Steering wheel doesn't extend far enough

lhwlyd · 01-19-2024, 08:18 PM

I’ve sold my e92 but this problem keeps haunting me…why doesn’t OEMs make the steering column extend further? I’m not particularly tall at 5’11 but I can’t get to the ideal driving position (wrist drapping over the top of steering wheel while elbows are not fully locked etc) even with the steering wheel extended all the way out, it’s always off by a couple inches.

I’ve had this problem with my Veloster N before and with the Audi now. I’ve heard this is a big problem with S2000s as well. Now, with the Hyundai I can understand that they might lack the budget or interest in providing more adjustability in the steering wheel column, but why would BMW?? Is there a particular safety concern in doing so or it’s more a budget thing?

Brandoch · 01-19-2024, 08:46 PM

Long legs and short torso?

Mandersm · 01-20-2024, 08:24 AM

Get a spacer.

It got my steering wheel in perfect position. And its better and more space between the steering wheel and blinker arms.

And looks OEM

https://swiftperformance.co.uk/produ...42231406756024

M3SQRD · 01-20-2024, 11:14 AM

I’m 6’0” with long legs + short torso and I’ve had no issues with finding an ideal seating position in any of my BMW Ms as well as having zero issues with the three s2000s I’ve owned. Between the steering wheel telescopic and height adjustments + seat forward/aft, seat bottom, height, and seat back angle adjustments, you should be able to find an adequate seating-steering wheel position. Car manufacturers design for the high 9x percentile of people body shapes/sizes. I suppose there’s always that one who won’t properly fit.

lhwlyd · 01-20-2024, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandoch

Long legs and short torso?

I think I have slightly longer legs than normal people at my height, but not long enough to have people ever compliment me on them, if that’s a good thing, lol

lhwlyd · 01-20-2024, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandersm

Get a spacer.

It got my steering wheel in perfect position. And its better and more space between the steering wheel and blinker arms.

And looks OEM

https://swiftperformance.co.uk/produ...42231406756024

Wow, this looks very promising. So many questions though haha:

Are there any safety concern with this? Does it mess with the steering feel/weight? And all the electronics work OK?

But this looks like a really good idea, despite the price tag.

e92ben · 01-20-2024, 02:32 PM

Maybe you aren’t getting the proper position with your seat to start.
These cars are pretty good out of the box.

lhwlyd · 01-20-2024, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92ben

Maybe you aren’t getting the proper position with your seat to start.
These cars are pretty good out of the box.

Could be! I’ve watched a couple videos about driving position but I wish there’s one specifically about e92 to cross reference. I had a 09, and I thought I was already close to perfect (at least more so than in other cars), if not sitting a bit too high.

Mandersm · 01-20-2024, 04:15 PM

Wheen I first installed the spacer the feel/weight of the steering wheel felt weird, because you now have it basically in your lap. You have more control over the wheel when using your arms to turn, and not use your shoulders.

But after a day or two you get used to it.
And now i dont think about it when driving.

And on the track it feels amazing, perfect contact with shoulders in the seat when steering fully over.

And the distance to the blinkers and wiper you also get used to reaching. I actually like it when they are not so close to the gear shifts.

There are no safety issues.
All electronics work, there are two wire extenders thats included.

Note, they dont clip on like OEM, so I used some electrical tape, but actually not shure I needed that, for the wheel holds everyting in place, and the wires don’t move. I have had mine for over two years now, and no glitches.

When the car was OEM
Without the spacer, when I sat perfect with my feet at the pedal I can drive comfortably, on a highway. But not at track or spirited driving that needs you to have the steering wheel more in your lap position.

The spacer got the steering wheel more where it should be.

Mandersm · 01-20-2024, 04:25 PM

I see that you are talking about seating position.

With the OEM seats when I sat with my feet perfect at the pedals, full tilt on seat, and the back at absolutely full upright tilt.

And without the spacer I could not steer without using my shoulders, becuse the steering wheel was too far away.

I have now moved over to full Recaro seats, and its the same with them.

Need spacer always, and sterring column fully out.

