I sit a fair distance from the wheel, so I was wondering... has anyone contemplated swapping their steering column with one from a 3-series to get the telescoping capability?

Does anyone know of reasons why this might be difficult/expensive? I'm assuming it would bolt in with minimal fabrication, although maybe I'm wrong... As long as you can keep the same steering wheel (and hence the airbag), I would think the cost should be reasonable.

Thoughts?

 

Let me know if you get it to work, CAUSE I WANT ONE!!

 

I would absolutely love to have one. I would prefer to have the seat all the way back for adequate leg-room, but the wheel distance become too far away so I end up sitting a little closer. I always anticipated installing an aftermarket wheel and the needed spacers at some point.

I would certainly not assume that the steering column out of another car would fit. The column diameter, mounting plates, wheel spline size and count, and the wiring harness itself would need to be exact for it to work.

 

Not a clue but if you figure it out let us all know! at 6'5" i sit just far enough from the wheel to have to stretch a bit. telescoping capability would be SSOSOOOO awesome!

 

I hear you on this issue!

I'm 6'1".

The solution is to position the seat forward just a bit from the rearmost position. Then, it's somewhat of a reach to the steering wheel (actually very comfortable, but my arms have to remain suspended, which is tiresome on longer rides).

So the next solution is incline the seatback more vertical. Then, my head is sort of close to the 3rd sunvisor and my elbows are too high for the arm pad on the door.

So the next solution is to ratchet the seat height down near its lowest point.

There are times on a longer drive when I just want to lean back a little more. What I'll do then is to lay the seat back more and ride the seat forward--it's a trade-off. More recline equals less leg room. Less recline and I can move the seat back for more leg room.

There's no position that is truely "uncomfortable" but the dial-in process to get into that perfect 'sweet spot' is a bit of an experiment.

And yes, a longer steering column would provide the best of both worlds!

 

ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY !!!!!!!

I would love to have a telescopic steering column. It would allow a really custom driving position. Everyone is built slightly differently. Personally I would like to be further from the pedals and closer to the steering wheel than I can now get.

 

Sure, but not if it adds weight.

And also can I have adjustable pedals ( a modern feature to suit those that require a perfect fit) cause I have short legs.

 

I would love to have a telescoping steering wheel in my MINI. I am 6'7" and it would make the drive so awsome. If anyone figures it out and it still looks stock please let me know. I am very willing to modify my car for that.

 

Looks like your in business, already you have seven people wanting a product you haven't produced yet and you have just mentioned it.

But first we want the numbers and post the printout from the dyno

Earl

 

Yeah, none of that butt dyno stuff, I wanna see real horsepower gains from this