BMW M4 Headrest Helmet Clearance Problem

Car-Addicted · 06-09-2023, 10:47 AM

I just picked up a 2020 BMW M4 SC with the intent to autocross it and take it to the occasional track day. I didn't notice how aggressively canted the headrest was on the test drive but the 3 hour trip home sure made me aware. If I put a helmet on it will be unbearable. Additional details: I admit to having a butt that is dimensionally challenged

. I also have a 5C neck injury that has caused calcification, and a loss of range of motion, so not an ideal situation.

I'm positive that I'm completely in the seat, so the butt issue is not the cause.
Looks like my only alternative is a pad in the shoulder area of the seat but I expect I will need almost 3 inches to have reasonable helmet clearance?
Any suggestions appreciated.

Theruleslawyer · 06-09-2023, 10:50 AM

Your seat looks almost like it is leaned forward for access to the rear. You sure its locked back?

Car-Addicted · 06-09-2023, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theruleslawyer

Your seat looks almost like it is leaned forward for access to the rear. You sure its locked back?

Yes It's locked. I tend to like a more up right position in all my vehicles.

I just ordered the ultimate Geek/Nerd accessory for what is one of the coolest cars ever built. I'm sure I doomed to BMW hell for trying this but I didn't buy this car to be a garage queen.

https://fixheadrest.com/

Pauldunlop13 · 06-09-2023, 12:59 PM

I have the same issue in that I like to be very upright when driving

when I do autox, I have to tilt the seat back of that my helmet clears the headliner

I find it funny that I have a much better driving position during daily driving, as opposed to when I am 'racing'

not much you can do unfortunately

heyyouduh · 06-09-2023, 02:32 PM

I like to sit upright as well and encountered the same problem with my M3 with my helmet. I had to lean back the seat a little bit more than what I normally do but it doesn't seem like it's as bad as your case. In order to account for slightly further behind shoulders I move the entire seat forward slightly more.

FaRKle! · 06-09-2023, 05:29 PM

Do you wear a HANS at all (like Simpson Hybrid S)? I found that helped shim some of the gap around my shoulders from having to lean the seat back a bit for helmet clearance.

Car-Addicted · 06-09-2023, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

Do you wear a HANS at all (like Simpson Hybrid S)?

No not yet, but that's a interesting alternative. I hadn't thought about going to that level to autocross and a couple track days a year. The reason I have neck problems is because of a Solo two crash in the 70's that left me with a hyper extension whiplash and a chipped vertebrae. You would think 30 days in a halo would make me more risk averse. I suspect I will see where the the seat padding leaves me and if that is not workable I will change out the seat and install a roll bar and use a HANS.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will report my progress as I think I'm not the only one with the issue.

Car-Addicted · 06-10-2023, 03:52 PM

Did a fun run with the local BMW club today. About 4 1/2 hours seat time. I use a 1.5" foam pad (Gardener's Knee Pad). Placed at shoulder blade height. Amazing positive difference. I was surrounded by a sea of M4's and none of them had the aggressive forward tilt of my CS headrest. Have better 2" pad that will strap around head rest coming and I hope that I can get a helmet to work with that additional clearance.

Car-Addicted · 06-15-2023, 05:50 PM

OK Problem solved but it isn't pretty. Wedge is two inches thick at top so plenty of helmet clearance. Wish BMW had figured out the removable head rest insert earlier.

