View Single Post
      12-29-2014, 10:17 AM   #76
mtrack
Private
13
Rep
62
Posts

Drives: F82 M4
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by karussell View Post
stock seats especially with the fabric hold you in quite well. the bolsters are generous. its much better than the e9x design which in US form used the standard 3 series base cushion. i didn't find myself fatigued from holding myself in the seat. this car is just begging for some fixed back buckets, a roll bar, and 6pts though.
Excellent post, karussell, thank you so much for posting all of this invaluable information. I am currently debating between the F82 and F80 for two reasons.

First, this will be my 3rd M3 or, first M4 that I would track. I find the seating position and ample helmet room of the F80 M3 to be somewhat compelling. However, my understanding is that a slight nod goes to the M4 in terms of overall handling. The higher roof line brings the center of gravity up a bit in the M3 with a corresponding affect on polar moment of inertia. I don't mean to cast any aspersions on the F80. Both the F80 and F82 are viable options I/M/O.
Just wondering what you're impressions are of the two, and how they compare on the track.

Second, back to seating position. I'm 6'3" with a 34" inseam. I have long arms. I have sat in both the F80 and F82 with my Bell G2 helmet. The M3 has no interference regardless of seat back adjustment or tipping the entire seat fore or, aft. The M4 is another story. If i adjust the seat flat on the floor with the seat back adjusted for proper purchase on the steering wheel, there is minor helmet interference with the roof liner near the upper door frame. Mildly distracting. If I run the seat just a little forward, I begin to get major interference from both the top and side of the roof liner. Moving the seat further forward would be unlikely, but, it does limit some potential adjustment options. In the past I have always liked to sit as flat on the floor as possible. Much prefer the ability to individually control the lower cushion of the seat separate from the seat back. This could never be done in the M3/4 and, still can't with the current generation. After a couple of test drives in the M4, I noticed that it is really necessary to have the whole seat tilted slightly back to keep me in the seat. Luckily, I am friendly with my salesman and he let me take a few sharp diminishing radius turns to give me some insight. Although, I prefer to be a bit more upright. In the "tipped," orientation I do find the benefit of no helmet interference. So, karussel after this rather long winded description my question is: What seating position do you prefer in you're M4? I noticed from some of the photos you posted, it looks like you have pretty good helmet to roof liner clearance.

It's time for me to place my order. Trying to make the right decision. Thanks in advance for any feedback. It is greatly appreciated
Appreciate 0