"This entry is part of my Interior Program for The Stripper. I seek to create my own blueprint to a GTS interior, with a bit more flare.

In this entry, I discuss the M3 V8's seating problem and the Recaro solutions. I go in-depth on the RECARO JP Spec mounting solution and compare seating position with OEM and Recaro's EuroSpec solution for the M3 V8, 1M and F8x Mx cars

TL;DR: It is the lowest sliding mounts for these cars - and it uses all RECARO original hardware."
- Matt

The M3 V8 seating problem. 

The original E9x M3 was an unfinished masterpiece by BMW M in a few aspects; the seats and seating position are at the top of the list for many for 2x specific reasons: they are unsupportive and they sit too high. 

Taller drivers end up with their head near the headliner. The limited space can make it impossible to wear a helmet. At 6'1, I've always felt like sitting on "top" of the car, making for a relatively awkward driving position and overall experience.

The original seats fit as such due to design constraints; the M3 V8 center console and floor layout, along with the clearances required to fit the myriad of electrical motors, modules and the adjustable mechanisms. 

Having a manual seat proved no better; BMW did not alter the design and mass produced the seat bases for all 1 series and 3 series of the E8x and E9x generation. BMW continued production of this seat frame design into the F3x F8x generations across all non-M and M cars. 

Recaro's solutions. 

When it comes to Recaro seat mounting solutions, I prioritize Recaro mounting solutions for an often overlooked aspect of seats: safety. Recaro certifies their mounts to high quality standards such as TUV/ABE. 

Additionally, Recaro mounting solutions include everything you need: variants of plain and seat belt brackets, hardware for every variant of their modular designs and OE-like design aesthetics and finish quality. 

Aftermarket mounting solutions are most often less expensive upfront, but they make important compromises in safety, design, functionalities and seating position. Moreover, it's been my experience that aftermarket manufacturers do not provide complete kits; there's always something missing.

EuroSpec OE+ solution.

Over the years, I have sourced, tested and documented various OE+ mounting solutions for RECARO seats specific to this original BMW seat frame and slider design. By definition, OE+ refers to using mounts that interconnect the original BMW units to your RECARO seat. 

These solutions are popular as they are the affordable, pragmatic and safe. 

The RECARO EuroSpec mounting solution is Recaro's TUV approved mounting solution manufactured. RECARO designed the brackets to sit as low as technically feasible on the original sliders. 

The EuroSpec solution integrates a seat belt bracket for sedan variants and a metal cover to hide the rails on the door side. Additionally, it is a modular design compatible with the RECARO steel side mounts. It also includes connectors to delete airbags on the original wiring harness. 

There is a less obvious downside: this solution is exclusively compatible with manual sliders. If you don't have them, you'll need to source a brand new seat base, or find used manual seats.

Recaro's JP Spec solution. 

In a similar manufacturing strategy to BBS, RECARO Automotive has manufacturing facilities in Europe and in Japan to serve OEM vehicle manufacturers in close proximity. 

As such, RECARO Japan has created their own unique seat and baseframe designs. It is quite difficult to source RECARO Japan products for non-domestic businesses. They are stringent about export and there's a cultural barrier. 

Through connections, I was able to source the JP Spec mounting solution for the M3 V8 - it also fits the 1M and F8x Mx cars.

Complete solution. 

The JP Spec solution differs entirely from the EuroSpec: it is a complete solution. It includes new sliders, floor brackets, seat belt brackets and all the hardware required to install it.

Their design is extremely compact and optimizes for the lowest seating position possible in combination with a sliding mechanism.

To do so, they designed the sliders off four (4x) feet, slightly raising the slider profile to skim the uneven floors of our chassis. Additionally, the seat belt brackets are integrated onto the sliders directly with rivets and are inverted compared to the EuroSpec, sitting as low as possible.

All hardware.

The JP Spec mounting solution includes all the hardware required for every fitment variants for Recaro reclinable and bucket seat configurations. It also includes numerous spacers and bolts to adjust overall height of the seat if they end up being too low for your needs.

They also include fabric sleeves with adhesive backing to hide away wires and seat belt pre-tensioner cables. 

Compatible with sedans.

The JP Spec mounting solution is designed with E90/F80/F30 sedans in mind. Both sides have integrated seat belt brackets that allow connection directly to the seats using original hardware. 

Compatible with bucket seats. 

As with the EuroSpec solution, the JP Spec is also modular and allows interoperability with original Recaro side mounts to fit bucket seats. The overall height is designed to ensure your bucket does not touch and scrap against the seat flooring.

Pictured below are the Recaro Pole Position / SPG side mounts. The Recaro Podium side mounts are also compatible. 

JP Spec v EuroSpec v OEM. 

The ultimate goal of the JP Spec is to solve the M3 V8's seating position problem. To illustrate this, I mounted Sportster CS seats on their respective Recaro mounting solutions and compared them side by side. 

Measurements.

I've measured the original sliders with OEM seats, EuroSpec with Sportster CS and JP Spec with Sportster CS in an attempt to provide objective data. 

The OEM height is more difficult to set measure a measurement for; the seat is entirely different. If you use the frame underneath the leather bolsters as a reference point, it's roughly 5 inches off the ground whereas the EuroSpec is at 3.5 inches and JP Spec is at 2.75 inches.

Mounts	Height (in)	Delta (in)	Height (cm)	Delta (cm)
OEM	5.00	-	12.70	-
EuroSpec	3.50	-1.50	8.89	-3.81
JP Spec	2.75	-2.25	6.99	-5.72

 

In car test. 

The ultimate test would be in the car; the intersections of the dash, hood, steering wheel, A pillars and headliner create the overall feel to seating position and the driving experience. 

@fasterthangts had a need to replace his SPG XLs with a "family-friendly" reclinable seat solution. The half cage and rear seat delete was sold off and Thomas opted for Sportster CS seats onto which we bolted the JP Spec mounting solution.

The JP Spec mounting solution is slightly more of a struggle to install. The rear floor brackets required washers under and above, alignment requires patience considering the space limitations.  

Nonetheless, it was all worth it when we get to sit in the driver seat. 

Thomas is 6'3 and sports a wild, full head of hair that would come in contact with the headliner with the original seats. Not anymore; the 2.25in made the difference (!) and provided the needed head clearance. Additionally, the sliders moved the seat forward enough to slide in the baby seat on the rear seats.

At 6'1, the seating position felt just right for me. My eyeline is just above the dash, any lower and I could not see the power dome. It felt right - akin to my E46 M3. 

The pictures below capture the low seating position, most notable by the tilt handle being hidden away below the door line. 

The RECARO EuroSpec solution is a great option: it's arguably a sleeker design than the JP spec and less expensive. 

If you optimize for lowest seating position and quality - there will be no better option than the RECARO JP Spec mounting solution for your M3 V8, 1M or F8x Mx car.

It has become our go-to recommendation in our Bespoke Recaro seat program and what I use in my personal cars.