Feed back on the Giraffe Cushion: It comes with Fastex buckles sewn into the back of the top. It would be perfect for BMW's and others that have the headrest mounted with tubes into the seat back "F31" They are not workable on seats with Integral headrests. Not a big issue, easy enough to grab the cushion and place it at your shoulder blade level.

https://fixheadrest.com/products/giraffe-cushion

06-09-2023, 10:47 AM	#1
Car-Addicted Lieutenant Colonel 7189 Rep 1,949 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M4 CS Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Central PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M4 CS [9.88]	BMW M4 Headrest Helmet Clearance Problem I just picked up a 2020 BMW M4 SC with the intent to autocross it and take it to the occasional track day. I didn't notice how aggressively canted the headrest was on the test drive but the 3 hour trip home sure made me aware. If I put a helmet on it will be unbearable. Additional details: I admit to having a butt that is dimensionally challenged . I also have a 5C neck injury that has caused calcification, and a loss of range of motion, so not an ideal situation. I'm positive that I'm completely in the seat, so the butt issue is not the cause. Looks like my only alternative is a pad in the shoulder area of the seat but I expect I will need almost 3 inches to have reasonable helmet clearance? Any suggestions appreciated. Attached Images
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06-09-2023, 10:50 AM	#2
Theruleslawyer Captain 1020 Rep 836 Posts Drives: 2019 m4 Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (0)	Your seat looks almost like it is leaned forward for access to the rear. You sure its locked back?
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06-09-2023, 12:59 PM	#4
Pauldunlop13 Second Lieutenant 425 Rep 290 Posts Drives: M4 Convertible Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1)	I have the same issue in that I like to be very upright when driving when I do autox, I have to tilt the seat back of that my helmet clears the headliner I find it funny that I have a much better driving position during daily driving, as opposed to when I am 'racing' not much you can do unfortunately __________________ 2019 YMB ZCP convertible with Dinan Exhaust 2011 Ducati Diavel Carbon Edition 2015 BSM M4 Convertible - 2018-2019 2016 228Xi - 2017-2018 2003 Acura RSX Type S 2003-2017
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06-09-2023, 02:32 PM	#5
heyyouduh First Lieutenant 134 Rep 339 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 Join Date: May 2021 Location: Georgia iTrader: (0)	I like to sit upright as well and encountered the same problem with my M3 with my helmet. I had to lean back the seat a little bit more than what I normally do but it doesn't seem like it's as bad as your case. In order to account for slightly further behind shoulders I move the entire seat forward slightly more.
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06-09-2023, 05:29 PM	#6
FaRKle! Brigadier General 4024 Rep 3,540 Posts Drives: 328d Wagon, M2 Comp, i4 eD35 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive 35 [0.00] 2017 BMW 328dx Wagon [0.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00]	Do you wear a HANS at all (like Simpson Hybrid S)? I found that helped shim some of the gap around my shoulders from having to lean the seat back a bit for helmet clearance. __________________ -328d Wagon Build Log (with helpful reference links) -My YouTube Channel for some of the best DIYs and in depth information Please don't PM me for suspension recommendations unless interested in paid private consultations.
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06-10-2023, 03:52 PM	#8
Car-Addicted Lieutenant Colonel 7189 Rep 1,949 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M4 CS Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Central PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M4 CS [9.88]	Did a fun run with the local BMW club today. About 4 1/2 hours seat time. I use a 1.5" foam pad (Gardener's Knee Pad). Placed at shoulder blade height. Amazing positive difference. I was surrounded by a sea of M4's and none of them had the aggressive forward tilt of my CS headrest. Have better 2" pad that will strap around head rest coming and I hope that I can get a helmet to work with that additional clearance. Last edited by Car-Addicted; 06-10-2023 at 04:14 PM..
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06-15-2023, 05:50 PM	#9
Car-Addicted Lieutenant Colonel 7189 Rep 1,949 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M4 CS Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Central PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M4 CS [9.88]	OK Problem solved but it isn't pretty. Wedge is two inches thick at top so plenty of helmet clearance. Wish BMW had figured out the removable head rest insert earlier. Feed back on the Giraffe Cushion: It comes with Fastex buckles sewn into the back of the top. It would be perfect for BMW's and others that have the headrest mounted with tubes into the seat back "F31" They are not workable on seats with Integral headrests. Not a big issue, easy enough to grab the cushion and place it at your shoulder blade level. https://fixheadrest.com/products/giraffe-cushion
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