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      11-09-2011, 07:38 AM   #1
SpikeUK
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Ergonomics - Is it just me ?

Why can't I find a comfortable position for the steering wheel. I am endlessly adjusting the reach and rake but cannot find the perfect location...

I am medium height (5'10"), quite long arms but fairly short legs (I/L 31"), so you would have thought not a big problem to cater for

Here's my problem. I dont like my hands being too high. If I move the steering wheel down, I can't see the indicator mimics. If I leave it up, the angle of the wheel to the dashboard makes my wrists ache.
The most comfortable position for me is to place my hands at "20 to 4" i.e. under the horizotal - but this brings other problems...

Should I have specified an upgraded steering wheel ?
Was there an option with a lower horizontal so I can place my hands at "10 to 2" ?
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      11-09-2011, 09:28 AM   #2
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I didn't like the SE wheel (and nor on my previous BMWs so I've always had the sport wheel, even on an SE) because it's too thin and I find it uncomfortable. You could upgrade to a sport wheel but I doubt it would address your specific problem. You could always try a sport at your dealer and see if that's any better.
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      11-09-2011, 03:03 PM   #3
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I do know what you mean; I experience some blocking of the top of the instruments and indicator mimics with the wheel in the right place for me in my F10 - and my E60 was the same. (I'm 6ft 2").

Mine is a sports wheel (in an SE); although they are more comfortable to hold (IMHO), they don't solve the problem and I just accept that I have to duck slightly to check the flashing arrows occasionally.
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      11-09-2011, 04:07 PM   #4
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Same here --- I'm 6'1". To get the correct and comfortable hold of the sport wheel, you have to duck a little to see the indicators at the top of the instrument panel.
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      11-10-2011, 02:09 AM   #5
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Maybe seat height, without stating the obvious. I'm also 6' 2" and I manage to see all the dashboard....
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      11-10-2011, 02:13 AM   #6
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After taken part on a drivers training, you will never have any problems again with the right ajustment of the seats. Just my experience, got the same problem in the past...
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      11-10-2011, 06:49 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xenon View Post
Maybe seat height, without stating the obvious. I'm also 6' 2" and I manage to see all the dashboard....
Yes, it's to do with seat (and wheel) height - no problem in stating the obvious! . Thanks for the assurance that it does suit 6'2" chaps.

I must admit that I'm still very much experimenting with the F10 seat position, which is 4 weeks old today. My problem is that I haven't had the chance of a long drive yet (except for pick up day) as I've been inundated at work (and living on the Isle of Wight, there's not much chance on home ground at the weekends...).

I'm on leave most of December and early Jan, so I'll get some miles in and work out the best seating position.
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      11-10-2011, 06:50 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itf joegun View Post
After taken part on a drivers training, you will never have any problems again with the right ajustment of the seats. Just my experience, got the same problem in the past...
That would be very interesting to do...
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      11-10-2011, 07:38 AM   #9
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Looks like this might be more of a problem for taller drivers. I'm an averagely proportioned 5' 8" and I find I can get a pretty good position between seat, wheel and pedals, whilst retaining full sight of all instruments, including indicator repeaters.
However, as others have commented, I agree that it's far from perfect; if I try to establish the classic position of inner wrist on top of the wheel without my shoulder lifting away from the seat back, I find myself far too close to the pedals, even with the wheel at full extension.
I've compromised by adjusting everything so that, in my line of sight, the inner rim of the wheel is level with the outer edges of the speedo and tach, thus enabling clear sight of the indicator repeaters, with my hands comfortably at 'ten to two' or 'quarter to three' and elbows slightly bent.
I'm still a bit too close to the pedals for my liking, but I think the comfort seats help to a great extent and, although they were't exactly cheap, I'm very glad I chose the option.
One thing I really do not like is the M Sport steering wheel as I rind the rim far too thick. I really miss the wheel in my old E92 330d M Sport - it wasn't quite so fat and it was covered in a layer of beautifully tactile perforated leather.
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      11-10-2011, 10:30 AM   #10
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I agree. I miss not being able to rest my right arm on anything to drive (like a larger center console or even the past flip down arm rests that the cars used to have).

And I am also having problems getting comfortable in the comfort seats mainly b/cthe leg adjustment is so firm I can feel it under my legs as opposed to jsut supporting them.
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      11-10-2011, 01:53 PM   #11
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Thanks for the responses folks !

I have come to the conclusion that my body is too short.....
If it was longer then my shoulders would be higher and my hands could be in a comfortable low position..

BTW: I personally think the "thin" SE steering wheel is fine. Some of the sports versions (all makes) can get ridiculous.
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      11-11-2011, 08:53 AM   #12
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i'm 5'10' in my thick socks and 29 inside leg.... hadn't even spotted a problem.

Will try a more observational response next time.
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