CSL Seat Model

[eXpensiveGears]

Hi Guys,

I was wondering if the CSL seats are modeled after the Recaro Profi SPG, Pole Position or another model entirely?

Thanks!

[Obioban]

Modeled after, but not identical to, Profi SPGs

[bmwMpower1]

Modeled after, but not identical to, Profi SPGs

Seriously? I've always heard they were modeled after pole positions.

[Obioban]

Seriously? I've always heard they were modeled after pole positions.

Yeah— IIRC they even have a sticker on the bottom that says either “Profi” or “SPG” (I forget which).

[eXpensiveGears]

Thanks Obioban

Do you know if there are any major differences?

[Obioban]

Thanks Obioban

Do you know if there are any major differences?

Different cover material, no harness holes on the CSLs, slightly different shape, mounts that tilt forward, lower sides for 3 point functionality.

The CSL seats make sense to very few IMO— people that want a racing bucket but no ability to run harnesses 🤨

Better to get the Nogaros, IMO-- all the upsides of the CSL seats, look a lot like CSLs, but works with harnesses and can be made to match the M3 interior at no additional cost.

[DI46LO]

FWIW I had a set of Cobra Nogaro streets re-covered to use a similar material to the OE.. They're close enough for me.

[usdmej]

Seriously? I've always heard they were modeled after pole positions.

in some overseas markets the pole positions were known as SPGs, they're all similar base seats

the CSL seat is pretty much a street friendly recaro bucket. it had noticeably thicker cushioning, a less aggressive shoulder curve, and lower side bolsters (which are still annoying as it's a hard ridge to contact if you don't take the effort to avoid it)

its still a Recaro one piece bucket though so you get that rigid connected to the car feeling but you don't lose the functionality (tilt function for rear seat access) of a street seat

[Obioban]

in some overseas markets the pole positions were known as SPGs, they're all similar base seats

the CSL seat is pretty much a street friendly recaro bucket. it had noticeably thicker cushioning, a less aggressive shoulder curve, and lower side bolsters (which are still annoying as it's a hard ridge to contact if you don't take the effort to avoid it)

its still a Recaro one piece bucket though so you get that rigid connected to the car feeling but you don't lose the functionality (tilt function for rear seat access) of a street seat

I had a set of the CSL mounts briefly. The back seat access gain is not that significant compared to my current setup (nogaro on stock sliders), because the CSL seats still can't bend at the middle. If you tilt a tilt stock M3 seat forward without using the bend portion of the function, you'll see what I mean-- the roof rapidly becomes a restriction. Then, on the flip side, those mounts cause the seats to be mounted much higher (which is why I didn't end up using them).

Current setup, without the tilt forward:

[usdmej]

The back seat access gain is not that significant compared to my current setup (nogaro on stock sliders), because the CSL seats still can't bend at the middle.]

tbh i don't consider either setup or any one piece passenger seat to be a particularly functional choice for a vehicle where you want to use the back seat. but at least the CSL seat with the tilt function means you could load something like a clothes hamper in there without having to rotate it at a funny angle.

i would say my biggest knock against the seats is the material they chose to coat the back side in. it's a rubbery texture that damages easily with incidental contact (something that's common when passengers are going in and out of the vehicle) and it's compounded by the fact that the damage is very visible and looks awful when it eventually happens. there has been some progress in the aftermarket with refinishes though


besides those pain points the CSL seats are a fantastic design and contribute to the theme of the car quite well

[Obioban]

I just need enough back seat access for her to be able to get in, once she can buckle herself.



which, since my wife can do it if not wearing a skirt, should be fine for years to come.

[lapoune]

FWIW I had a set of Cobra Nogaro streets re-covered to use a similar material to the OE.. They're close enough for me.

Nice, they look really good without all the busy stitching

[Obioban]

I had a set of the CSL mounts briefly. The back seat access gain is not that significant compared to my current setup (nogaro on stock sliders), because the CSL seats still can't bend at the middle. If you tilt a tilt stock M3 seat forward without using the bend portion of the function, you'll see what I mean-- the roof rapidly becomes a restriction. Then, on the flip side, those mounts cause the seats to be mounted much higher (which is why I didn't end up using them).

Current setup, without the tilt forward:

Just got posted in another thread, but relevant here...

Here's how much space the fold forward of the CSL buckets adds:

[ZiMMie]

Here another picture i found.

[usdmej]

you can also see in the CSL bucket how much flatter the shoulder bolstering is compared to most aftermarket buckets