. im not a jerk but this decision is not going to be based off of her comfort. sorry, not sorry.

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by handsomdave

thanks chiefs. that's what i wanted to know…didn't spec them but going to update the build. they look amazing and take the car to another level for sure.

i really love the ventilated seats however. i keep it on auto and as soon as i sit, i do feel the coolness and no more back sweats.

do the bucket seats offer some ventilation with design?…or just not yet as hot ? i'd imagine the seats are some type of hybrid to offer the sport feel and breathe-ability.

ps. the wife can sit in the back if she doesn't like the bucket. im not a jerk but this decision is not going to be based off of her comfort. sorry, not sorry.

Buckets have no ventilation.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by Ex_Stig

Buckets have no ventilation.

Sure they do (albeit passive)

[HNSKP]

Aftermarket ventilation solution

[handsomdave]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Sure they do (albeit passive)

that's what i meant. that's better than no flow with all the leather on the back.

[handsomdave]

Originally Posted by HNSKP

Aftermarket ventilation solution

battery operated or plug in ?

[NightWriter]

OP: I picked up my car last week from PCD and drove it back to Maryland. With our stops and detours, it was probably about 12 hours in the carbon buckets, 4 the first day and 8 the following. For me, they're very comfortable, and I've already figured out the good technique for getting in and out. Aside: At the PC track, I sat in M3's of both varieties, and the carbon buckets were far, far better at holding me in place.

But, if I were driving cross-country twice a year as you mentioned, and not planning to do any track time, I would seriously consider the standard thrones. They offer ventilation, more padding, more lateral breathing room, and more adjustability (including thigh extensions). Not to dissuade anyone from getting the buckets, of course; they're still very comfortable, and really make the interior -- and driving experience -- special.

[ChiTownM]

Buckets are one of the reason why I am even buying this car, first time we can get them in a M3! The looks and price point are absolutely right. You will adjust to the in and out technique very quickly. I went through that with my i8 which is also a challenging in and out car. The only ones complaining were the big or very old folks that sat in the car, which are not demographics I need to worry about. The idea of the wife sitting in the back is hilarious and at the same time a solution. We all sit in the back of an Uber or Lyft or taxi too after all! A good pillow for a long distance trip is also a good suggestion in case you have issues….

All other threads pretty much say the same, we should have them all consolidated into one as a sticky.

Finally, you need to find another dealer with a guaranteed allocation and VIN#.

[Stockholmarn]

Noticed the leather on the side of the bucket has started to wear on the leather from my crawling in and out. Perfectionists beware!

[MaxechosM3]

Go to a dealership and see if they have a car on the lot or awaiting for delivery that has them. I was going to get buckets but getting in and out was a bit to painful for my old soul. Ended up ordering reg seats, I'm just going to buy the carbon fiber backs for them.

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by Stockholmarn

Noticed the leather on the side of the bucket has started to wear on the leather from my crawling in and out. Perfectionists beware!

IND sells bolster covers. I bought a set because I noticed some wear around 2,000 miles.

[RockinPA]

No wear on mine. 3700 miles so far. I'll never put those granny covers on mine. They look absolutely hideous! Love IND, but, come on man!
2 hours straight seat time on my drive home yesterday, and could've easily done another 2 hours without stopping if needed. They're comfortable and so badass looking. I've said it before and I'll say it again— they make the interior! 🏎🚀

[Devils41]

Originally Posted by Eddie2315

ahh man i am a sun devil alum, fork em! longest drive i've done is an hour so i can't give too much insight on a 30+ hour drive, but the seats feel just as comfortable as any normal seats to me so far. there's been other threads where guys have done 5-6 hour drives with no complaints either

ASU baseball alum here. Fork em! We used to destroy the little kitties down south.

[bmwdrive]

The carbon seats look fantastic. I don't really care that they're harder to get in and out of, even for a daily. I would totally get them. Except... the lack of lumbar adjustment is a deal breaker. After 5 min of sitting in them at a dealer, my back started feeling weird. That may be psychological, I don't know.

[kooft]

I've done a 3 hour drive in the standard seats (with ventilated) and my back was not happy. Im sure someone can say the same of the buckets. It really is a personal decision. If you are purchasing the car, buckets are desirable. Also, when you leave school there's a chance you might start flying to the east coast, especially with gas being so expensive!

My choice in not getting buckets was because I had ordered a manual car and the crotch pad was uncomfortable. My legs are quite thick from weightlifting though. If the buckets did not have that I was 100% going to take them over the standards.

[TJR_///M3]

From my last post on this subject:

For those who haven’t already noticed I am a huge advocate of the carbon bucket seats…
Now at close to 15,000 miles with zero complaints.
As to long drive comfort, I said in another thread I have managed a full tank of gas without stopping (close to 400 miles) several times with no issues. I couldn’t do this in my F80 nor even my wife’s X3 M40i - got/get back ache.
I am 5’ 10” 190lbs, slim build and of advanced years

Another repetition: I have driven over a million miles in my driving career and the carbon buckets are the best seats I have ever had in a road car.