Recaro SRDs (AKA Speeds, SR3s) in an 02

[Barrosco]

I've been considering putting a set of SRD's in the 02', but I'm not entirely sure if they'll fit correctly and I'm looking for some first hand experience.

The height the seats sit at isn't what concerns me as I'm capable of changing the mounting point if need be, but what does concern me is the width of the SRD's. As we all know, 2002's are quite narrow to today's standards. I have consulted Recaro's dimensions of their current Speed's and taken some measurements inside the 02'. They will indeed physically fit, but I'm not really sure if they'll simply take up too much room inside of the car to work.

Some first hand experience in the subject would be extremely helpful.

Thanks,

Alex

[Ian]

You night want to reconsider the SRDs. I have them in my car and love them, but they are a tight fit, and required cutting out the stock seat assembly, and fabbing some supports. For me they were too high on the stock mounts, so I lowered the attachment point, and shoved them as far inboard as possible, so that the "wings" of the seats don't hit the windows. The SRDs are wider than the 320i Recaros on top, and this makes installation tight. Here are a couple of pics from my installation.

[Barrosco]

You night want to reconsider the SRDs. I have them in my car and love them, but they are a tight fit, and required cutting out the stock seat assembly, and fabbing some supports. For me they were too high on the stock mounts, so I lowered the attachment point, and shoved them as far inboard as possible, so that the "wings" of the seats don't hit the windows. The SRDs are wider than the 320i Recaros on top, and this makes installation tight. Here are a couple of pics from my installation.

Your info is very much appreciated, that's exactly what I was looking for. I figured those "wings" would prove to be an issue with the door clearance. I recall seeing somebody's car locally which had a set of Corbeaus comparable to the SRD's and I believe he pushed his inboard. Although he may have had to do that because of the bolsters.

I do have one question though. How has shifting the mounting points horizontally affected the driving position, has it pushed you off center from the wheel? As long as I know it's possible to squeeze them in there I'll probably go ahead and pull the trigger on a set. I've yet to sit in a more comfortable seat than the SRD's.

[Ian]

Yes,moving the mounting points inboard changes your relation to the steering wheel and the pedals slightly.

[c.d.iesel]

SRD's are perfect for 02's

any seat needs altered mounting towards the trans tunnel

that also places you more to the center of the steering column and pedals

Win Win Win

"CAUTION!"

do Site Search - but watch out for site

virus when you go in there

it's been spreading a big-bug

lately on some of our poluters

[Barrosco]

SRD's are perfect for 02's

any seat needs altered mounting towards the trans tunnel

that also places you more to the center of the steering column and pedals

Win Win Win

"CAUTION!"

do Site Search - but watch out for site

virus when you go in there

it's been spreading a big-bug

lately on some of our poluters

I know you're quite fond of sarcasm C.D., although I can't tell if this is one of those instances. Is the stock location actually off center from the wheel and pedals to begin with? I feel like I've read that before, but never confirmed it.

I did do some searching beforehand, but only through Google. I've always had a hard time using the F.A.Q. engine. The only thing I found in my searches was very minimal info coming from somebody saying that the SRD's sat too high in the stock mount locations. I'll go ahead and do a site search and see if I can find any other quibbles.

[M3M3M3]

2002's are indeed narrow to put seats into. the other factor is the slope of the tranny tunnel. the lower the seat, the more it gets pushed outboard.

i know sparco evo's will not fit due to the wide flare on the front of the seat. the ERGO II is about a big as can be shoehorned in. the below ergo is mounted on stock 02 mounts and jammed against the tranny tunnel. seat is centered on wheel. i will be cutting out the stock mounts to lower it, but only have 3/4in clearance on the door left.

i have tried a few seats....