[RPM90]

Another long post. I hope it's at least helpful to others.
And I hope to learn something if others respond to my observations.

I got a new F30 328i base as a loaner yesterday. My 135i was due it's final oil change and inspection before I return the lease, as my 335 Msport should be here in a few weeks.
It was interesting to take greater notice of the driver ergonomics as I had the car for a day an half.

Interestingly, it felt different compared to the 328 and 335i sport models, but not just in handling and ride.
The ergonomics oddities were noticeable.
I felt some things that I don't recall feeling in the sport models.

For all of the new 3's increase in size, the drivers space feels more limited/cramped compared to my 135i.
Most of this is due to the center tunnel and the door's curved handle and intruding drink holder/storage space that sits under the handle and towards the front of the door. I don't remember feeling how far that storage area intrudes into the left leg area, US model.

In the 135i I have room for both legs, to even spread my left leg out comfortably, and even to raise my left knee bent up towards the steering wheel. I can't do that in the 3. My right leg rests on the center tunnel cowl, and my left leg rests against the curved storage space in the door.
The curved large door handle also doesn't allow any room to move my left leg over, as I can easily do in the 135i.
Overall, there is about an inch more right leg room, and inches more left leg room in the 1 series.
In the 3 my legs felt like they were "trapped" into one to two positions.
I'm very surprised by this as the 1 series is small but I've always been impressed by how well BMW makes a small cabin feel big.
Not so much in the 3.

Is there a difference in the design of the storage area in the door between the base 3 and the sport models?

The steering wheel in the base model is larger in diameter and it's very thin, economy car thin.
Also, it's not centered to the middle of the seat. It's off a bit to the right.
I noticed this as I could see the BMW logo was not really in the middle as I was looking at it compared to the center of my chest.
Then I drew an imaginary line from the center of the logo to between my legs/center of the seat. It's not centered. When I got back in my 1, it was clearly centered. It's at least 1" more to the left.
Very odd. Again, I never noticed this in the number of other 3's I drove.

Some of this is likely due to how the sport seats are shaped, and perhaps how they are mounted. I think the powered sport seats sit higher in their lowest position. This base 3 also had powered seats but they feel very flat and quite low.
I'm sure I'll get used to this. Even in the E46 325i and 135i, I had to have a couple of weeks to get comfortable and meld with the drivers ergo's.
I'll get to know it and it will get to know me.
It was love at first sight, but when we actually have to live together, we find each others odd habits and nuances, and learn to accept and then love each other, at least that's the idea and the ideal.

There IS a difference between the regular 8spd AT and the sport AT, at least in this 3 I drove. The AT is nice and smooth and shifts nicely. But, in sport or manual mode it is not as quick as the sport AT. The upshift request response felt a tad slower, but the downshifts felt noticeably slower. It's all very good, but it doesn't respond as quickly to shift selection input.

The one aspect of this trans and "driver mode" that bugs me is that, when you're in "sport" driver mode, why in the world won't the trans shift to 7th and 8th gear? So, if I want the firmer steering and quicker throttle, then I can't have 7th and 8th gear even at highway speed.
That's really stupid and irritating, glaring oversight in BMW's eye.
I'm on the road in sport mode and I then get on the highway.
I'm doing 60mph and notice the engine rpm a bit high. DUH, it's in auto mode and it won't shift up. Why? To get 7th and 8th I have to go to "comfort". Or, I have to go in the manual trans mode. But in auto mode it won't shift up. I click down to comfort mode and the trans shifts a couple of gears to 8th. I test it and go to sport mode, and the trans downshifts a couple of gears to 6th. I can't get past how ridiculous that is.
Is there a way to change that in iDrive or something?

