Hip Space and Lower Back Pain M3/M4

[AlphaDent]

Hey, new to the forums and looking for my first BMW - deciding between M3 and M4.

I've searched online but no one seems to have the front seat hip space measurements? Is this on purpose from BMW? Does anyone mind measuring their seats - M3 and M4?

I have some lower back issues and found out the hard way that I have to be careful with some car seats moving forward. About 6 years ago I bought a 2012 Infiniti G37 and had to sell it after 4 months because the seats were destroying my back and I was constantly in pain - whether driving or not. 2 weeks after moving on to another car - back pain gone. Now, I'm hard set on a M3/M4 because I want a 6MT luxury sports car and, as we all know, BMW is basically the only option nowadays. I'm even considering some Recaro aftermarket seats - but that's my last resort. I'd like to know the front space hip measurements so I can compare it to my current car and the old G37 that I had before.

So does anyone know what the front seat hip space measurements are?

Thanks!

(Note - I'm 6'3 and 210. Currently driving 2008 Acura TL Type S, 6-speed)

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by AlphaDent

Hey, new to the forums and looking for my first BMW - deciding between M3 and M4.

I've searched online but no one seems to have the front seat hip space measurements? Is this on purpose from BMW? Does anyone mind measuring their seats - M3 and M4?

I have some lower back issues and found out the hard way that I have to be careful with some car seats moving forward. About 6 years ago I bought a 2012 Infiniti G37 and had to sell it after 4 months because the seats were destroying my back and I was constantly in pain - whether driving or not. 2 weeks after moving on to another car - back pain gone. Now, I'm hard set on a M3/M4 because I want a 6MT luxury sports car and, as we all know, BMW is basically the only option nowadays. I'm even considering some Recaro aftermarket seats - but that's my last resort. I'd like to know the front space hip measurements so I can compare it to my current car and the old G37 that I had before.

So does anyone know what the front seat hip space measurements are?

Thanks!

(Note - I'm 6'3 and 210. Currently driving 2008 Acura TL Type S, 6-speed)

Excuse the mess, needs to be cleaned. About 1ft to 1.2 ft across not including bolsters. I’d go for a base model as base seats have adjustable lumbar support (ZCP does not)

EDIT: sorry pics are upside down for some reason but you can see the measurements still - top 2 are seat back and bottom two are seat cushion

[icebiker]

I am the same height and weight as you, and have a history of back problems too. My M4's seats are very comfy, and have adjustable lumbar as well as adjustable bolsters. Pretty hard not to find a comfortable setting. That said, we also had a 2009 Infinity G37 sedan and didn't have an issue with those seats either 🤔. We traded that for a 2019 X3 and I find those seats a bit too firm and no lower bolster adjustability. As a result, on long drives, my hips and lower back begin to hurt.
Good luck in your search!

[UGA Jim]

Former F80 ZCP owner (should never of sold it by that is a different story) but I was very concerned when I bought the car since the zcp seats don't have lumbar.

I have lower back issues as well, and I found the zcp seats very comfortable. No issues at all.

Sorry no measurements, but I loved the seats. Hope this helps.

[RoundelM3]

I'm 6'3" and 220, and with the lumbar support provided by my non-ZCP seats, they're very comfortable.

[RickFLM4]

I've had an F82 and F83, which have different seats. The F83 seats are far more comfortable. F82s aren't awful, especially for the type of car that it is, but if you have back problems you should try to borrow or rent (Turo?) one for extended seat time to make sure it works for you. You need to be careful not to let your leg sit on the bottom bolster, which is possible, but you need to be cognizant of your seating position, regardless of measurements.

[Ropes]

ZCP owner for 4 years and I am the same size as OP. I find the seats one of the most comfortable I have sat in. The wife's 6 series causes back pain in about an hour where these don't.