I actually got the KMP steering wheel this winter and I hope that I will get the wheel even more closer to me.
Half an inch, maybe more.

But I like to have the steering wheel in more racecar position.

01-19-2024, 08:18 PM	#1
lhwlyd New Member 2 Rep 27 Posts Drives: E92 M3, Veloster N, GR86 Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Steering wheel doesn't extend far enough I’ve sold my e92 but this problem keeps haunting me…why doesn’t OEMs make the steering column extend further? I’m not particularly tall at 5’11 but I can’t get to the ideal driving position (wrist drapping over the top of steering wheel while elbows are not fully locked etc) even with the steering wheel extended all the way out, it’s always off by a couple inches. I’ve had this problem with my Veloster N before and with the Audi now. I’ve heard this is a big problem with S2000s as well. Now, with the Hyundai I can understand that they might lack the budget or interest in providing more adjustability in the steering wheel column, but why would BMW?? Is there a particular safety concern in doing so or it’s more a budget thing?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-19-2024, 08:46 PM	#2
Brandoch Lieutenant 462 Rep 471 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 M3 DCT Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: BC Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW E93 M3 [9.50] 2011 BMW F25 X3 28i [8.50]	Long legs and short torso?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2024, 08:24 AM	#3
Mandersm Mandersm 38 Rep 35 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Get a spacer. It got my steering wheel in perfect position. And its better and more space between the steering wheel and blinker arms. And looks OEM https://swiftperformance.co.uk/produ...42231406756024 Attached Images
	Appreciate 1 roastbeef11586.00 Quote

01-20-2024, 11:14 AM	#4
M3SQRD Major General 2164 Rep 5,548 Posts Drives: E92 M3,G20 330ix,F22 240iX,F82 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (11)	I’m 6’0” with long legs + short torso and I’ve had no issues with finding an ideal seating position in any of my BMW Ms as well as having zero issues with the three s2000s I’ve owned. Between the steering wheel telescopic and height adjustments + seat forward/aft, seat bottom, height, and seat back angle adjustments, you should be able to find an adequate seating-steering wheel position. Car manufacturers design for the high 9x percentile of people body shapes/sizes. I suppose there’s always that one who won’t properly fit.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2024, 02:32 PM	#7
e92ben Brigadier General 1053 Rep 3,206 Posts Drives: BMW M3 BMW 635csi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kenosha Wi iTrader: (7)	Maybe you aren’t getting the proper position with your seat to start. These cars are pretty good out of the box. __________________ e92 ///M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2024, 04:15 PM	#9
Mandersm Mandersm 38 Rep 35 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Wheen I first installed the spacer the feel/weight of the steering wheel felt weird, because you now have it basically in your lap. You have more control over the wheel when using your arms to turn, and not use your shoulders. But after a day or two you get used to it. And now i dont think about it when driving. And on the track it feels amazing, perfect contact with shoulders in the seat when steering fully over. And the distance to the blinkers and wiper you also get used to reaching. I actually like it when they are not so close to the gear shifts. There are no safety issues. All electronics work, there are two wire extenders thats included. Note, they dont clip on like OEM, so I used some electrical tape, but actually not shure I needed that, for the wheel holds everyting in place, and the wires don’t move. I have had mine for over two years now, and no glitches. When the car was OEM Without the spacer, when I sat perfect with my feet at the pedal I can drive comfortably, on a highway. But not at track or spirited driving that needs you to have the steering wheel more in your lap position. The spacer got the steering wheel more where it should be. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2024, 04:25 PM	#10
Mandersm Mandersm 38 Rep 35 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	I see that you are talking about seating position. With the OEM seats when I sat with my feet perfect at the pedals, full tilt on seat, and the back at absolutely full upright tilt. And without the spacer I could not steer without using my shoulders, becuse the steering wheel was too far away. I have now moved over to full Recaro seats, and its the same with them. Need spacer always, and sterring column fully out. I actually got the KMP steering wheel this winter and I hope that I will get the wheel even more closer to me. Half an inch, maybe more. But I like to have the steering wheel in more racecar position.
	Appreciate 0 Quote