Adjusting the width of the seat back

Mike38 · 05-17-2024, 07:50 AM

I have a problem with adjusting the width of the seat back (electrically adjustable). I'm not wide (6ft 2in + 80kg) but I can't open the sides of the seat back without pressing on my ribs. That's why I'm always trying to get a better position during the ride and I'm not enjoying it. Is this a problem with all new Z4s or is the adjustment of the seat back width not working correctly for me?

RigaTony1982 · 05-17-2024, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

I have a problem with adjusting the width of the seat back (electrically adjustable). I'm not wide (6ft 2in + 80kg) but I can't open the sides of the seat back without pressing on my ribs. That's why I'm always trying to get a better position during the ride and I'm not enjoying it. Is this a problem with all new Z4s or is the adjustment of the seat back width not working correctly for me?

Could be an issue with the adjustment. Realize every body shape is different, but I’m 6ft 4in and weigh about 220 lbs (about 100KG) and I don’t have any issues at all.

Mike38 · 05-17-2024, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

Could be an issue with the adjustment. Realize every body shape is different, but I’m 6ft 4in and weigh about 220 lbs (about 100KG) and I don’t have any issues at all.

ok, I'll try to set it up again, I've only had the car for 2 days.

RigaTony1982 · 05-17-2024, 08:39 AM

Just an FYI as well (though probably not related to the issue), the seat width adjustment and lumbar adjustment don't tie in with the seat memory settings.

tracer bullet · 05-17-2024, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

I have a problem with adjusting the width of the seat back (electrically adjustable). I'm not wide (6ft 2in + 80kg) but I can't open the sides of the seat back without pressing on my ribs.

Are things definitely adjusting? As in, they are moving but not far enough for your tastes, or are they not moving at all?

Also is the lumbar set so deep that you're really sunk into the seat, and if the lumbar could push you out a little bit perhaps the sides would then feel different?

Hopefully that made sense. It's hard to put into words.

RavenGX · 05-17-2024, 09:32 AM

there should be a small rectangular button the side of the seat, you can use to adjust the seat bolsters you can push it either on the front or the backside to open/close the bolster a bit more.

You can also maybe try to blow up the lumbar support a little, so you are not swallowed as much by the seat like suggested above

Horseman · 05-17-2024, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

I have a problem with adjusting the width of the seat back (electrically adjustable). I'm not wide (6ft 2in + 80kg) but I can't open the sides of the seat back without pressing on my ribs. That's why I'm always trying to get a better position during the ride and I'm not enjoying it. Is this a problem with all new Z4s or is the adjustment of the seat back width not working correctly for me?

I'm 5'9" fat ass at like 230.. I know what you mean, and yes there is a button that opens it up a bit, but it's not like.. ALOT.

StanDiego · 05-17-2024, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

I have a problem with adjusting the width of the seat back (electrically adjustable). I'm not wide (6ft 2in + 80kg) but I can't open the sides of the seat back without pressing on my ribs. That's why I'm always trying to get a better position during the ride and I'm not enjoying it. Is this a problem with all new Z4s or is the adjustment of the seat back width not working correctly for me?

I’m 5’9”, 81kg, love the bolster adjustment, have mine tucked in a bit to help keep me in the seat when making spirited turns, works quite well for a GT-level seat. I do also have my lumbar support pushed out a bit too, not sure that impacts the bolster feel.
Bottom line: my bolsters can be adjusted from too tight to too loose on my body frame.

Mike38 · 05-17-2024, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

Just an FYI as well (though probably not related to the issue), the seat width adjustment and lumbar adjustment don't tie in with the seat memory settings.

I know. 😊

Mike38 · 05-17-2024, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

Are things definitely adjusting? As in, they are moving but not far enough for your tastes, or are they not moving at all?

Also is the lumbar set so deep that you're really sunk into the seat, and if the lumbar could push you out a little bit perhaps the sides would then feel different?

Hopefully that made sense. It's hard to put into words.

They don't move at all. If I move the button forward, I can hear the drive growling a bit, but nothing happens. When I press the button backward, nothing is heard and nothing happens.

Mike38 · 05-17-2024, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseman

I'm 5'9" fat ass at like 230.. I know what you mean, and yes there is a button that opens it up a bit, but it's not like.. ALOT.

Can the button be used when you are not sitting in the seat?
Is the movement of the seat back visible, or noticeable?
Thanks.

tracer bullet · 05-17-2024, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

They don't move at all. If I move the button forward, I can hear the drive growling a bit, but nothing happens. When I press the button backward, nothing is heard and nothing happens.

I don't know how the Z4 works but I've had other cars where 1 direction inflates a bladder of some sort (a pump runs) and the other lets the air out. Z4 could be mechanical?

Either way what I wondered was if it was working at all. If you are not feeling it move then... maybe it's actually physically broken? And so you are now wondering how to repair it.

Mike38 · 05-17-2024, 01:33 PM

This would explain why the drive sound is only heard when the button is moved forward (narrowed), while moving it backwards releases air, which requires no motor.
I will try to lean more against the sides of the seat back when pushing the button backwards and push the air out.

