Optimal Driver Setup? - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

Messer-schmitt · 10-25-2012, 10:55 PM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Guys - Loving my first bimmer. I've dreamed of owning one all my life and it has not disappointed (4,000 miles in 1 month). In an effort to make it an even better experience, i've been experimenting with changing the seat height, steering wheel distance, etc. Just trying to find what's comfortable but I want to find the optimum driving setup. So, with that being said, any tips/tricks on the optimum setup? I guess i'm looking for stuff like: how far I should be from the pedals with the clutch fully depressed, or where my steering wheel should be in regards to my hands while keeping my elbows bent, etc.?

Thanks guys! Bimmer on!

justinnum1 · 10-25-2012, 11:03 PM

i would sit closer than most people but i do prefer an agressive seating position. i like to sit low and close enough so i can press the clutch all the way in and still have some bend in my knee.

as for the steering wheel, i like it low but not so low that the top of the wheel is blocking the gauges. as for distance, you should be able to hold the wheel at 9 and 3 and have some bend in your elbows.

rjc32000 · 10-25-2012, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Messer-schmitt

Guys - Loving my first bimmer. I've dreamed of owning one all my life and it has not disappointed (4,000 miles in 1 month). In an effort to make it an even better experience, i've been experimenting with changing the seat height, steering wheel distance, etc. Just trying to find what's comfortable but I want to find the optimum driving setup. So, with that being said, any tips/tricks on the optimum setup? I guess i'm looking for stuff like: how far I should be from the pedals with the clutch fully depressed, or where my steering wheel should be in regards to my hands while keeping my elbows bent, etc.?

Thanks guys! Bimmer on!

I'm certainly no expert, but the advice I've received: most common error is sitting too far away. seat should be close enough so that your knees are still bent when clutch is fully depressed. This ensures that you have good power on pedals, allows you to brace against dead pedal, and minimizes risk of injury if (god forbid) you crash. You should be close enough to steering wheel so that your wrist, when your shoulders are pressed firmly against seat, rests against top of steering wheel. This ensures that you don't have to lean forward out of seat in order to make aggressive or sudden turns, and minimizes the risk of injury in a crash.

ZMM_OMG · 10-26-2012, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjc32000

I'm certainly no expert, but the advice I've received: most common error is sitting too far away. seat should be close enough so that your knees are still bent when clutch is fully depressed. This ensures that you have good power on pedals, allows you to brace against dead pedal, and minimizes risk of injury if (god forbid) you crash. You should be close enough to steering wheel so that your wrist, when your shoulders are pressed firmly against seat, rests against top of steering wheel. This ensures that you don't have to lean forward out of seat in order to make aggressive or sudden turns, and minimizes the risk of injury in a crash.

^^ This.

c.cash · 10-26-2012, 02:20 AM

In addition to setup opinions, I'm also curious about how many of you actually drive with two hands on the wheel?

I do once in a while, but it's more comfortable steering with just my right hand at the top of the steering wheel, with my left hand relaxed (OK... messing with the iDrive).

blt · 10-26-2012, 03:28 AM

Emtrey posted some excellent info in this thread and there is also good video. I like the bit about how to position the mirrors for the blind spot.

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=724408

Thrillbilly · 10-26-2012, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c.cash

In addition to setup opinions, I'm also curious about how many of you actually drive with two hands on the wheel?

I do once in a while, but it's more comfortable steering with just my right hand at the top of the steering wheel, with my left hand relaxed (OK... messing with the iDrive).

How long are your arms?? You use the left had to play with the iDrive?

AntBabeee · 10-26-2012, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thrillbilly

Quote:

Originally Posted by c.cash

In addition to setup opinions, I'm also curious about how many of you actually drive with two hands on the wheel?

I do once in a while, but it's more comfortable steering with just my right hand at the top of the steering wheel, with my left hand relaxed (OK... messing with the iDrive).

How long are your arms?? You use the left had to play with the iDrive?

Right hand drive.

David328M-Sport · 10-26-2012, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thrillbilly

You use the left had to play with the iDrive?

I do. And to change the AT gearing and to change between performance modes and to…..well you get the picture. Right Hand Drive car

shabadoo25 · 10-26-2012, 08:51 AM

How do you taller guys position your right leg? I have it turned outwards where my the ball of my right foot presses the gas pedal.

My foot crosses the pedal at roughly a 45 deg. angle.

Valour · 10-26-2012, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntBabeee

Right hand drive.

How did you get a right hand drive car in the US? I think that would be probablly the most unique option, but I thought you couldn't order it like that...

justinnum1 · 10-26-2012, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valour

How did you get a right hand drive car in the US? I think that would be probablly the most unique option, but I thought you couldn't order it like that...

I think he is saying he drives with his right hand...

Valour · 10-26-2012, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

I think he is saying he drives with his right hand...

aah quoted the wrong person I meant to quote c.cash but this is a bit off topic so i digress.

c.cash · 10-26-2012, 11:49 AM

Wow, sorry about the dyslexia. RIGHT hand on the iDrive! Sheesh.

Back to the topic...

c.cash · 10-26-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shabadoo25

How do you taller guys position your right leg? I have it turned outwards where my the ball of my right foot presses the gas pedal.

