I asked this question on the Bimmerfest E36 forum but I'll ask here too since you all are usually so helpful.
I know Miata guys talk about doing a "foam-ectomy" or bolting seats to the floor to get more headroom and I'm wondering if there are any common (and inexpensive) solutions like this for the BMW. It's an old '92 318i with manual adjust seats which my searching tells me are already a bit lower than powered seats. I could just get a cheap aftermarket sport seat but I'd like to stay comfortable on the drive to work.
My issue: I'm a tall guy with a tall torso which makes it difficult to fit in smaller cars sometimes (ok, most of the time.) So I have to lean the seat way back and my head is still almost touching the roof which makes an awkward driving position and I like to sit closer to the wheel. It seems like I would fit well if the seat were a few inches lower. Also, It would be ok, I think, if it didn't have the sunroof taking up space in the ceiling. If I can get the driving position right I think this car will go from, "Yeah I like driving it," to "The whole car fits like a glove and is my favorite and I want to take all the long drives just for fun."
I like the Porsche 924 where it feels like you sit on the ground to drive it.
I don't have any specifics for your 92 318i, but my general thought on ANY question like this goes:
Step 1: Check and see if the same (shaped, color doesn't matter) seats are reasonably available at the junk yard
Step 2: Perform foamectomy
Step 3 (optional): Realize you screwed up and go salvage the foam out of said junk yard seat..
So far, I haven't needed step 3, but I haven't done a lot of them, either.
Many people mention on here that sunroofs take away around two inches of headroom along with adding weight to the top of a car, so if you can find someone with a slicktop to trade you straight up, would work to your benefit. I would also try to bolt the seat to the floor first, then try a foamectomy. Those are the cheapest options. The third option you have is to buy a used sport bucket seat like a Sparco or Corbeau seat. They do make reclining seats with good bolstering that are ideal for street driving. They may be hard to find at a good price, though.
Can the seat tracks, or risers be changed to reduce the height?
E46 seats supposedly sit lower. I have them in my 99 e36, I'll try and measure them to see, I still have my stock seats. The e46 seats are power and I had manual and they were easy to wire up, heavier though. They also have an adjustment for the seat angle so that might help you as well. Picked mine up for $175, not super cheaper but a lot cheaper then most aftermarket seats.
According to this thread e46 seats sit 2 in lower...
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?395727-E46-Seats-in-a-E36
In reply to Uncoiled:
Thanks, that might be a nice solution if bolting the seats to the floor doesn't work for me.
