lower back pain from AMG seats and a solution.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
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From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
lower back pain from AMG seats and a solution.
I have to admit that my 18 E63 Wagon is the most uncomfortable car that I have to sit in for any stretch of time. I have had two back surgeries, numerous dirtbike getoffs, too much time sitting in a cockpit, and probably wearing boots like sneakers. I have two Jeeps with essentially the same cabin and seats (JL and JT) and a 2010 911. My motorcycles are no problem either. The Porsche has always been the most comfortable followed by the jeeps and well then their is the E63.
I could do maybe 45 minutes before my lower butt cheek would start to kill me. (60, 6.2, 187lbs). I broke down and ordered these cushions..
I have to say that the lower back cushion made a huge difference. I drove 500 miles over two days and other than normal stiffness of just that experience in itself.. the lower back was not an issue.
So I just wanted to put it out there for people who might not want to admit that the seats can suck in these cars.
I could do maybe 45 minutes before my lower butt cheek would start to kill me. (60, 6.2, 187lbs). I broke down and ordered these cushions..
I have to say that the lower back cushion made a huge difference. I drove 500 miles over two days and other than normal stiffness of just that experience in itself.. the lower back was not an issue.
So I just wanted to put it out there for people who might not want to admit that the seats can suck in these cars.
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Joined: Jan 2023
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18 E63s Wagon
Which seats do you have in your wagon? I personally think the AMG performance seats (Recaro) are extremely comfortable and fit me like a glove. But that's me. I have never sat in the comfort or non performance seats in an AMG but have sat in the comfort seats of a 2022 GLS450 and did not like them for the 30 seconds I was in them, the seat bottom was like a flat piece of foam that had no support... could only imagine what a long drive would have felt like.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
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From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
Which seats do you have in your wagon? I personally think the AMG performance seats (Recaro) are extremely comfortable and fit me like a glove. But that's me. I have never sat in the comfort or non performance seats in an AMG but have sat in the comfort seats of a 2022 GLS450 and did not like them for the 30 seconds I was in them, the seat bottom was like a flat piece of foam that had no support... could only imagine what a long drive would have felt like.
It's all subjective. I've always hated cushions in seats of cars as it made me think that it was an "old person" thing but we had visited France this last summer and were carted around in a brand new S sedan (and BMW 7). The S had neck cushions that we actually liked so I ordered them first and then added the back cushions for ****s and giggles as they matched my interior OEM like. So the combo works pretty nicely if you are tall. Shorties will have the neck cushion in the back the head and that isn't pleasant.
By the way.. the new S blew the BMW away as far as back seat comfort. The 7's windshield seems to cut lower at the roof than the Benz and whilst sitting in the back seat you always feel like you have a baseball cap on looking out the front window. Lots of cool tech in the BMW but if I was really an old man.. the S would be for me.. hahahaha
Now about that Tacan Cross Turismo..
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Joined: Jan 2023
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18 E63s Wagon
If you get the opportunity to try out the AMG performance seats in an E class I highly recommend. I would not buy this car without them, they are awesome, have driven 6+ hours in them and no fatigue or hurting parts of my body. Just have to learn proper technique to get in and out of them to minimize wear on the bolster (I do a hand in the doorsill near the kickplate to support my weight while putting my rear end in the seat)
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,432
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
I find it somewhat ironic how the AMG Performance seats have a reputation of being uncomfortable purely because they are almost bucket seats, but end up being super comfortable on long drives. Yes, getting in and out takes more work than a normal seat, but once you are in, they hold you in place so you don't have to use your muscles to stay in the seat constantly. I find normal seats uncomfortable, because they provide little support and ultimately cause fatigue in the back. I've even heard from folks with back injuries that the AMG Performance seats take the strain off their backs way more than normal seats. I would also not get an AMG w/o the Performance seats. They are a must. I've done several almost 12 hour trips in them and I wouldn't trade them for any other seats. Recaro has always known how to make proper seats. FWIW, I'm not quite as old as you at 51 and I'm 5'11" ~176 lbs, fit and no injuries. Seat comfort also comes down to one's core muscle strength.
Having said that, I have to say, I wasn't all that much of a fan of the new AMG Performance seats in the new CLE 53 and the new C63 SE. I'm not sure, but I think they are no longer made by Recaro. Interestingly, the new GT 63 coupe still has the old Recaro AMG Performance seats. I drove both back to back last month in Germany, and the old Recaros are still my favorite.
Having said that, I have to say, I wasn't all that much of a fan of the new AMG Performance seats in the new CLE 53 and the new C63 SE. I'm not sure, but I think they are no longer made by Recaro. Interestingly, the new GT 63 coupe still has the old Recaro AMG Performance seats. I drove both back to back last month in Germany, and the old Recaros are still my favorite.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,257
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From: USA
2018 E63S Wagon, 2017 Z51 Corvette
My AMG has the regular seats and I find them uncomfortable. I also have a C7 Corvette with the performance seats. Each time I sit in that car I get a subconscious - "Ooo, that's soo right!"
AMG - 45 to 60 mins and I'm thinking of pulling over. I wish I had the performance seats. I don't see how they could be any worse than the stock seats.
Thx cyclrder, I'm placing my order.
Ugh. no black.
AMG - 45 to 60 mins and I'm thinking of pulling over. I wish I had the performance seats. I don't see how they could be any worse than the stock seats.
Thx cyclrder, I'm placing my order.
Ugh. no black.
Last edited by TugboatBill; Nov 4, 2024 at 10:36 AM.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