This base model rides on 17" wheels/tires. The base suspension is comfortable and compliant, very "sedan" like, and better than most other sedans. It soaks up highway and rough road bumps nicely.
But, in turns, it bobs and weaves a bit too much for my sport sedan liking.
It just doesn't have the body/chassis control that the sport suspension has.
On some high speed very curved off/on ramps, the car feels planted, yet you can feel the springs compressing with added body roll.
However, mid corner bumps send not just the rear off line but also the front, and then as it rebounds I could feel the both ends of the car bobbing up then down. I'm sure I drove it in those turns faster than it's suspension is intended for, yet it still felt BMW worthy compared to other cars in it's class.
Still, it doesn't have the same composure as it does with the sport suspension and shorter sidewall tires.

As you all know by now, the 2.0 turbo is a gem! Great little engine.
The car never feels like it's wanting more power. There is good torque in all the driving gears up to 6th. 8th gear at 60mph isn't going to give you a quick pass, but that's not what its' for. 2 gears down to 6th and there is still plenty of passing power.

ASS didn't work well in this car either. I know some like it.
To me, it SUCKS. AC was on all the time I drove it as it's been hot.
Coming to a stop, the engine shuts off with a shudder. On restart, it takes too long to start and then get moving. A few times I got caught in the middle of ASS doing it's thing. I come to a stop that doesn't last long only the engine stops like ASS and then takes a second to start as I'm already off the brake and wanting to go, but NO, I'm caught in the middle of ASS, and it slows me down. For hybrid cars that use an engine as well to assist in power or just to charge the batteries, ASS is fine, as you can still take off on battery power and the engine can kick in when ready. But in an internal combustion engine start up is not instant, so when the light turns green, you take your foot off the brake and on the throttle, only to find the engine hasn't yet started. You have to learn to hesitate a second longer than you might be used to. I shut if off as I had enough ASS for one day. You may think you want ASS all the time all day long. But after you've had a lot of ASS in a short time you discover that there is a thing as too much ASS all the time.

Very good MPG during my day and half driving highway and "city" streets.
I averaged between 26-27mpg driving the same roads as I do with my 135i MT in which I avg between 21-22mpg. The 3 is heavier and still manages a very good increase in MPG.
I hope my 335i can at least get about 25mpg, even that will help.
I don't recall feeling the large and intruding storage area that sits at the bottom of the door towards the dash.

I've never driven the base model until yesterday, and that bin has a BIG curve in it towards the drivers left leg US model.
I didn't notice this in the sport models. Maybe I wan't paying any attention to it, or maybe the sport seats are higher or allow me to sit so I didn't feel it?

Is there a large storage bin in that area in all new 3's?

Also, after extensive driving, I noticed that the drivers space is more cramped than in my 135i.
The only added space I feel is the distance between the front passenger and me, it's larger. But, the over all space feels more cramped.
I don't know. Seems the sport seats make an even bigger impact than I would have suspected over the base model.

And, anyone else notice that the steering wheel is not centered to the center of your seat? The line down from the BMW steering wheel logo sits a bit towards the right of where I'm sitting. From my seat crotch area to the center of the steering wheel, it's not centered.
When I got back into my 135i it was obvious that the 135i wheel is centered, the 328i is not.
Any one else notice this?
All that added room, yet the drivers space feels more cramped than my small 2 door 135i.

Maybe I don't know how to do it, but I couldn't get the trunk to open with my foot. This is the 3rd 3 series that didn't open the trunk with a foot wave.
I'm sure to passers by I look like some idiot as I'm dancing on one leg as the other is doing the hokey pokey trying to find the sweet spot to get the freakin' trunk open. I found a great way to open to the trunk, the fob has this button with a trunk lid symbol. I pressed that....and POP, the trunk opens. It's much quicker than dancing with what's under the bumper.
I hope to figure this out when I get my 335i.
I love how the trunk pops open. My 135i just kinda unlocks and sits there and low and lame. Seems they gave the 3's trunk some trunk viagra as it just POPS up instantly.

The last thing, what was BMW thinking when the sound and noise engineers decided on what to use for sound damping to control road and tires noise?
The rear tires noise comes through in the rear of the car as if there is a window open. I even double checked to make sure that a window wasn't open. On concrete roads the noise level is too much for this level of "premium" automobile. Again, once back in my 135i it was actually much quieter. In the 1 I can hear some tread sound as the tires have worn and there is light feathering in one of the tries, but it's still much more muted.
Don't know, maybe the base 3 has less sound damping, maybe not.
Getting to live with a car for at least a day gives you more information than a bunch of short test drives.
I'm making note that the next time I order a car, I'll ask the dealer to let me drive a test car for at least a good half day, a whole day would be even better.

