Seats

[DEZIMADE]

I’m looking to update the seats I’m my 2002. What are you guys favorite seats. Dez

[SydneyTii]

Have a search there are loads of really good posts on this very subject, everything from OEM to Recaro to Scheel, it’s been written about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 7, 2021 by SydneyTii

[Mike Self]

Two main considerations when adapting Someone Else's seats to a 2002:

1. height.  '02 seat mounts are quite high up, while many other cars' seats are mounted on tracks that are bolted to the floor.   Thus you'll either be sitting way too high on those adapted seats, or you'll have to remove the original 2002 seat tracks and bolt new ones to the car's floor
2. width. measure the space between the outer sill and the tunnel housing to insure your adapted seats aren't too wide for the space. 

That being said, as was pointed out, folks have adapted many, many different seats to work properly in a 2002, so read up on the subject, then visit your local Pick 'n Pull with a shopping list of adaptable seats--after inventorying your own fabricating skills.

 

mike

[TobyB]

3.  The stock seat is not centered in the rails.  So if you use a seat that's centered, you will sit outboard of the steering wheel and pedals.  It's less annoying than it sounds.

 

t

 

[Slavs]

 Content removed by Author.

Edited August 9, 2021 by Slavs

[SydneyTii]

I’m with Slavs, I love the look of standard seats, and I have recaros, but I only have them as every time I got out of the car after a long drive, I put my back out, just to many old injuries, they just didn’t support me enough, and mine are in good shape, the Recaros do the job and ive semi grudgingly stuck with them, I get the view of them being more bulky at the top as I see that too, if I could get my original seats to support me I’d go back to them, but structurally I can’t see how to do it.

And yes the crackers market value of Recaros is just silly now, but that’s just as you say the reality of the market.

I do like the Cobreau and Sparco more classic looking seats, especially in a more hot rod car. 

[DEZIMADE]

4 hours ago, Slavs said:

My favorite seats are stock seats in good shape.

 

"Recaro" strikes a negative chord with me. So, I'm going off on a tangent here. My comments are not directed at you, but are rather a general expression. You're absolutely correct in pointing out the exorbitant prices relating to Recaro seats.

 

As far as the Recaro seats from the e21, they fit, but I think they don't match the body lines of the car. The upper section is too tall and bulky. And, the seats are narrow and snug, if that is what you are after. But, the Recaros have become an over priced gimmick like so many other things associated with these cars.

 

Young professionals with a lot of disposable income have entered this hobby and driven the prices through the roof. They go to the 02 specialist with a list of items they want for their ideal 02. And, this list almost always includes the Recaro seats and the 240/5 five speed overdrive trans from the 320i. Let's not forget the 3.90 limited slip diff. from the same car. It's kind of like ordering fast food. The old Burger King advertising lingo from the 70s comes to mind, "Have it Your Way", spare the pickles, but I'll take the lettuce or whatever.

 

Well guess what ? They are not "Having it Your Way" with me. I'm not fueling the madness. The prices for these items are nothing short of madness. I purchased my set of Recaros from a salvage yard 25 years ago for around $40. But, I don't like them. They have been sitting around. I haven't put them into circulation because I don't want to fuel this madness. I also have a spare 240/5 trans which I purchased for $75, also from the salvage yard. I'm not going to be anybody's circus monkey and jump through the hoops for any amount of money.

 

For some of these Yuppies looking for the 02 to order I have a message; Take on a humbling task for once in your lifetime like changing out a toilet the next time it needs to be replaced. Yes ! I too attended a top tier university. But, I also realized a long time ago that coming face to face with human kind's basic byproduct is a most humbling experience. How about that for customer service or a "Business Plan". I don't care about your Dot Com or Bitcoin currency. Take it elsewhere.  I only accept clams. I don't think I would be able run an 02 business or perhaps any business at all; my hat off to all those who are able to do so.

 

 

 

awesome thanks 

[Vicleonardo1]

I love my Recaros. People are swapping them into 02's  for a reason.  Comfortable and nice fit for me on my drives couldn't be happier with them. 

But this is what is great about the world and our 02's. 

 You can do what ever you want. 

 

Cheers! 

[Solarphil]

On 7/7/2021 at 6:27 PM, TobyB said:

if you use a seat that's centered, you will sit outboard of the steering wheel and pedals.  It's less annoying than it sounds.

Another way in which the M235 was the true child of the 2002.  Looked kinda weird if you shot it just right from the back seat, but it seemed to work.

[astrakhan]

I have to say +1 for the Recaros, even beat ones. Drove pretty much straight from Chapel Hill to Chicago when II picked up the car and our butts never got sore or our backs tired.  Incredibly comfortable and nice to drive in but I also do think the stock seats look better somehow.