My foot crosses the pedal at roughly a 45 deg. angle.

I do the same thing, but I'm trying to train myself to keep my foot and leg more straight -- thinking it would be better for my body.?

AntBabeee · 10-26-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valour

How did you get a right hand drive car in the US? I think that would be probablly the most unique option, but I thought you couldn't order it like that...

ooo i was using the bimmerpost app on my iphone... didnt know he was located in the US.

Elk · 10-26-2012, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c.cash

I'm also curious about how many of you actually drive with two hands on the wheel?

I do, perhaps as a result of a lot of track and high speed driving, but I am certainly in a very small minority.

jtuds · 10-26-2012, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c.cash

I do the same thing, but I'm trying to train myself to keep my foot and leg more straight -- thinking it would be better for my body.?

How tall are you guys? Cuz I'm 6'1 and I get serious lower back pain from the lack of leg space in our Lexus IS....if the BMW crams my legs, I dont know if I can have one

c.cash · 10-28-2012, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtuds

How tall are you guys? Cuz I'm 6'1 and I get serious lower back pain from the lack of leg space in our Lexus IS....if the BMW crams my legs, I dont know if I can have one

541 posts and you're still driving a Lexus?? C'mon man, let's go! I had a Lexus as my last car and drove lots of IS loaners... It's just not the same.

To address your question -- I'm not that tall, so I can't really help.

You should go for a test drive and see for yourself. Personally I'm surprised by how much leg room there is on the passenger side.

J1n · 10-28-2012, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtuds

How tall are you guys? Cuz I'm 6'1 and I get serious lower back pain from the lack of leg space in our Lexus IS....if the BMW crams my legs, I dont know if I can have one

I'm close to 5'11 and I find it roomy

Elk · 10-28-2012, 10:34 AM

Legroom is a published specification.

If I have the correct Lexus, front legroom is 43.9"; F30, 42".

rob72 · 10-28-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtuds

How tall are you guys? Cuz I'm 6'1 and I get serious lower back pain from the lack of leg space in our Lexus IS....if the BMW crams my legs, I dont know if I can have one

I'm 6'1 and don't have any problems with the legroom in the F30

10-25-2012, 10:55 PM	#1
Messer-schmitt Private Drives: 2012 BMW 328i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 64 iTrader: (0)	Optimal Driver Setup? Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Guys - Loving my first bimmer. I've dreamed of owning one all my life and it has not disappointed (4,000 miles in 1 month). In an effort to make it an even better experience, i've been experimenting with changing the seat height, steering wheel distance, etc. Just trying to find what's comfortable but I want to find the optimum driving setup. So, with that being said, any tips/tricks on the optimum setup? I guess i'm looking for stuff like: how far I should be from the pedals with the clutch fully depressed, or where my steering wheel should be in regards to my hands while keeping my elbows bent, etc.? Thanks guys! Bimmer on! __________________ '12 Jet Black 328i 6MT Sportline Originally Posted by JBasham Caddy ATS . . . finally, a decent rental car option.
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10-25-2012, 11:03 PM	#2
justinnum1 Brigadier General Drives: 2013 335i Msport Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,792 iTrader: (0)	i would sit closer than most people but i do prefer an agressive seating position. i like to sit low and close enough so i can press the clutch all the way in and still have some bend in my knee. as for the steering wheel, i like it low but not so low that the top of the wheel is blocking the gauges. as for distance, you should be able to hold the wheel at 9 and 3 and have some bend in your elbows. __________________ F30 335i Msport Estoril Blue/Black leather sport auto. black grills, Performance Exhaust, HK,

10-26-2012, 08:51 AM	#10
shabadoo25 First Lieutenant Drives: 2012 BMW 328i Sport Line F30 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 345 iTrader: (0)	How do you taller guys position your right leg? I have it turned outwards where my the ball of my right foot presses the gas pedal. My foot crosses the pedal at roughly a 45 deg. angle. __________________ 2012 328i Sedan Alpine White Dakota Grey/Brushed Aluminum/Black High Gloss Premium Premium Sound Technology STEPTRONIC Heated Fronts BMW Apps BMW Assist w/Enhanced Bluetooth and USB Park Distance Control Rear View Camera Xenons

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10-26-2012, 02:20 AM	#5
c.cash Private First Class Drives: 2013 328i modern line Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 109 iTrader: (0)	In addition to setup opinions, I'm also curious about how many of you actually drive with two hands on the wheel? I do once in a while, but it's more comfortable steering with just my right hand at the top of the steering wheel, with my left hand relaxed (OK... messing with the iDrive).

10-26-2012, 03:28 AM	#6
blt Enlisted Member Drives: F30 328i Sportline Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Brisbane Posts: 34 iTrader: (0)	Emtrey posted some excellent info in this thread and there is also good video. I like the bit about how to position the mirrors for the blind spot. http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=724408

10-26-2012, 11:49 AM	#14
c.cash Private First Class Drives: 2013 328i modern line Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 109 iTrader: (0)	Wow, sorry about the dyslexia. RIGHT hand on the iDrive! Sheesh. Back to the topic...

10-28-2012, 10:34 AM	#21
Elk Captain Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: * Posts: 894 iTrader: (0)	Legroom is a published specification. If I have the correct Lexus, front legroom is 43.9"; F30, 42".