Fixed-Back Race Seats Still allow Rear Seat Access?

[slicer]

I just ordered an M3 Coupe to replace my sedan

I'm thinking about installing Recaro Pole Position seats. Does anyone know if the rear seats can continue to be accessed by adults considering the seats don't fold forward?

[JDM3]

adults, no but children are ok

[dex37]

I also like the Recaro PP, but I can't do without the back seats.
BMW Performance seats (Recaro Sportster CS) are also nice but they have too many downsides.
Weight is not that low. Seating position is not really lower that stock, so the problems with the helm remain. The side hold is similar to stock. And you get all this at a rediculous price + adding the price for fox red leather makes them totally worthless for me.

The PP with kind of reclinable brackets would be the best solution.

[jonasaurus]

Originally Posted by dex37

I also like the Recaro PP, but I can't do without the back seats.
BMW Performance seats (Recaro Sportster CS) are also nice but they have too many downsides.
Weight is not that low. Seating position is not really lower that stock, so the problems with the helm remain. The side hold is similar to stock. And you get all this at a rediculous price + adding the price for fox red leather makes them totally worthless for me.

The PP with kind of reclinable brackets would be the best solution.

BMW Perf seats only have 2 height settings (low or high), did you try one on the low setting and still found that too high?

[dex37]

Originally Posted by jonasaurus

BMW Perf seats only have 2 height settings (low or high), did you try one on the low setting and still found that too high?

Yes, it was the lowest setting. And I am actually not that tall- 6,2.

[jonasaurus]

Originally Posted by dex37

Yes, it was the lowest setting. And I am actually not that tall- 6,2.

That's a relative statement.. I'm 5'7"

[bigjae1976]

Why not go with a fixed back for the driver's seat and then a recliner for the pass seat?

[dex37]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Why not go with a fixed back for the driver's seat and then a recliner for the pass seat?

Because it wouldn't look good and imagine if you have an accident and there are people trapped inside the car at back seat. For me it's not worth the risk.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by dex37

Because it wouldn't look good and imagine if you have an accident and there are people trapped inside the car at back seat. For me it's not worth the risk.

Then why would anyone even consider getting a fixed back and putting people in the back?

[slicer]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Then why would anyone even consider getting a fixed back and putting people in the back?

That's the point of my question... It sounds like there is no point in getting fixed back seats if you need the back seats and they are no longer accessible. The only option is a seat that can fold forward like recaro sportster or BMW performance seats.

[mlhj83]

Answer: Recaro SP-X

[dex37]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Then why would anyone even consider getting a fixed back and putting people in the back?

In order to sit lower, so you can fit inside the car with helm, weight reduction and more hold in the seat The question should be if there is a seat that fullfills all these requirements. The answer is no

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by dex37

In order to sit lower, so you can fit inside the car with helm, weight reduction and more hold in the seat The question should be if there is a seat that fullfills all these requirements. The answer is no

BMW should have put a 3rd door in the back...Hyundai style. This coming from a "not that tall" 6'2" guy! I'd hate to see what you consider tall!

[dex37]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

BMW should have put a 3rd door in the back...Hyundai style. This coming from a "not that tall" 6'2" guy! I'd hate to see what you consider tall!

OK, I appologize about the height remark

It really hate it that there are no proper seats for the BMW. The Pole Position are great. It would be coll if someone makes brackets for the seats which you can recline and move forward.

I guess that I am literary "stuck" with my stock seats

[jonasaurus]

Originally Posted by dex37

OK, I appologize about the height remark

It really hate it that there are no proper seats for the BMW. The Pole Position are great. It would be coll if someone makes brackets for the seats which you can recline and move forward.

I guess that I am literary "stuck" with my stock seats

There must be a company in Germany that makes custom brackets no? That way you could go with something like the BMW Perf Seats

[dex37]

Originally Posted by jonasaurus

There must be a company in Germany that makes custom brackets no? That way you could go with something like the BMW Perf Seats

There could be, but then you have the problem with TÜV. It has to be approved. Apart from that they are not that light and you still move around too much in them. And then there is the price... Plus I also have to wrap them in fox red, because I have the extended leather package and it would look aweful with the black alcantara. This means aprox. 1000€ extra only for the leather.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by dex37

OK, I appologize about the height remark

It really hate it that there are no proper seats for the BMW. The Pole Position are great. It would be coll if someone makes brackets for the seats which you can recline and move forward.

I guess that I am literary "stuck" with my stock seats

Lol...you can take a chance and try the VAC floor mounts and sliders. You might have enough adjustment to get someone in the back seat but I think that chance is very slim.

If you need something that will hold you in better and more headroom, try finding some OEM manual cloth seats. I have them plus the Ralleye 4 harnesses and they hold me in prety good. Not as tactile as fixed backs but it works fine.

[jonasaurus]

Originally Posted by dex37

There could be, but then you have the problem with TÜV. It has to be approved. Apart from that they are not that light and you still move around too much in them. And then there is the price... Plus I also have to wrap them in fox red, because I have the extended leather package and it would look aweful with the black alcantara. This means aprox. 1000€ extra only for the leather.

I guess TÜV issue may be a show stopper for that idea then!

On the other points I have FR non-extended leather interior and run only the driver side Perf seat (not re-upholstered). Other than the aesthetic lack of symmetry between the driver and passenger seats the contrast between Alcantara and FR leather isnt too bad but may be more noticeable with extended.

In terms of moving around in the Perf seat, only on fairly sharp corners with some speed have I felt it to be inadequate but such is the compromise for fixed vs reclining!

[dex37]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Lol...you can take a chance and try the VAC floor mounts and sliders. You might have enough adjustment to get someone in the back seat but I think that chance is very slim.

If you need something that will hold you in better and more headroom, try finding some OEM manual cloth seats. I have them plus the Ralleye 4 harnesses and they hold me in prety good. Not as tactile as fixed backs but it works fine.

I'll check these VAC floor mounts. Thanks!

Originally Posted by jonasaurus

I guess TÜV issue may be a show stopper for that idea then!

On the other points I have FR non-extended leather interior and run only the driver side Perf seat (not re-upholstered). Other than the aesthetic lack of symmetry between the driver and passenger seats the contrast between Alcantara and FR leather isnt too bad but may be more noticeable with extended.

In terms of moving around in the Perf seat, only on fairly sharp corners with some speed have I felt it to be inadequate but such is the compromise for fixed vs reclining!

Yes, TÜV is going to be a problem. Almost everything which makes fun is forbidden hier Do you have pics of your interior?