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      03-18-2024, 12:11 AM   #1
m1daz
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Ordering a G80 next week, should I get carbon bucket seats?

Hello,

I am 6'2 ~180lbs. Should I get carbon bucket seats? I've searched through a few posts and I've gotten mixed reviews/reviews that don't align with my weight or height. The only BMW dealership within 100 miles of me doesn't have carbon bucket seats in the M3/M4... I had to test drive an M4 because they haven't had an M3 in a year.

So in your opinion would you recommend me for someone my size? or no? I'm not fat, pretty young, and don't have back problems.
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      03-18-2024, 12:30 AM   #2
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I am 6'3 and ~190lbs. 32 waist. I had a chance to test both seats. The bucket seats fit me like a glove. I really liked sitting in it. I didn't order it at the end, because it is going to be a daily driver and a family sedan. I am not sure my wife would enjoy getting it and out.

The fit was perfect, so I was wondering what would happen if I gain weight. In my 4C I need to make sure I have nothing in the back pocket to be comfortable. The other day I was driving it and it didn't feel right. Then at home I realized I had a few receipts and a UPS slip in the back pocket.

In your case I would say go for it!
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      03-18-2024, 12:46 AM   #3
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I’m 6’1 and weigh 185lbs and I have the standard seats. I have a wife and a 3 year old. The sport seats are okay if you have other people who ride often, if not I would do the buckets.

The buckets really add something extra to the cabin. If I didn’t have a small family (not a threat), I would get the buckets. That said, the standard seats are sick too. Neither are comfortable for long drives… I did 8 hours in the regular seats this weekend and my ass is killing me.
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      03-18-2024, 12:53 AM   #4
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Post a message in your regional board and see if someone near you has buckets and would let you sit in them. I wouldn't let someone drive, but sitting is no problem. Buy the guy a bottle of wine. Its cheaper than making a bad choice
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      03-18-2024, 02:19 AM   #5
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I’m 6’ and 235 lb 37 waist and I’m probably the max you could be in weight before they become uncomfortable, to me these fit perfect , I wouldn’t get the car without them

The only annoying part is getting in or out, but once you get used to the technique it’s worth it
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      03-18-2024, 03:17 AM   #6
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Just get them. Trust me. I live with regret that I didn’t get them every single day
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      03-18-2024, 04:50 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m1daz View Post
Hello,

I am 6'2 ~180lbs. Should I get carbon bucket seats? I've searched through a few posts and I've gotten mixed reviews/reviews that don't align with my weight or height. The only BMW dealership within 100 miles of me doesn't have carbon bucket seats in the M3/M4... I had to test drive an M4 because they haven't had an M3 in a year.

So in your opinion would you recommend me for someone my size? or no? I'm not fat, pretty young, and don't have back problems.
Agree that reading on here doesn’t make the decision any easier. I’m 6 foot/ 170lbs and I’m happy I went with them. I ordered them without ever sitting in them. My SA said they weren’t very comfortable (he never sat in them until mine came) and once I took delivery he totally switched saying they are comfortable. When I bought my G8X I intended to daily it, which I did for 2 months. The seats are comfortable, maybe not as plush as the comfort seats, but far from uncomfortable. The most inconvenient part would be getting out. Which really isn’t terrible, if you’re old and have knee or back problems you probably shouldn’t be getting a car this low already. If you’re looking to have the car be as comfortable as possible get comfort or a 5 series. For sports car feel buckets are the way. Good luck!
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      03-18-2024, 07:54 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer100_ View Post
Just get them. Trust me. I live with regret that I didn’t get them every single day
And I thank the baby jesus every time I clamber in and out of the car that I DIDN'T get them.

At 6'2, 220 I fit in them fine. But I have trouble getting in and out of the car even with the standard seats due to the fact that I sit so far back that I am behind the B pillar and the steering wheel is way out, and the seat is low. Plus I have a tight garage so I can't just crank the door open. The bucket makes all of this worse. You're lower, and climbing over a way taller bolster.

You'll fit for sure. But up to you whether you want to deal with getting in and out.
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      03-18-2024, 08:32 AM   #9
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I also fit and they were comfortable, but I also have passengers that are in my car not an insignificant amount of time, so having the sport seats is actually a boon IMO.