Conclusion:
If the base 3 were the only available model, I would not buy it.
It's not a bad sedan, not at all. But, it's not good sport sedan.
And that's not good for BMW on a 3 series. This is THE sport sedan that other makers target. Even the base model should embody more of what THE sport sedan should be. Getting the sport model should make it just that much better as a "sport" sedan.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by RPM90

.....Getting to live with a car for at least a day gives you more information than a bunch of short test drives.
I'm making note that the next time I order a car, I'll ask the dealer to let me drive a test car for at least a good half day, a whole day would be even better.

Conclusion:
If the base 3 were the only available model, I would not buy it.
It's not a bad sedan, not at all. But, it's not good sport sedan.
And that's not good for BMW on a 3 series. This is THE sport sedan that other makers target. Even the base model should embody more of what THE sport sedan should be. Getting the sport model should make it just that much better as a "sport" sedan.

Interesting observations through the post, feel you have summed it up well in the need for more time in test drives. I appreciate my garage chucking me the keys and without time or mileage restrictions for the day.

The other point on base models or cars lacking options. We have this in the UK. Most sales plots are full of very basic, smaller engine models. It is a major reason why some folks pass by a BMW and feel they are over rated. There's a vast difference, in my opinion, between a base car and one well specced with a decent engine.

HighlandPete

[shabadoo25]

Your left foot is supposed to be flat against the dead pedal space.

[gator15]

Originally Posted by shabadoo25

Your left foot is supposed to be flat against the dead pedal space.

Exactly correct! If you drive in any other position, of course it is going to be uncomfortable. BMW puts hours and hours of research into the seating design and position, but it is up to the driver to sit in the proper position. Not only is it more comfortable, it is also much safer, as this position is what crash tests are based upon.

I know that everyone is different, but I found my F30 to be the most comfortable car I have ever driven. I have back problems because of a car accident and am actually having surgery on my back on Monday. Ever since my back was injured, the only car that I can comfortably drive is my 328i (with sport seats). The 18 way Recaro seats in my Porsche even bother me and I really haven't been able to drive it much since my accident. If you sit in the proper position, you will find the F30 very comfortable and in my opinion, it is one of the best ergonomically designed cars I have ever been in.

[328inGE]

I've owned an E92 and driven a few 1 series and never felt the F30 front seat was cramped or tight compared to those. Of course I have the sport line so maybe that is the difference. I will have to check it out myself sometime.

I have never had a problem with ASS since I've owned my car. Maybe it just takes practice getting prepared before you pull out.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by gator15

Exactly correct! If you drive in any other position, of course it is going to be uncomfortable. BMW puts hours and hours of research into the seating design and position, but it is up to the driver to sit in the proper position. Not only is it more comfortable, it is also much safer, as this position is what crash tests are based upon.

I know that everyone is different, but I found my F30 to be the most comfortable car I have ever driven. I have back problems because of a car accident and am actually having surgery on my back on Monday. Ever since my back was injured, the only car that I can comfortably drive is my 328i (with sport seats). The 18 way Recaro seats in my Porsche even bother me and I really haven't been able to drive it much since my accident. If you sit in the proper position, you will find the F30 very comfortable and in my opinion, it is one of the best ergonomically designed cars I have ever been in.

Everyone is different, and I am part of everyone.
Thus, I have a different point of view.
I'm not asking to sit on the driver seat sideways and drive the car with my elbow if I choose.
I'm describing a space that doesn't use the available space in the most useful way.

The point I am making is that the ergonomics seem to 'lock' the driver into a narrow position that belies the size of the 3, for SOME drivers, as we all don't come in the same size.
Being able to lean my left knee over comfortably is not out of the realm of possible comfort positions. This is with my foot on the "correct" deal pedal.

