Which seats are definitely compatible with E85

[True-Blue]

Hi, scratching my head a bit, can anyone confirm which seats are definitely a ‘Bolt in’ without issues?

This is for a 2006 E85 Si, but I guess the runners etc are the same for all E85/86?

Reading some posts that suggest E46 seats go straight in (even electrics are the same?) but they sit slightly higher?

Any help appreciated on this, thanks

 

[maxman]

Do a search on timmyboybunter 1st thread. He fitted e46 seats to a e85

 

[True-Blue]

Do a search on timmyboybunter 1st thread. He fitted e46 seats to a e85

Thanks, I'm trying to search but getting hit and miss results... probably me!

Also wondering if E90/92 seats might work :?

 

[maxman]

[Brief FYI's: these will bolt straight into a Z4, you'll probably want/need to use your existing pretensioners, you may wish to swap base rails over although the seat belt fixing point can bolt to the floor, you may wish to replace the 'long' tilt handles with the 'short' versions all round, you may wish to buy some seat belt holders which fix to the headrest posts - though I found the seat belts always rested on the tile handle so never had to fish them out)
They need to come from the coup ,convertible rails are a different fit

 

[wonkydonkey]

I swapped E46 M3 seats into my 2003 E85 that was originally equipped with electric heated memory seats. Swap the rails over and they're plug and play, and my M3 seats had the inflatable bolsters and inflatable lumbar support. I found the M3 seats to be noticeably higher, but am kicking myself a bit for not taking measurements so as to be able to provide others with a true height difference measurement.

 

[True-Blue]

I swapped E46 M3 seats into my 2003 E85 that was originally equipped with electric heated memory seats. Swap the rails over and they're plug and play, and my M3 seats had the inflatable bolsters and inflatable lumbar support. I found the M3 seats to be noticeably higher, but am kicking myself a bit for not taking measurements so as to be able to provide others with a true height difference measurement.

Many thanks,

There seem to be a large number of BMW seats available via Ebay etc, that might fit size wise.

Reading that putting manual seats Into an electric seat equipped car in isn’t a problem made me wonder what might actually fit/ be possible... still researching 8)

 

[Wookster78]

The e46 M3 coupe/convertible do not fit, made the mistake and bought them for mine, they are totally different spacing and you can’t switch over the bases, the saloon M3 are a straight bolt on.

 

[True-Blue]

The e46 M3 coupe/convertible do not fit, made the mistake and bought them for mine, they are totally different spacing and you can’t switch over the bases, the saloon M3 are a straight bolt on.

Thanks for this, so Guessing any saloon E46?

 

[Wookster78]

Yeah they should be fine but for the price difference the M3 saloon ones are much nicer than the sport IMO and some are embossed with the logo

 

[Sgr74]

Remember, if you are a big lad (tall) The e46 seats can’t go back as far as z4 seats. They are quite a bit wider at the back.

 

[True-Blue]

Remember, if you are a big lad (tall) The e46 seats can’t go back as far as z4 seats. They are quite a bit wider at the back.

I tower over my Vizsla.... at a lofty 5’7’’

 

[Timmyboybunter]

I managed to get a warning light when fitting the E46 M3 seats, due to the seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Never did figure out if it was just disturbed wiring or not (as I had a few random warnings pop up during my ownership), but swapping over to the original tensioners let me switch the warning light off for good.

You'll also need to potentially think about a seat belt guide for comfort.

They look great fitted, but are quite noisy with creaking and squeaking when right back (I'm 6ft 2) as they are bulkier than standard seats. Somewhere in the thread in my sig is a picture of my E85, one standard seat and one M3 seat installed.

Edit: attached

 

[garbobo]

is e46 m3 seat compatible with 2007 E86 coupe?

 

[ph001]

The big problem for me if fitting to an E85 would be the height. I find I have to have the standard seat in the lowest possible position otherwise the wind buffeting is intolerable...and I’m only 5’10”.

 

[Panta Rhei]

I am 6'1" and I am 100% sure this height is the max you can be to fit in comfortably in e85 with standard seats. I think same story goes to sport seats. Power seats and manual have seat height on the same level I guess?

 

[Timmyboybunter]

6 feet 2 here and comfortable (more so E89 than E85)

 

[Rldee007]

Timmyboybunter looks great.

Would non M3 seats fit better? I am only 5'9 so height won't be an issue.

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Not sure on the dimensions of M3 vs. non M3 I'm afraid.

But... if you're considering non M3 seats, my first question would be why you would not consider the standard Z4 seats? (what is your scenario - are you looking for an upgrade or replacing worn out seats, for example?)

 

[buzyg]

Interesting on the height of occupant question. I'm 6ft 4ins and fit comfortably into my ///MR, with standard Sports seats. Yes there is much buffeting above 55mph, but that's all part of the fun. I also fit fine with the roof closed, but that is not a scenario I test much.

 

[ARCS]

Timmyboybunter looks great.

Would non M3 seats fit better? I am only 5'0 so height won't be an issue.

I have standard m sport seats from an e46 at the moment (soon to be changed). They fit straight in but do rub a tad if adjusted right the way back.