Plus I think the sport seats are pretty comfortable as it is as well.
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      03-18-2024, 09:14 AM   #10
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For the people commenting they have them, any of you have a stick shift, or are you all driving auto’s? Saw reviews that with carbon buckets and manual transmission, is not a comfortable driving position. 6’2” 240lbs
Car will be daily driven.
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      03-18-2024, 09:35 AM   #11
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I have a manual and wish I had gotten the buckets. I also have ventilated seats which I rarely use so I would not miss those either. The only thing for me that I could see getting a little uncomfortable on longer trips is that it's more difficult to move your left leg to rest your foot on the dead pedal.
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      03-18-2024, 09:45 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f30dreamin View Post
For the people commenting they have them, any of you have a stick shift, or are you all driving auto’s? Saw reviews that with carbon buckets and manual transmission, is not a comfortable driving position. 6’2” 240lbs
Car will be daily driven.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rambler View Post
I have a manual and wish I had gotten the buckets. I also have ventilated seats which I rarely use so I would not miss those either. The only thing for me that I could see getting a little uncomfortable on longer trips is that it's more difficult to move your left leg to rest your foot on the dead pedal.
You bring up a good point related to the above.

In addition to being larger of stature, my legs are also splayed open a bit (duck feet). So even though my hips fit comfortably between the bolsters, my legs want to roll out and press up against the end of the thigh bolsters. Not comfortable whatsoever, they are kind of sharp. If I were trying to shift, instead of my knee facing up, it usually faces about 30-45 degrees out, and I'd be rubbing the end of the bolster constantly.

Bottom line, don't let anyone tell you "you'll fit" without trying them. They are confining enough to create pinch points you might not thought they would create. But at the same time, they are more comfortable than you would think. And climbing over that outer hard bolster is....either you deal with it or not. It's unusual. Even Porsche buckets don't have as much to clamber over.
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      03-18-2024, 09:55 AM   #13
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I had the chance to try them out a couple of times before I spec'd my G80 with them, so I knew they would fit well. See if you can try them out before spec'ing if you have doubts.

Getting in and out (for me @ 5'8" and 160) isn't a big deal -- totally worth it given how well connected I feel to the car. These seats are so good that I don't see how I could ever love another car that didn't have these seats.....
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      03-18-2024, 09:58 AM   #14
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You’ll get so many different opionions your head will spin. Only way to know fo sure is to take one with the CF buckets for a test drive.

If you can easily hop and and out of your current car the CF buckets should not be too bad. Most like them. I could not stand them and they hurt my back within a mile from my dealer. Getting in and out for me was hard and that damn bolster will likely wear. A dealer will tell you the CF Buckets will bring less at resale but many of us don’t care about resale.

I would not listen to anyone’s opinion. I suggest taking a test drive with any M that has them. If you do go with them and hate them the good thing is you can find someone who wants them but has the sports seats and swap them out and make some money to boot.
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      03-18-2024, 10:03 AM   #15
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It’s worth a drive to sit in them. I’m the same size roughly (190ish) and they are amazingly comfortable. Yea you need to hop out but for me they really do make the car (I had reg seats in my old one)
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      03-18-2024, 07:56 PM   #16
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My cars a daily driver and I personally love the bucket seats. After having my car for 2 years I am actually less comfortable in cars with normal seats. I have a Honda accord I drive in bad snow and I feel like I’m sliding around all over the place in the seat. The buckets hold you down and I love it. I’m 6 feet 230 34 waist for reference. My back is snug in the seat but still comfortable for me.
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      03-18-2024, 08:11 PM   #17
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Buckets and manual. DD’er. 57 yrs old. Rarely have passengers. Love the buckets. They do take a commitment re getting in and out.
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      03-18-2024, 08:12 PM   #18
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5’10 160lbs bodybuilder 29 waist

Fit like a glove . From here on out I won’t buy any M or P-Car w/o buckets

Truly makes the car more special at least for me. To be frank with you after awhile in-n-out is effortless . Don’t even think about it

Secret is to get half your tookus over the side bolster and sorta just plop into the seat.
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      03-18-2024, 08:38 PM   #19
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Get them. The lateral hold is hugely beneficial.

Your size and weight is good. I’m 5’11 and 185, and I find them snug and comfortable even on full day drives. I’d recommend you go try them, but I do think you’ll be happier with them.
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      03-18-2024, 09:01 PM   #20
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In case you didn’t know Fjord buckets are the #1 undisputed bucket champion.
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      03-18-2024, 09:06 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m1daz View Post
Hello,

I am 6'2 ~180lbs. Should I get carbon bucket seats? I've searched through a few posts and I've gotten mixed reviews/reviews that don't align with my weight or height. The only BMW dealership within 100 miles of me doesn't have carbon bucket seats in the M3/M4... I had to test drive an M4 because they haven't had an M3 in a year.

So in your opinion would you recommend me for someone my size? or no? I'm not fat, pretty young, and don't have back problems.
I’m 6’3 260 and cannot fit comfortably in carbon buckets. At 180lbs it’s a no brainer, I would of done it.
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      03-19-2024, 02:56 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mdr955 View Post
In case you didn’t know Fjord buckets are the #1 undisputed bucket champion.
I second this.

But get what you like
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Last edited by Bimmerfun82; 03-19-2024 at 03:23 AM..
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