Is it correct to put in a door handle and storage bin that protrudes uch that some drivers knees can not rest comfortably on it?
Not everyone is built the same way in the same height with the same length legs.

Sure, there is a proper driver position, but this is not a race car where perfect track driving position is the norm..
Lifting my knee up is simply one of the observations I made. I don't drive that way all the time.
I made that observation because in my 135i the drivers space does allow for that as it has more driver room, or is designed in a better way such that nothing intrudes if a driver wants/needs to move a knee/leg a bit over to one side.

I'm sure BMW spends a lot of time on driver ergo, and they also use those skills in making the 1 series drivers space.
And yet, my smaller 135i has much more room allowing the driver to find the most comfortable position at the moment.

I felt more comfortable in the 3 sport lines, which have the sport seats.
The sport seats are very comfortable. It's one of the best things about this new 3. The seats are even better than the excellent seats in my 135i, and that is VERY important to me, as I too have lower back issues.
Since you have lower back problems, then you should know that sitting too long in one position is not good, not at all. On long trips I use the power seat settings all the time, sometimes moving a bit forward or backward, or changing the angle of the back, all in the need to not lock my back into one position for too long.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by 328inGE

I've owned an E92 and driven a few 1 series and never felt the F30 front seat was cramped or tight compared to those. Of course I have the sport line so maybe that is the difference. I will have to check it out myself sometime.

I have never had a problem with ASS since I've owned my car. Maybe it just takes practice getting prepared before you pull out.

Yes, I agree, I could change how I drive and adjust for the ASS system.
But, I'd rather just turn it off and not have to change for the technology.

I work in technology with various new devices. I continue to have the opinion that good tech is tech that doesn't ask or force a user to change how they work. Rather, good tech takes into account how people do things and then assists them in doing it better, easier, more comfortably, etc...

The idea of ASS is sound. But, it's execution is not ready for prime time withe IC engines.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by shabadoo25

Your left foot is supposed to be flat against the dead pedal space.

"Flat" you say?
Can my knee be bent?
If so, what is the only acceptable degree of knee bending?
Hmmm...what if I need to use the clutch?
Is it ok to move my foot then?

[gator15]

Originally Posted by RPM90

Everyone is different, and I am part of everyone.
Thus, I have a different point of view.
I'm not asking to sit on the driver seat sideways and drive the car with my elbow if I choose.
I'm describing a space that doesn't use the available space in the most useful way.

The point I am making is that the ergonomics seem to 'lock' the driver into a narrow position that belies the size of the 3, for SOME drivers, as we all don't come in the same size.
Being able to lean my left knee over comfortably is not out of the realm of possible comfort positions. This is with my foot on the "correct" deal pedal.

Is it correct to put in a door handle and storage bin that protrudes uch that some drivers knees can not rest comfortably on it?
Not everyone is built the same way in the same height with the same length legs.

Sure, there is a proper driver position, but this is not a race car where perfect track driving position is the norm..
Lifting my knee up is simply one of the observations I made. I don't drive that way all the time.
I made that observation because in my 135i the drivers space does allow for that as it has more driver room, or is designed in a better way such that nothing intrudes if a driver wants/needs to move a knee/leg a bit over to one side.

I'm sure BMW spends a lot of time on driver ergo, and they also use those skills in making the 1 series drivers space.
And yet, my smaller 135i has much more room allowing the driver to find the most comfortable position at the moment.

I felt more comfortable in the 3 sport lines, which have the sport seats.
The sport seats are very comfortable. It's one of the best things about this new 3. The seats are even better than the excellent seats in my 135i, and that is VERY important to me, as I too have lower back issues.
Since you have lower back problems, then you should know that sitting too long in one position is not good, not at all. On long trips I use the power seat settings all the time, sometimes moving a bit forward or backward, or changing the angle of the back, all in the need to not lock my back into one position for too long.

I definitely agree with you on the sport seats, they are great. As for the standard seats, I don't have much experience with them, but it sounds like they aren't as good as the sport seats. How tall are you? Just curious if that has something to do with your discomfort.

