So, I have a problem with the sport seats in my R56. They're quite simply NOT comfortable to me. I drive about 115 miles per day so if my seat isn't comfortable, I'm not a happy guy. Sadly, my 20 minute test drive back in October didn't show me how uncomfortable the seat was because I was too busy enjoying the winding back roads.

Anyway, after driving my wife's Infiniti for the weekend on a road trip to Williamsburg (3+ hours each way), I realized the biggest difference between the two seats is that I cannot adjust the angle of the seat in the R56 since it's a six way seat, as opposed to the Infiniti, which is an eight way seat. As a result I do not get the angle I need to properly support my thighs comfortably.

I'd like to think I'm not the only person with this problem, so I'm wondering if anyone has found a way to adjust the chair like this. I would like to avoid using a pillow under my legs, and it's so bad now that I'm looking for alternatives, and the easiest one now seems to be getting a better commuter car and getting rid of the Mini. Any ideas will be entertained! Thanks!

 

You may be able to put some washers under the front mounts on the seat to tilt the front upward. Or under the back mounts to tilt the front downward.

 

The seat height adjustment also changes the seat angle a bit. Does that not help?

 

Sadly, not enough. The closest angle I can get means my seat must be at its lowest setting, which is uncomfortable for me since I'm not very tall. It also isn't enough lift at the front.

I considered using washers to raise the front, but I wasn't sure if that would cause stability problems.

 

I hate to say it, but the few folks I've seen post that had major problems with the seating position ended up having to sell their MINI and get something else. I know that is probably not what you wanted to hear.

I suppose potentially you could try some aftermarket seats, but I'm not sure how many are out there and testing them to see if they will provide the solution you seek is probably difficult and expensive.

 

Could try finding a MINI with the OE Recaros to sit in...

 

I had a similar comfort problem with my cloth sport seats. I do long (10+hr) trips on a regular basis. For me the side bolsters squeezed just a bit too tight against my aging derrière causing a painful sciatic nerve issue.

For illustration purposes only I found a cushion similar to this in patio furniture section. Go to amazon and type this into the search block
ASIN: B004N3CDWI

Sorry, don’t remember but I think it was either Target, Lowe’s or ALCO. Seems like it was under $10. It is smaller than the one here in the amazon link. It fits down in the sport seat between the bolsters. The same width as the flat portion of the sport seat cushion. It has the effect of raising my butt just enough to a wider portion of the seat to alleviate the problem. It’s also just a bit shorter than the sport seat cushion. For me it has worked wonders. And if I feel in a sporty mood I can pull it off since it just sits there.

Don’t give up on your MINI without investing another $10 or so!

 

I don't think I'll be buying another MINI. I enjoy my MINI most of the time, but I hate the cost of maintenance, and the feeling of a ticking time bomb that I have (just crossed 50k miles today) -- which is completely separate from the seat issue here. This really is a quirky car. I totally understand why people LOVE them, but I think I've outgrown it in just eight months.

I'll try a pillow like what was suggested and see what comes of it, but I struggle to get the proper back support when I'm using a pillow on the bottom portion of the chair. I did already add foam to the chair to provide lumbar support to see if that would help, which it has but not enough.

 

Wasn't suggesting that... Just finding one with the Recaros to sit in and see if you like them better. If so you could get one for your car (or a pair if symmetry is important). Prolly not worth it though if you don't really like the car.

 

It's not that I don't like the car, but it's like I'm hot and then cold with it. I love it some days and other days it just rubs me the wrong way.

The biggest problem with swapping to the Recaros would be spend the money. In the eight or so months we've owned the MINI, I've spent more on it in repairs and maintenance than we did in the three years we've owned the Subaru it replaced.

 

I tried the cushion underneath my legs and it seemed to be better, but I couldn't get the seat positioned right, and the cushion kept moving. That's one of a few reasons why I don't want a cushion. Another being when it's cold and I want my heated seat, I won't feel it. :(

I don't mean to sound so disgruntled or like I've already decided to abandon the car. I'm really curious of other alternatives (if they exist) for my problem.

 

Using washers won't affect seat stability.

Perhaps if you take a run out this way, I can take a look.

 

Should not be an issue for stability.
Take on of the M10 bolts out of passenger seat with you to Hope Depot to test fit the washers and pick the ones with the largest surface area.
Stack a few, bolt the seat back, see if it feels right. Repeat as necessary.

Alternatively, you can always buy an aftermarket racing seat. Some of them are adjustable, many are amazingly comfortable. Google for racing supply shops in your area, and give it a go. Some people love their favorite racing seats and steering wheels so much, they move them from car to car for decades on end!

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I raised the front with washers and longer bolts. Loosen the rear mounting bolts to make it easier.

DOC