Increase Head Room

[fl_infin]

Hi everyone-

To make a long story short, I am still shopping for another M/Q70 and found a couple of beautiful hybrids that I have my eye one. But one problem is that I am 6"4 -6"5 and I noticed that the headroom felt a lot tighter than my previous 08 M35 did. I saw on the official specs that headroom is actually about half an inch less in the current generation, and is now considered a mid size car by EPA car class standards instead of a full size car. (and I was surprised to see that apparently the Q50 even has more head room.)

I remember seeing that on the G models you could modify the seat frame somewhat to get an extra inch or so of headroom, so I was wondering if anyone has ever tried this with their car? I know that a lot of parts are shared between the two so I was wondering if the seat frame is one of them?

Any input is appreciated!

[Ilya]

I'm not familiar with anyone modifying the Y51 seat rails, so you'd probably be a pioneer in that department. You might have to lean the seat back a smidge more...

[fl_infin]

@Ilya-

When you say lean the seat back a little more, you mean that modifying it would result in that or did you mean for just getting a little extra room? Ironically the seat back itself stops about 6 inches from the top of my shoulders, so unfortunately it isn't the most comfortable position to drive in.

I am trying to find parts number information to see if that would give some insight but so far no luck.

Thank you for the suggestion though!

[Ilya]

No I mean without any modification, just put the seat back back a little more which will in turn allow you to get the head room you need. However, it may result in another uncomfortable position as you said since your arms may be further from the wheel, etc.

You can try to use a site like infinitipartsusa.com or something to get the part numbers of the seats and/or rails and do some comparisons between models. But, I've been round these parts for nearly a decade and the only 'seat rail' topics I am aware of are on the 06-10 Y50 platform which the issue of seat rails breaking/cracking and causing the seat to move under heavy breaking or acceleration (my 07 M35x had that issue but was fixed under warranty).

Perhaps go to a junk yard and get a trashed seat from one of those other models and try to do some tests with your seat? If it works, do a HowTo! If it doesn't, you only spent a few bucks and didn't lose anything. I wouldn't do any cutting, etc. until you are damn sure you need to, etc.

Another alternative is to go to a shop specializing in such jobs (not sure an upholstery shop would work) and have them give you an option(s).

[biggie]

I'm the same height, never had an issue with the seat all the way down. The L gives me more room to lean back if needed without cramping anyone behind me.

[Debonair]

Old post with some pics that may help.

M37 Seat Mods

[Malbec 56 Beast]

My brother in law is about 6/5" and had zero issue with headroom.
The vehicle might have an issue with going all the way to the bottom, that is the only thing I can see going on.

Is it the same with all the Q/M models that you drove?

The horizontal knob is the one that you push down on to lower the seat front and back. I don't think you aren't able to figure it out it just sounds like there might be a mechanical issue going on with it.

[Oleg92]

There is a setting to lower the seat. im 5"10 and i still got mine all the way down. Just because i dont like to feel being so high up and tensed, The lowest setting is my favorite. but to each its own.

[fl_infin]

@ Ilya- Yeah, a custom job is what I was thinking might be the best option, I just wasn't sure how labor intensive that kind of thing would be. I plan on calling around to see if anyone is willing to do it before I pull the trigger on the car.

@biggie- I usually am just by myself in the car, so L is nice but not a necessity. Sadly though the L isn't available as a hybrid

@malbec 56- I too was surprised. I didn't see a reason why this one would be different other than maybe that this most recent one was a pre-refresh model, but to my knowledge no seat changes were made when the refresh was done. Just to clarify, I fit but it is very tight and my hair does brush the ceiling. I keep going back and forth because I love the way it drove but obviously if you are uncomfortable with a car on a day to day basis that doesn't matter.

[fl_infin]

@Debonair - Thank you! If I do decide to go the modification route that will be useful as a reference!

[biggie]

Is there something with the hybrid that the seats are different?

I had no issue with my M56 before my L.

[Malbec 56 Beast]

FL
I was just thinking that car had issues with the seat track or mechanism.
Did you have the same issue with the other cars.
You should fit fine.
My brother is 6'3"
Brother in law 6'5" and they all fit now issues.
Good luck