[noro]

Originally Posted by 328inGE

...

I have never had a problem with ASS since I've owned my car. Maybe it just takes practice getting prepared before you pull out.

who said Germans don't have sense of humor.

[328inGE]

Originally Posted by noro

who said Germans don't have sense of humor.

Im an american

[328inGE]

Originally Posted by RPM90

The idea of ASS is sound. But, it's execution is not ready for prime time withe IC engines.

I think we (US) are just not used to it yet. It's becoming pretty common in Europe. In fact, I just read the Lamborghini Aventador is also getting start-stop technology because it will help increase fuel economy up to 20%. Can you imagine how that will be in the V12?

[emtrey]

Interesting observations..

Also coming from a 135 I did expect the interior to feel bigger for the driver than it does. Not that I find it bad, but surprising. Perhaps its the more curved nature of the instrument panel vs. the 135.

Have not spent enough time in various test drives to pick up all the nuances you are identifying but I should have my car very soon (maybe this week) and will get a better feel for the new ergonmics.

I did find the new sport seats more comfortable for me but never had the time to get them fully adjusted to my liking. I am sure they will work just fine.

It will take me time to get used to the new steering wheel as I have had the M-3/135 version in hand since 2002. None of the new wheels are as thickly padded.

[neilk]

After 1400 miles in a week in my 328i Sport, I also felt that BMW could fix the ergonomics a bit.

1. The bin/drivers handle. I got the sport auto so my left foot can now relax. On long stretches of highway, I would try to rest my foot against the door, but found that door handle too pointy and uncomfortable. I know that it is not the proper driving form, but while on the highway, it's not like you need to be ready to take on Eau Rouge.

2. Door elbow rest not padded enough. My elbow could have used some more padding on the door handle where you rest your arms. At one point, I had to borrow my wife's airplane pillow as my elbow was getting sore.

3. Center arm rest needs to move forward 4-6 inches.

I think the engineers worked too much on requiring the proper driving form and not how typical drivers end up driving in the real world.

Other remarks. I was amazed by the engine. It delivered great performance while averaging 28.5 mpg over our trip. Which included some mountain passed and extended cruising at 85+ mph. I wasn't particularly annoyed with ASS. Whenever I anticipated needing to bypass it, I just moved the shift lever left into sport mode to either turn the engine back on or prevent it from turning off.

I just wish I had bought the rear view camera. When I get my car back, I am going to see if it the trunk was pre-wired for the camera and see what the parts cost to install it myself.

[noro]

Originally Posted by 328inGE

Im an american

ok.. I guess Germans don't have sense of humor then ... but I LOVE the cars they make!

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by gator15

I definitely agree with you on the sport seats, they are great. As for the standard seats, I don't have much experience with them, but it sounds like they aren't as good as the sport seats. How tall are you? Just curious if that has something to do with your discomfort.

I'm 6-1, but I'm big and portly to boot.

As large as I am, I find the sport seats very comfy, and I'm always surprised at those who comment that the sport seats are too narrow.
As I said, I'm big, so I wonder why some find them uncomfortable.
Still, given my size and how small the 135i is, I just find there is more space around the drivers leg area.

It's not that I am uncomfortable in the 3, I find it quite comfortable.
It was just very surprising how I felt in the base model versus the number of 3 sports that I drove. Seems the sport seats and their positioning changes things for me, and someone my size.
I didn't feel as restricted in the 3 with sport seats.
It could be that they sit a bit higher due to their construction.
And, the thigh bolsters are likely holding my legs in a tighter/narrower way such that I don't need to move my knee over to brace it.

Also, I'm not positive, but it seemed that the door cup/storage bin is not shaped the same way as it is in the base model.
That too could just be a perception due to the flat stock seat design.
There was another poster who made this same observation in another post, but at the time I didn't understand what he was getting at. This could be it, maybe he too was sitting on the flat stock seats.

