This is true; the comfort seats did force me to realize that I was sitting too far back and with too much recline ... for 25 years

I've since adjusted them to what I believe is the correct posture, and I've gotten used to it, and even prefer it. But still, there's that one point at the axis of the upper back support that exerts too much pressure. I hope that one day I'll find the sweet spot.

 

The headrest and the upper back portion are both adjustable on the holy grail of chairs. But you knew this cause you are psychic right? Do yourself a favor and check out this chair - Humanscale will drop it off at your office for a week or two to try out.

 

I think he was talking about his desk chair not being adjustable like the comfort seats.

Anyway, I played around today with mine, and they seem a bit better. Like RaveD, I've always sat as far back as the seats would go in my other cars, but I never reclined too much, quite the opposite...sat very upright. I had similar back pains with the standard seats in my 530xi, but that went away after a few long months. I sat rather close with those seats, after realizing that by moving forward, it relieved some stress on the spine. So, I figured that my back would fall right into place with the comfort seats, but it did not.

I even took distance measurements of the seats in my old xi to try and adjust the M5's comfort seats to the same positions. Even with that, it didn't work.

Today, I realized I was sitting, once again, back too far...even though I was already closer than in my xi. Instead of trying to sit totally upright like common sense & old habits told me, I let my upper body roll forward a bit, in a slightly more "C" curvature by adjusting the top, shoulder part forward, along with moving the entire seat forward. I think that took the pressure off my spine, as far as the arched, "foot in the back" feeling. It also seems to help to have the head and shoulders more supported with the new adjustments.

And it didn't ache too much after I got home. I think with a bit more tweaking, I'll have it just right!

 

Hi guys! don't You think it is funny after 5 years since e60 launch to read about annoying I drive? Can't these guys learn how to use it instead of writing about it for the 100th time? I am really getting sick and tired of it. Just my opinion...

 

Bugs me too. It really isn't that hard to learn. I mean I guess when your in the car for only a hour it would be a little more of a pain. But enough already.

Though they have a hard time admitting its the future of what alot of cars will be like. People want so many bells and whistles that you can't have a 100 buttons on the dash.

 

I would have stopped reading after I read "a still frustrating and unintuitive iDrive." The fact that people think the iDrive is complicated is mind-boggling to me. Yes, it takes a little getting used to, but I had the entire iDrive figured out within an hour or two. That being said, I have not driven any of the cars in this test. I have a 535i with sports pkg and I think the ride is on the harsher side, but I would take that over being on the softer side anyday. I have never driven a Lexus that doesn't feel like you are riding in a boat! Way too soft in the corners for my taste. Plus, the only one that you can get with a true manual transmission in this group in the 550, so I would not even consider the others.

 

Re the comfort seats, to reduce the lumbar support, press in a bit with your back when deflating. Also make sure its where you want it up or down before deflating since it seems to inflate a bit when moving.

Also try this for a better uppper back position. Use the upper back tilt to bring the headrest closer to you. Not only does it make that more comfortable, it increases shoulder support and takes the support away from the lower shoulder blades.

Finally, I have my side supports adjusted in most of the time. This better supports your mid back as well and reduces pressure from the lumbar support. Since they release when exiting the car, they are no issue to have as tight as you want while driving.

I have done a 400 mile trip in the car and many 200 mile days (with hard driving at that) and feel fine and refreshed after the drives.

 

This is simple...Critics and other Car manufacturers rag on BMW, but only because BMW sets the Benchmark and no manufacturer has ever been able to come close. BMW almost always brings technology and innovation to market first and some might argue that because Lexus is close but BMW is more focused on safety innovations rather than fancy cupholders or a car that helps parallel park itself. There are some other fine automobiles out there but only a true driver deserves and appreciates a BMW...and you know who you are

 

There actually is a recent article in Motor Trend that said something about automotive journalists and magazine praising BMWs because they were BMWs. The writer went on to say that this is due to the fact that BMW made such fantastic cars that thumped the competition in comparison tests, journalists and magazines began to automatically praise BMWs even if they were bad. Admittedly, my opinion is biased, but I do believe that there is no such thing as a bad BMW. I've owned several since I learned how to drive, and personally, outside of some very exclusive sports cars/super cars, nothing beats a BMW driving experience. How many times has BMW been on the CAR & DRIVER Top 10 list (3 series and 5 series)? In how many comparison tests has BMW thrashed the competition to force them back to the drawing board to produce a better car, only to lose another comparison test? The 5 series is a benchmark for many automotive manufacturers as a gauge for their products. Notice the number of advertisements with claims such as: more room than~ faster than~ more powerful than~ more reliable than~ and the list goes on and on. All of us in this forum knows that BMW (specifically our 5 series) is the "Ultimate Driving Machine". Let the haters say whatever they'd like. We all know the truth.

As for the comparison tests, wait till the F10 comes out and we'll have years of gloating to look forward to!

I can't seem to find the link for that Motor Trend article, but when I do find it, I will post it on this thread. FYI, my avatar is from that article...

 

e60 is getting old, i dont care, when the f10 comes out, bmw will be on top once again!

anyways, motor trend sucks camel dick