Seats...

[JayBee]

Looking seriously to buy, just a quick Q for now on seats... Most seem to come with the RS4 bucket seats and I understand there are issues with the bolster on entry and exit and premature wear, however, how many people have gone for the sports recaro's??

Just wondered what people's thoughts are, what seats are most desirable, any confort issues with the bucket seats?? would love some pics of the recaro's if anyone has any??

Thanks

Jason

[Adam]

the buckets (and flat bottom wheel) are the key interior features of the RS4 - I would not have bought one without either in the spec.

The buckets are harder to get into / out of (and will crease more as a result) but I tyr to be careful and lift myself over and down, and will feed the leather regularly.

Some people don't get on with the buckets apparently and get back pain - i find them very comfortable but I am fairly slim if that makes a difference.

[Thorny]

I haven't got my RS yet but ordered the non-bucket Recaros as I was advised by the dealer that lots of people who had buckets had brought them back to swap for normal seats...

[Chris792]

Hi, newly registered on here - currentley waiting for RS4 saloon, expected in 3 to 4 weeks - can't wait!
Main dilemma I had when ordering was the seats issue. I think the buckets look good, but just don't see them as practical for day to day use. Hard to get in and out of, will wear a lot on points of contact, ok for driver maybe but not so much passengers - eg: girlfriend in skirt, occasionally mother etc would not appreciate.
I was also told that the buckets reduced the already not great rear leg room, but at least one thread on here states it is the opposite with the electric Recaro's reducing leg room more.
I chose the electric Recaros in black, which I now find have silver piping, not to sure about this, but will have to wait and see what they look like in the flesh.
From looking at the used website the vast majority have buckets, but there are a few with Recaro's. My dealer said that more recently the orders have been about 50:50 for the two.

[Andyuk911]

Ditto, agreed.

the buckets (and flat bottom wheel) are the key interior features of the RS4 - I would not have bought one without either in the spec.

The buckets are harder to get into / out of (and will crease more as a result) but I tyr to be careful and lift myself over and down, and will feed the leather regularly.

Some people don't get on with the buckets apparently and get back pain - i find them very comfortable but I am fairly slim if that makes a difference.

[PetrolDave]

Tried the bucket seats on my test drive and found them incredibly uncomfortable, so I've got the Recaros in silver with black piping. Look superb!

Still got the RS4 wheel though - I agree that's a "signature item".

[richardofthesun]

5' 8", 16 St, had a Demo for 1 day with buckets, and was severely concerned with comfort on long runs. Apart from the side bolster which pushed in too much, the bottom of the seat was just not wide enough. !! No cracks here, I'm on a diet !! Went for the Recaros, and very comfortable, no regrets for me, but if you're a hard driver, you might be dissapointed as you do move around in the seat quite alot when pushing it through corners.

[Jog]

I am 5' 7" and 11.5 stone and the buckets are so comfortable and give me an ideal driving position. Entry and exit from the seats does require a little more effort but you soon get used to it. I have just driven 850miles around Cornwall without any comfort issues. The choice is probably governed by you build and agility

[tartan_rob]

I am 5' 9" and 15 stone, I am stalky and initially had serious reservations about the seats but I spent about 70miles fine tuning them and now I love em. I have just done 300 mile to Newcastle as driver and 300 miles back down as passenger and I can't fault them either way. On the way up I had a little cramp in my arse and my accelerator foot but I always get that when doing the first long run a new car and have not had an issue since. They are not immediately comfortable but once you've tailored the position they are very good and supportive.

I had the recaro's on the S4 I just sold and they were immediately comfy and looked great but not as supportive on a high speed run and very deep so less room in the rear. If you try a car with buckets, spend time adjusting them, thigh and side bolsters and the lumbar support, I suspect once properly adjusted most will find them okay.

[gw007]

I think the main point is that if you have a frame on the larger size then the bucket seats can be quite uncomfortable and the Recaro's would be more suitable.

I am 6ft and 12st and I find the buckets great... they are really comfortable on a long run and as Tartan Rob says once you have them setup they are fine. You get quite used to being gripped by the seat and when I drive my other cars I end up feeling quite "loose" sat in normal seats.

The only downside is getting in and out, which is a bit of a struggle especially if you are on a bit of a camber/hill.

[JayBee]

Guys, many thanks for the replies, it sounds like there are mixed feelings, I have only had a quick test drive so far, planning to have a longer one soon, I have an M3 at the moment and I like the adjustable bolsters in that, it did take me ages to get my seat right in that also...

Anyone have any decent pics, or can point my in the right direction??

Thanks

Jason

[JamesW]

Jason,

I'm 6'2 and 16 Stone, and had real reservations about the buckets when I first got my car, as they seemed too tight, and not very comfortable. Nearly swapped my car as a result!

However, within 500 miles, they had 'given' quite a lot, and with careful adjustment, they became more and more comfortable over time, even in Sport mode. If I can get comfortable in them ,suspect most people can. They're just a bit stiff and tight whe brand new...

YMMV,

James

[Jezzer]

I can't see what the problem is with the buckets. They are both comfortable and easy to get on with for me. They also look so much sportier than the Recaros and are all part of the proper RS interior. I don't believe people have swapped their seats from buckets to Recaros especially when you consider the cost for the swap.

[RS4-RAG]

Bucket Seats are part of the RS4 Experience.

[sykotoy]

the interior is what will set it appart from anything , including the new m3 heres a few interiors.//
http://web.mac.com/richardjeans171/iWeb ... Track.html