Vaders in verts, what say you?

[m3f_M_Parallel]

This is what I find strange about vaders, they look like they would be a very supportive seat. I'm a pretty skinny 5'9" 160lbs soaking wet and I think I'm just too small for them as I slide around in them. I do like the looks of a mint set though, they can be great looking.

Not strange really. They are relatively wide. And the bolsters, while big, point straight ahead. So that won't help if you are thin.

[m3f_Porschetech]

Ginger's n Plambers

aka hur dressers?

[m3f_W///]

Lack of side bolstering!?


They have the biggest of all the style seats! Just looking at them that is a no brainer.

On the side? Nowhere near enough, unless my foam is THAT worn out, which it isn't.


I'm 5"10, 175 lbs and slide all over the seats during a mountain run. Again, this is in direct comparison to my E92 M3, so I don't have to look at anything when I can feel it:




You can also see how deep they are.


I want to reiterate though. The bottom section where my thighs are, are narrower on the E36 than the E92 (which I like), but the top section is completely useless for my body frame. When I'm driving hard, I have to hold on to the steering wheel and brace myself against the door panel and center console. Not pleasant at all.

[m3f_M_Parallel]

I know how vaders look and between basic, sport and vaders, the latter have by far the most bolster.


One blink at them and it's obvious. That also explains perfectly why sportseats fit me like a glove, and vaders, like a straightjacker.


Of course being 5'7 175 or 6'4 235, does make a difference to how a seats feels / hugs you.

[m3f_frbz]

They are iconic and uncomfortable on my frame. 170 cm/64 kg. I find the bottom of the "vader helmet" digs into my upper back. The sport seats in my 328is give me a low back ache after being in them for a while and provide less cornering support. The seats in the e46 M3 also give me a back ache after a long drive. I guess I do not fit 3 series BMW seats

[m3f_umichchris]

i love them. i put a set of vaders in my M3/4/5 and def looks the part. one day i really want to get a vert...and a vader seat swap is 100% part of the plan. i think they look great in verts..

[m3f_westopher]

Cloth vs. Leather also does a number as far as grip goes. The cloth interior was a nice compromise between having the stock black leather, vs a set of recaro speeds.

[m3f_W///]

I know how vaders look and between basic, sport and vaders, the latter have by far the most bolster.



One blink at them and it's obvious. That also explains perfectly why sportseats fit me like a glove, and vaders, like a straightjacker.



Of course being 5'7 175 or 6'4 235, does make a difference to how a seats feels / hugs you.

You are correct in saying that everyone will fit differently. But I still stand by the fact that even at full open, pretty much every current M car has better side bolstering than the Vaders.



Then you add to the fact that my steering wheel is non adjustable and it ruins the driving experience for me a little bit.

Cloth vs. Leather also does a number as far as grip goes. The cloth interior was a nice compromise between having the stock black leather, vs a set of recaro speeds.

I'll have to consider these options in the future. I love the looks of Vaders as they are just so period correct. I'd just have to compare the price between getting a full cloth interior vs 2 front aftermarket seats.



There's no way I'd be able to track the E36 with the seats as they are. Might need to go eat more cheeseburgers

[m3f_Jferrante]

Cloth vaders are up there in coolest seats ever to come as a factory option - completely unbiased post

[m3f_W///]

Cloth vaders are up there in coolest seats ever to come as a factory option - completely unbiased post

No doubt. But are they good enough for really spirited driving, that's what I'm wondering. I've sat in them before, but I'd really love to try them out in the mountains.



But putting grey cloth Vaders into my TV coupe would make it that much cooler

[m3f_Jferrante]

No doubt. But are they good enough for really spirited driving, that's what I'm wondering. I've sat in them before, but I'd really love to try them out in the mountains.



But putting grey cloth Vaders into my TV coupe would make it that much cooler

I think so - I don't think vaders are uncomfortable to begin with and I felt the cloth def kept you from moving around vs the leather

[m3f_Porschetech]

Cloth vaders are up there in coolest seats ever to come as a factory option - completely unbiased post

They were. Ask me how I know?

[m3f_M_Parallel]

You are correct in saying that everyone will fit differently. But I still stand by the fact that even at full open, pretty much every current M car has better side bolstering than the Vaders.



Then you add to the fact that my steering wheel is non adjustable and it ruins the driving experience for me a little bit. ...

yeah, I was strictly comparing between de model E36 seats offered. Compared to other model's seats, it's a totally different story.



Last Saturday I sat in an M4 al local-ish BMW dealer. Reminded me of the bucket-like vaders. But this is the case with most modern seats in sportcars.



I remember driving my friends C63 AMG. That was even worse. Yes, it tucks you in tightly, but way too tight for me.



But I'm more a fast road driver, no hardcore racer that only has a few mm of play in the seat.