my little MINI hardtop is almost one week old and I'm loving it...

I haven't been able to get quite comfortable in the seat tho... I'm a dancer and very sensitive to the line of my spine. The curvature of the seat (sport seats) is putting pressure on the lower back and the neck...

Anyone else who have run into this problem? and how are you solving it?

Thanks much!

 

Welcome aboard. Have you tried to adjust the lumbar support?

 

I have a base model and it only has the up-n-down, back-n-forth and recline options...
but it is not in the lumbar, it is that the head rest pushes my head too far forward, putting pressure on the neck. I could take it out and be happy, but then the safety goes way down...
I wonder if there are cushions that straighten the curvature of the seat, of if someone knows of a comfortable aftermarket seat?

 

Lumbar is only in the leather seats. But you can add it if you like, to the non leather seats. Just got mine in the mail. Don't know if OP has them or not.

 

Bram,
Does lumbar adjustment come on the regular sport seats? In past you had to get optional leather upgrade to get lumbar.

A separate question for anyone who knows. Is the seat padding any different in the leather seats verses the standard vinyl? Is there more cushioning when seats are upgraded to leather?

 

I tried a leather seat before I bought mine, and yes, there was more cushioning but it didn't feel more comfortable for me.

There is no lumbar adjustment on regular sport seats.

 

Alena,
two week owner here. I agree the headrest is too far forward. I find it nice at times to rest my head on it HOWEVER, then my head gets thrown forward with every little bump and rattle so I dont ride like that. I tried to look for an adjustment to move it back out of the way but did not find an adjustment for that. Many other cars' headrests tilt. hmm Maybe try a different headrest from a different manufacturer. Try a friends etc.
Only other thing I can suggest is to really play with all of the different combinations of height vs recline vs fore and aft. One affects the other. You might get lucky and stumble on something that works. I know that's not the concrete answer you are hoping for but... for instance. More recline takes the headrest more rearward (maybe taking it out of play) and moving the seat forwward would compensate a bit. Then only question is the incline to the seat appropriate for what you want in comfort. It's a thought.

 

You can buy the lumbar from Outmotoring. Because I just got mine. They can be installed in the sport seats without a problem.

 

Thank you JDPaddle!
yes, I've tried every possible twist on the seat without luck so far. But love your idea about a different manufacturer's headrest... just hope it fits in the holes)

 

Install the adjustable lumbar supports. You won't regret it.

Retrofit Adjustable Lumbar Support

 

I don't have a problem with the head rest being too far forward, except maybe when I'm waring a helmet. The head rest has been growing in thickness over the years, its pretty thick these days. One theory I've not tried is that you can turn the headrest around backwards, that would give you more space.

Or you could see if you could find a headreset from a previous year. The 07 is pretty skinny, the 08 is about 1" bigger, the current one is about 2" bigger than that.

 

Haven't I read on here about someone using one of the rear-seat headrests on the front seat for just that reason?

 

Absolutely do the lumbar support retrofit, it is inexpensive and easy! I did it and love the result. See the how-to thread link in post 10.

 

Wow, you people are brilliant!
I will try out all your suggestions and give back a report

Thank you!

 

There are these oddball angled cushions you can get for the back that look like a very thin triangles from the side. I have no idea if this will help with the headrest issue. Here's a random thought, have you tried one from the back seats? Unless it's a coupe/roadster without a back seat because then I would look dumb?

 

I will definitely try the headrest from the back seat - this is the most intriguing idea!

the cushions you are talking about would be exactly the right thing... do you happen to know who/where sells them?

Thank you!
Alena

 

thank you so much for that link! great info to have!

 

When I got my 08 in June I moved back to front , front to back. I think I was hitting my head on the others. Very nice now.

 

You'd be surprised how much the lumbar support helps. Also, you could try leaning the seat back one notch further than you normally would have it. It helps.

BTW, the headrest is annoying and purposely set forward to aid in reducing whiplash from an accident. Many, many cars have a similar setup these days, so they are tough to get away from.

 

Here's what I got

https://www.google.com/search?q=Lumb...w=1366&bih=638


This one seems to look right

 

I tried switching the headrest and it worked! no more annoyance from the silly headrest.

Thank you so much for the links I'll check them out.

I'm also looking at relaxtheback.com they are expensive but you can try the cushions out in the store and for up to 30days in your car.

Thanks again!

 

I agree, lots of cars come out with ridiculous seat and headrest designs these days. But we didn't get into MINIs to go along with the majority, did we... What's the point in getting a pain in the neck even Without an accident.
So, we'll keep digging.

thank you so much for the lumbar advise, I am looking into it!

 

THANK YOU!

 

My back is miserable right now, the lumbar support definitely helps. My 2009 Sport Seats have it and its nice. Doc wants me to start PT next week. I also find that "Restorative" Yoga classes rock - my wife calls them nap time yoga classes due to the risk of falling asleep while holding a pose. Long hold, deep stretches while seated or lying down that really loosen up my legs and back and make me feel much looser and stronger after attending.

 

No problem. Glad to help!