R50/53 Sport seats uncomfortable.....update!
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: urban rock
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
I think the sport seats are dreadful. Just sitting in the passenger seat instantly makes me uncomfortable. My regular leather seats are buttery heaven compared to those. I'm really glad I don't have the sport package now. I don't think the DSC or the suspension even make it worth the money if it means sitting in those seats.
They do have really interesting ergonomics, on the other hand. I can see why a select few might want them. For me, they are too firm and give too much a feeling of sitting on top of the seat, instead of [I]in[I] the seat. The regular leather seats simply feel good, even if I do slide around a bit.
They do have really interesting ergonomics, on the other hand. I can see why a select few might want them. For me, they are too firm and give too much a feeling of sitting on top of the seat, instead of [I]in[I] the seat. The regular leather seats simply feel good, even if I do slide around a bit.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Long Lake, MN
Good point. 
Grade 8 bolts have 6 hash marks on the head. However, grade 8 is a SAE (fractional) specification and does not really apply to the metric MINI. The approximate metric equal is grade 12.5. FWIW, my local ACE carries 12.5 bolts. IIRC, all torx and allen head bolts are grade 8/12.5.
Additionally, be aware of how many threads are going into the body mounts when doing a mod like this. Manufacturers tend not to use any more "bolt length" than is necessary these days. Just because you can thread it in and tighten it down does not necessarily mean there will be enough threads to hold the seat in the event of an accident.
"a message from your friendly neighborhood paranoid engineer..."
Grade 8 bolts have 6 hash marks on the head. However, grade 8 is a SAE (fractional) specification and does not really apply to the metric MINI. The approximate metric equal is grade 12.5. FWIW, my local ACE carries 12.5 bolts. IIRC, all torx and allen head bolts are grade 8/12.5.
Additionally, be aware of how many threads are going into the body mounts when doing a mod like this. Manufacturers tend not to use any more "bolt length" than is necessary these days. Just because you can thread it in and tighten it down does not necessarily mean there will be enough threads to hold the seat in the event of an accident.
"a message from your friendly neighborhood paranoid engineer..."
www.Fastenal.com
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
I think the sport seats are dreadful. Just sitting in the passenger seat instantly makes me uncomfortable. My regular leather seats are buttery heaven compared to those. I'm really glad I don't have the sport package now. I don't think the DSC or the suspension even make it worth the money if it means sitting in those seats.
They do have really interesting ergonomics, on the other hand. I can see why a select few might want them. For me, they are too firm and give too much a feeling of sitting on top of the seat, instead of [i]in[i] the seat. The regular leather seats simply feel good, even if I do slide around a bit.
They do have really interesting ergonomics, on the other hand. I can see why a select few might want them. For me, they are too firm and give too much a feeling of sitting on top of the seat, instead of [i]in[i] the seat. The regular leather seats simply feel good, even if I do slide around a bit.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
I did 1000 miles in mine right off the dealership. Stopping every 2-3 hours not for gas but to stretch and stopping for the night. I cranked the seats up as high as possible and did what the manual recommends. I found them to be pretty comfortable vs my Subaru Impreza. Also I'm 6'1" and have more leg room in the MINI vs the Impreza. Of the 12 or so cars I've owned the MINI is 3rd, with my 98 Dakota being 1st and my 90 Maxima being second for comfort.
In the city I crank them back down so I can see traffic lights.
In the city I crank them back down so I can see traffic lights.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 766
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
I think the sport seats are dreadful. Just sitting in the passenger seat instantly makes me uncomfortable. My regular leather seats are buttery heaven compared to those. I'm really glad I don't have the sport package now. I don't think the DSC or the suspension even make it worth the money if it means sitting in those seats.
They do have really interesting ergonomics, on the other hand. I can see why a select few might want them. For me, they are too firm and give too much a feeling of sitting on top of the seat, instead of [i]in[i] the seat. The regular leather seats simply feel good, even if I do slide around a bit.
They do have really interesting ergonomics, on the other hand. I can see why a select few might want them. For me, they are too firm and give too much a feeling of sitting on top of the seat, instead of [i]in[i] the seat. The regular leather seats simply feel good, even if I do slide around a bit.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Washington,Pa
Sport Seats
I think the sport seats are dreadful. Just sitting in the passenger seat instantly makes me uncomfortable. My regular leather seats are buttery heaven compared to those. I'm really glad I don't have the sport package now. I don't think the DSC or the suspension even make it worth the money if it means sitting in those seats.
They do have really interesting ergonomics, on the other hand. I can see why a select few might want them. For me, they are too firm and give too much a feeling of sitting on top of the seat, instead of [i]in[i] the seat. The regular leather seats simply feel good, even if I do slide around a bit.
They do have really interesting ergonomics, on the other hand. I can see why a select few might want them. For me, they are too firm and give too much a feeling of sitting on top of the seat, instead of [i]in[i] the seat. The regular leather seats simply feel good, even if I do slide around a bit.
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