The stock seats do seem to sit lower. Thinking about it now, I should have tried raising the seat higher to see how it changed things. I had at least 4-1/2 fingers above my head to the roof. In my 135i I only have about 1-1/2.
I also sit upright. That's one thing I love about Euro cars, the seats are designed for the driver to sit upright, more chair like. Japanese cars tend to favor a more reclined back with legs more stretched out.
Porsche tend to split the difference with a straight back but legs out flatter.
American cars are a mix.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by emtrey

Interesting observations..

Also coming from a 135 I did expect the interior to feel bigger for the driver than it does. Not that I find it bad, but surprising. Perhaps its the more curved nature of the instrument panel vs. the 135.

Have not spent enough time in various test drives to pick up all the nuances you are identifying but I should have my car very soon (maybe this week) and will get a better feel for the new ergonmics.

I did find the new sport seats more comfortable for me but never had the time to get them fully adjusted to my liking. I am sure they will work just fine.

It will take me time to get used to the new steering wheel as I have had the M-3/135 version in hand since 2002. None of the new wheels are as thickly padded.

The 135i has a very nice feeling steering wheel I agree.
That's one of the reasons why I went with the Msport.
BMW claims it's thicker. But a poster said the wheels is similar to what's in the M6 iirc, and that it wasn't much thicker than what's in the sport line.
We'll see/feel soon enough.

Did you get the Msport?
MT or AT?

I'm gonna miss the big beefy and great looking 135i brakes.
I really wish they would have put those on the Msport with the BMW logo.
They look great on the 135i.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by neilk

After 1400 miles in a week in my 328i Sport, I also felt that BMW could fix the ergonomics a bit.

1. The bin/drivers handle. I got the sport auto so my left foot can now relax. On long stretches of highway, I would try to rest my foot against the door, but found that door handle too pointy and uncomfortable. I know that it is not the proper driving form, but while on the highway, it's not like you need to be ready to take on Eau Rouge.

2. Door elbow rest not padded enough. My elbow could have used some more padding on the door handle where you rest your arms. At one point, I had to borrow my wife's airplane pillow as my elbow was getting sore.

3. Center arm rest needs to move forward 4-6 inches.

I think the engineers worked too much on requiring the proper driving form and not how typical drivers end up driving in the real world.

Other remarks. I was amazed by the engine. It delivered great performance while averaging 28.5 mpg over our trip. Which included some mountain passed and extended cruising at 85+ mph. I wasn't particularly annoyed with ASS. Whenever I anticipated needing to bypass it, I just moved the shift lever left into sport mode to either turn the engine back on or prevent it from turning off.

I just wish I had bought the rear view camera. When I get my car back, I am going to see if it the trunk was pre-wired for the camera and see what the parts cost to install it myself.

I share your observations and views as well.

The camera would be useful.
The 135i is small and parking it seems easier to the 3.
Likely it's because I have no real time in it, but I can't seem to judge where the front end is when moving in to a parking space.
The hood bulge is tall so you see the top of it's center and then....it's gone.
No real way to judge how far to pull up.
With the lower Msport front bumper I'll be very gingerly feeling my way hoping not to hear any plastic scratching into concrete.

Oh, and what about the big blind spot from the B pillar?
Good thing I know how to adjust and use my side mirrors.
I'd forgotten how good coupes are with looking left and back.

Does the seat belt height have an adjustment at the B pillar anchor point?
It doesn't have one in the base model. I needed it to come down about an inch but no way to get it there.

[emtrey]

Originally Posted by RPM90

The 135i has a very nice feeling steering wheel I agree.
That's one of the reasons why I went with the Msport.
BMW claims it's thicker. But a poster said the wheels is similar to what's in the M6 iirc, and that it wasn't much thicker than what's in the sport line.
We'll see/feel soon enough.

Did you get the Msport?
MT or AT?

I'm gonna miss the big beefy and great looking 135i brakes.
I really wish they would have put those on the Msport with the BMW logo.
They look great on the 135i.

AT...sport version ( have summer car with 3 pedals so I can live with AT, especially this one, for DD.
I wish the 135 brakes came with the sport or m sport. too.
The M sport steering wheel is awesome (wihs I was getting it) but not thick like old M steering wheel.