Horseman · 05-17-2024, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

Can the button be used when you are not sitting in the seat?
Is the movement of the seat back visible, or noticeable?
Thanks.

Can it be used while not in the seat? of course... are you going to notice it without feeling it? Probably not... not sure why you'd want to adjust a seat when you're not sitting in it so you can feel whether or not it's comfortable for you though.

Mike38 · 05-17-2024, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseman

Can it be used while not in the seat? of course... are you going to notice it without feeling it? Probably not... not sure why you'd want to adjust a seat when you're not sitting in it so you can feel whether or not it's comfortable for you though.

To see if it works because I can't feel any movement of the seat in my back.

Horseman · 05-17-2024, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

To see if it works because I can't feel any movement of the seat in my back.

If you're not feeling it move, then you may need to take it in to the dealer or a shop to get looked at.

Mike38 · 05-17-2024, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

This would explain why the drive sound is only heard when the button is moved forward (narrowed), while moving it backwards releases air, which requires no motor.
I will try to lean more against the sides of the seat back when pushing the button backwards and push the air out.

Tried. Not works. No release / extension.

tracer bullet · 05-17-2024, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

Tried. Not works. No release / extension.

I don't know for sure that it's an air bladder. It could be mechanical. So instead of a woosh you might need a hum. Either way, it definitely is not working if it can only go one-way.

Agreed to talk to where you bought car from. I remember you recently purchased it. Was it from a dealership? Even if it was from somewhere else perhaps there's a bit of a warranty with it?

M6BEL · 05-17-2024, 03:34 PM

Still waiting for my Z4, so can’t check myself: I wonder if the passenger seat has the same controls. If that is the case then check if the behaviour is the same as for the driver seat.

Josh-PA · 05-17-2024, 03:49 PM

did you try the passenger seat? At least that should identify if you're feeling adjustment and whether the drivers side is broken.

Wynnsiensheng · 05-18-2024, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike38

To see if it works because I can't feel any movement of the seat in my back.

If you can’t feel it move my reaction would be that the function is not working and needs repair 🤷&zwj;♂️

Mike38 · 05-18-2024, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I don't know for sure that it's an air bladder. It could be mechanical. So instead of a woosh you might need a hum. Either way, it definitely is not working if it can only go one-way.

Agreed to talk to where you bought car from. I remember you recently purchased it. Was it from a dealership? Even if it was from somewhere else perhaps there's a bit of a warranty with it?

The factory warranty is still valid for one year.
After the weekend I will go to the dealer in our city.

05-17-2024, 07:50 AM	#1
Mike38 Enlisted Member 9 Rep 33 Posts Drives: VW Golf 7 Join Date: Apr 2024 Location: Czech Rep. iTrader: (0)	Adjusting the width of the seat back I have a problem with adjusting the width of the seat back (electrically adjustable). I'm not wide (6ft 2in + 80kg) but I can't open the sides of the seat back without pressing on my ribs. That's why I'm always trying to get a better position during the ride and I'm not enjoying it. Is this a problem with all new Z4s or is the adjustment of the seat back width not working correctly for me?
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05-17-2024, 08:39 AM	#4
RigaTony1982 Colonel 2647 Rep 2,096 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW Z4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW Z4 M40i [7.75]	Just an FYI as well (though probably not related to the issue), the seat width adjustment and lumbar adjustment don't tie in with the seat memory settings. __________________ 2023 Z4 M40i - San Francisco Red Metallic/Ivory White Past: 2021 M340i xDrive - Sunset Orange Metallic/Black w/blue stitching
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05-17-2024, 09:32 AM	#6
RavenGX Lieutenant 1105 Rep 425 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 G29 M40i Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Antwerp iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW Z4 M40i [9.52]	there should be a small rectangular button the side of the seat, you can use to adjust the seat bolsters you can push it either on the front or the backside to open/close the bolster a bit more. You can also maybe try to blow up the lumbar support a little, so you are not swallowed as much by the seat like suggested above __________________ 2019 BMW Z4 G29 M40i @600hp - Insta: ZZZZ_M40i
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05-17-2024, 01:33 PM	#13
Mike38 Enlisted Member 9 Rep 33 Posts Drives: VW Golf 7 Join Date: Apr 2024 Location: Czech Rep. iTrader: (0)	This would explain why the drive sound is only heard when the button is moved forward (narrowed), while moving it backwards releases air, which requires no motor. I will try to lean more against the sides of the seat back when pushing the button backwards and push the air out.
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05-17-2024, 03:34 PM	#19
M6BEL Enlisted Member 116 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 740Le, X5, i3, Z4 M40i (soon) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Still waiting for my Z4, so can’t check myself: I wonder if the passenger seat has the same controls. If that is the case then check if the behaviour is the same as for the driver seat. Last edited by M6BEL; 05-17-2024 at 03:41 PM..
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05-17-2024, 03:49 PM	#20
Josh-PA Second Lieutenant 966 Rep 297 Posts Drives: 991.2, n55 e88, B58 G05 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: SEPA iTrader: (0)	did you try the passenger seat? At least that should identify if you're feeling adjustment and whether the drivers side is broken.
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