Does Your Z4 Hurt You?

[Our03z4]

Finally figured out what has been causing my intercoastal muscles to be strained...it's the Z. Seems due to my roadster sitting so low it causes me to bend in such a way to get in that I keep re-injuring myself. Anyone else had this issue and if so how do you keep it from happening? When the top is down the issue isn't as much of a problem. Told my wife a Macan might be in our future. I love this little car but not enough to be in pain all the time. Advice?

[Sterling Roadster]

Yeah, these cars never were known for their comfort. I know that even when they were new, owners were returning them due to the stiff ride and seating position. That's why the e89 generation became so much softer, and people hated that too. As far as what you can do, there are a few aftermarket seat options you could probably set up for under a thousand bucks that would put the seat even lower. But I would say the best option is to take it to a good upholstery shop and explain that you need more support. They can use different foam and reshape it to be a bit more comfortable. Keep in mind the original seat foam is over 15 years old now, so that may be enough.

[StickMon]

Had to Google intercoastal muscles.
Mine hurt all the time whether I'm in the car or not, but that's probably from smoking.

My Z4 hurts my lower back ... a lot.
Lack of lumbar support.
Of all the ways you can adjust the seat, they forgot lumbar hump.
Even my MK1 MR2 with manual seats had a thing you could pump up to set the desired lumbar bulge.

[Efthreeoh]

Maybe a different technique of entering the car would help. I've had both knees replaced (well before buying my Z4 Coupe in 2014 ), so through post surgery physical therapy I was taught a different way of getting in a car.

I get in and out by sitting my butt down in the seat first, with both legs out of the door and feet on the ground. I then rotate into the car bending my knees to fit though the door way. I'm Nordic-Alpinian, so I have short legs and a tall torso, which makes me duck a bit to get my head in the car but easier to fold my knees to get my legs in. It's not the most elegant entry-exit method, but none of my muscles hurt (especially my chest muscles); and I'm many moons past being a spring chicken.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by StickMon

Had to Google intercoastal muscles.
Mine hurt all the time whether I'm in the car or not, but that's probably from smoking.

My Z4 hurts my lower back ... a lot.
Lack of lumbar support.
Of all the ways you can adjust the seat, they forgot lumbar hump.
Even my MK1 MR2 with manual seats had a thing you could pump up to set the desired lumbar bulge.

I never knew why folks though the M sport seats were so great. 100% agree on lack of lumbar support. My back would ache for days after a long track weekend. Believe or not I actually used a back brace until I got my Recaros.

[KevinC]

I'm lucky, mine fits me great. I can do a 6-8 hour drive without a piss break and get out feeling fine.

My old Mk4 Golf R32, otoh, was HORRENDOUS on my back - 45 minutes and I was ready for traction. Eventually sold it largely for that reason.

[Huz-Z]

No issues here. My car has sport seats which are the same as the M cars, except for the leather type that was used.

[Our03z4]

I greatly appreciate all the replies! Just to clarify a bit, the seat comfort is fine it's more the actual getting in that is the issue. Since the car sits so low the bending side ways to sit down is what gets me.

[aarofloyd]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I get in and out by sitting my butt down in the seat first, with both legs out of the door and feet on the ground. I then rotate into the car bending my knees to fit though the door way. I'm Nordic-Alpinian, so I have short legs and a tall torso, which makes me duck a bit to get my head in the car but easier to fold my knees to get my legs in. It's not the most elegant entry-exit method, but none of my muscles hurt (especially my chest muscles); and I'm many moons past being a spring chicken.

+1 this is how I get in mine as well...also, getting that seat in the right spot so you are able to lean back far enough yet not cramping the legs for clutch and gas is key!

[Hush Paranoia]

Mine feels fine!

[ShawnPaul]

Originally Posted by Our03z4

Finally figured out what has been causing my intercoastal muscles to be strained...it's the Z. Seems due to my roadster sitting so low it causes me to bend in such a way to get in that I keep re-injuring myself. Anyone else had this issue and if so how do you keep it from happening? When the top is down the issue isn't as much of a problem. Told my wife a Macan might be in our future. I love this little car but not enough to be in pain all the time. Advice?

I came into the car I own by virtue of the previous owner having back surgery and his wife forcing him to sell the car. It kind of made me want the car more... or at least justified not putting off the decision. I assume there will come a time when I will be too old to drive something this stuff, so I might as well do it now. I don't Daily drive the Z4mc though so it's not as bad for me. I also am not too tall to fit in the car.

[JimBob0047]

Try being 6"2" 240lbs and lowered 2 inches. My back is gonna thank me when I'm and old man.

[bosstones]

Had to google that as well. Thought you meant intercostal but wasnn't sure.

Don't disagree wrt lack of lumbar and general thin-ness of the seat but no issues here.

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by JimBob0047

Try being 6"2" 240lbs and lowered 2 inches. My back is gonna thank me when I'm and old man.

My exact size, but I'm not lowered.. I am already entering geezer territory though (62 in a few months). Still able to corkscrew in and out with little difficulty, but the clock is ticking.

[Explocify]

Yes I feel like if you drive for a long time it starts getting uncomfortable.

[328skidpad]

go to walmart and buy a seat cushion or gel cushion from amazon or ebay..definitely helps

[angelr]

Originally Posted by Hush Paranoia

Mine feels fine!

Same here and I've driven cross country in a very short amount of time.

[ShakyDog]

https://www.google.com/search?safe=o...30._1T95sRaaD0

Fitting for this thread...

Steve

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by JimBob0047

Try being 6"2" 240lbs and lowered 2 inches. My back is gonna thank me when I'm and old man.

I'm also your size but 20 lbs lighter.
I think the z4m seats are a bit too small for our size. After a few hours I also feel my lower back but I dont know if its the lack of lumbar support (in most of my other cars (not sportscars) I hardly use any lumbar support) but maybe its more that once your in that seat you're pretty stuck. Great for support purpose (both from the lower seat part and the bolsters) but you're forced in 1 position.
But if I take a little break every 2-3 hours there's no problem. I did plenty driving holidays where you get ~6 hours seat time 2 weeks on end.

But how someone feels comfort is of course extremely personal.

[ShakyDog]

I have a little pillow that I use for my lumbar support. It works great, one of these days when/if the leather needs to be redone, I may have them add the need lumbar support.

Steve

[Hawkeye]

No issues here but I am shorter and sprig with life in comparison to you geezers