I test drove the S-Roadster at MINI of Birmingham last weekend. I love the car and I am considering ordering one. However, I have a bit of a problem. I am 6'7". The MINI Roadster and the Convertible are some of the few cars that I can drive comfortably. I barely have enough headroom with the Roadster (as in my head does not actually touch the top) but the visibility is not great. I can increase the viability somewhat by removing the sun visor but what I really need is a lower seat.

I am wondering if the optional Recaro seats are any lower (when being used, obviously) than the stock sports seats. Has anybody had a chance to try both options?

My other option would be custom after market seats, but that would mean losing the one of the airbags, and all that entails.

Unfortunately, the local dealer did not have any coupe's or roadsters on the lot with the Recaro seat option, and it is one of those things that really need to try before I buy.

 

Hello Charles. At 6'7", you must be a sight to see climb out of a Mini I'm 6'5" and people are always telling me how funny it is to see someone so tall get out of my Mini

Regarding whether the Recaros, not sure there are any examples out yet to try. I have placed an order for them sight unseen, knowing that at least the bottom cushion is longer, giving some support for the legs. I would contact as many dealers in your area and ask to be notified of when a Roadster comes in with the Recaros. They can check their build sheets, and know what is coming and when. Good luck with it

-Steven

 

I am not brave enough to order the Recaro's site unseen, if they turn out to be half-an-inch taller I will not be able to drive the car with them. (At least not with the top up, rain would be an issue...)

People do make fun of me for the cars I drive. Most non-freakishly tall people do not understand that there is often a negative correlation between car size and headroom. One of the better cars I have had for headroom and visibility is a Honda Fit. The trend seems to be getting worse, I have found several newer cars with ample headroom but very poor visibility.

 

I feel for you guys. Being somewhat "Hobbit-like" at 5'9'' the MINI is quite comfy for me. I have trouble with large SUV and raised jeeps. Not ot mention crowdsm high shelves etc.

After my MINI was totaled, I bought a Chrysler Crossfire [M-B SLK with a Chrysler body], Even I feel claustraphobic in this. I can't imagine being taller in this car.

 

Being tall has it's advantages...unless you're flying coach, ouch! I read somewhere that the post-BMW mini was designed by a 6'7" fellow. I know the current head of design, Anders Warming is Dutch, and looks to be fairly tall. I'm sure there is a prerequisite that the head of design can fit in the car. People not familiar with Mini's are always surprised with interior size...front seats at least

 

Designer Anders Warming is not Dutch but Danish.

Anyway

I have same problem with being too tall for Roadster/Coupe. That's not just inconvenient, but a safety issue I.M.H.O.
Good idea that the sunvisor could be removed; i hadn't even thought of that.

The Recaro seats offered by MINI are even higher by default, not lower, than the default seats.
What you could do is do an adjustment to the railing, but that is quite some manual work. It can be done.

 

Thanks Marcel for the correction, and info. I just noticed your location

-Steven

 

Haha 6'6 here.

 

Saw them today and sat in them today, very very nice.

 

Alright! We have enough to start a tall guys Mini club...maybe we can get Mini to sponsor us...throw in some JCW parts...free wheels or something...........maybe not

 

Oh yeah, for sure.

 

This is encouraging. I ordered them sight unseen, feeling I would regret it later if I didn't.

 

I won't have that height issue.....I am 5'3"!!

 

No Blue Toy, you wil L O V E them....I am not even a "seat guy" and they really were beautiful.