Really wrestled with M sport but in the end went with sportline due the look of rear of the M sport which really is not my taste. Would love to find a way to change out the steering wheel to the M sport (if I win the lottery-LOL)

[AZ330FZL]

Originally Posted by RPM90

In the 135i I have room for both legs, to even spread my left leg out comfortably, and even to raise my left knee bent up towards the steering wheel. I can't do that in the 3. My right leg rests on the center tunnel cowl, and my left leg rests against the curved storage space in the door.
The curved large door handle also doesn't allow any room to move my left leg over, as I can easily do in the 135i.
Overall, there is about an inch more right leg room, and inches more left leg room in the 1 series.
In the 3 my legs felt like they were "trapped" into one to two positions.
I'm very surprised by this as the 1 series is small but I've always been impressed by how well BMW makes a small cabin feel big.
Not so much in the 3.

I have noticed this as well, anytime I put my left leg up (foot flat on floor) and I try to steer the wheel rubs on my knee. My previous car was a G35 coupe and there was plenty of space to do so and not rub. That is the only time I feel cramped in the drivers seat.

The only other observation that I have is the tilt on the seat. There doesn't seem to be all that much movement vertically. I like the seat to hit under my legs behind the knee and have the back of the seat down, just a comfort thing, but even with the seat extension the back wont go down enough and the front wont come up enough to hit correctly. I hope that I'm making some sense with this...... I have been able to make it work and I am really happy with how the rest of the seat holds you in place and is comfortable also.

Just my thoughts.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by AZ330FZL

I have noticed this as well, anytime I put my left leg up (foot flat on floor) and I try to steer the wheel rubs on my knee. My previous car was a G35 coupe and there was plenty of space to do so and not rub. That is the only time I feel cramped in the drivers seat.

The only other observation that I have is the tilt on the seat. There doesn't seem to be all that much movement vertically. I like the seat to hit under my legs behind the knee and have the back of the seat down, just a comfort thing, but even with the seat extension the back wont go down enough and the front wont come up enough to hit correctly. I hope that I'm making some sense with this...... I have been able to make it work and I am really happy with how the rest of the seat holds you in place and is comfortable also.

Just my thoughts.

I know what you mean.
At times I think the thigh extension could be longer.
I like that it's there, and I notice other brands copying it.

I haven't tried to get the front seat edge up higher that the rear edge.
IN my 135i I've tried that, but didn't like it, not my thing.
But, I can see why others may love it.

I find BMW power seats to have a lot of adjustment, but you really have to work with it to get them where you want them.
That's why I really like the memory function. When I find that one setting I really like I put it into memory and recall it to see if I still like it compared to other positions.
It really takes me about a month before I start to get things right in a new car.

[jpoet]

Originally Posted by RPM90

In the 135i I have room for both legs, to even spread my left leg out comfortably, and even to raise my left knee bent up towards the steering wheel. I can't do that in the 3. My right leg rests on the center tunnel cowl, and my left leg rests against the curved storage space in the door.
The curved large door handle also doesn't allow any room to move my left leg over, as I can easily do in the 135i.
Overall, there is about an inch more right leg room, and inches more left leg room in the 1 series.
In the 3 my legs felt like they were "trapped" into one to two positions.
I'm very surprised by this as the 1 series is small but I've always been impressed by how well BMW makes a small cabin feel big.
Not so much in the 3.

Coming from a E36 M3, I am also struggling to find a comfortable position for my legs when I have cruise-control enabled. My left leg is actually okay. It is the right leg that I don't know what to do with.

The center cowl in my E36 was lower, and my right leg would rest up against it pretty well. In the F30, the center cowl is high enough, that my knee ends up right at the top edge, which is uncomfortable. If I move my right leg over to the right, so the whole leg is against the center cowl, instead of just the knee, that helps a lot, but I don't know how that will work on a long trip.

If I want to rest my right leg against the center cowl at an angle, then I need to come up with some padding to put on the edge of the cowl.