450knotOffice

I've got a bone stock 2000 C2 with the standard mechanical seats with the electric recline. Now I have to say that I've got two other Porsches, a 1984 Carrera with the stock "sport" seats and a brand new 2007 Cayman, also with standard seats.

With that said, the seats in my 996 are far and away the most uncomfortable seats I've ever sat in. The problem seems to be an overabundance of lower back lumbar support. It basically feels like I've constantly got someone's knee sticking in the small of my back. I swear, I've never fiddled with seats as much as these trying to find a comfortable position. In contrast, the seats in the '84 and those in my wife's Cayman are supremely comfortable, with none of the severe lower back lumbar support built in.

Am I the only one to notice this, and if not, what have you guys done about this issue? I'm seriously considering trying to find some alternate seats to put in - maybe Cayman, 997, or even Boxster seats.

What do you guys think about this?

nick49

The standard seats in my wife's Boxster are the same as yours and I have sat in the drivers seat as well a passengers seat for hundreds of miles without issues. My 996 has Sports Seats and these are probably the most comfortable seats I've sat in. 1700 miles in 3 days and when I got home I didn't want to get out of the car they were so comfortable ;-) I find the standard seats in the Boxster more comfortable than the ones in my wife's '06 Lexus. I've heard of people stuffing things in the lumbar area before and maybe this has been done on your car. BTW I am 6' and 185#.

450knotOffice

Interesting. I'll take a look behind the cushion. Thanks.

WPOZZZ

Scott - We have the same cars and my experience has been that the Carrera 3.2 seats are more comfortable than the 996. I have no idea why, but I have a much better seating position in the 3.2.

TamiyaGuy

So, I'm one of those guys that gets into a car and cranks the lumbar sport until the lower cushion is practically popping out of the seat. Sooooo... I find my seat quite comfortable.

However, I can understand the frustration of an uncomfortable seat. Spoils the whole experience. May I suggest foregoing a Porsche seat altogether and getting a high-end Recaro? The number of adjustments will give you a better chance of finding a comfortable seating position.

Peter

wross996tt

Get GT3 seats!

djantlive

no problem w my std seats. wish they have a little more lateral support, that's all.

i suspect your seat may be modified. is the passenger the same way?

450knotOffice

I managed to peek behind the seat cushion and found no pillow or anything like that back there. However, both seats have a spring-like structure that basically pushes the cushion away from the shell. It looks like it belongs there.

Oh well. I'll keep fiddling until I can find some seats I like. Any recommendations (besides pricy GT3 seats).

Steven C.

Mine use to bother me until I had a butectomy Much better now

MJBird993

I agree, but in reverse. My '02 has standard seats with the supple leather option. I wish it had more lumbar support, not less.

Just goes to show you, you can't please everyone (so you've got to please yourself).

Michael

Kolshak

I too find MY01 seat highly uncomfortable for long drives (over 2 hours) and I end with back pain. I hope I can explain this correctly while taking my first sip of coffee. It isn't due to the lumbar support (which I like) but rather the fact the front section of the lower part of the seat is higher then the rear part of the lower seat. For short, spirited drives it is great but for longer drives it puts a a lot of strain on the lower back because the knees are higher then the @ss. I know someone who went to a trim shop and for $100 had another cushion (~12in X 2in.) added to the back section of horizontal part of the seat and it looks/works great. Much cheaper option then new seats.
I found sitting on a thin, memory foam cushion also works well for longer drive.

Tippy

My seats are the best of any car I have owned, ride in a CLK Benz and you will appreciate your seats. In the past, this was the biggest complaint from the CLK owners, and I totally understand why after riding in my ex's car.

nycebo

Completely agreed. I've had an Acura, 2 Corrados, a Jeep, an M3, and a Boxster S (same as 996) and the 996 seats fit me like a glove.

It's definitely a personal preference thing as everyone here has suggested. You might want to sit in a few other 996 seats and check if they feel the same as yours, or maybe even discover that yours is defective. Otherwise, there are literally dozens of options to choose from in the aftermarket and you're best course is to sit in each of them and get the one that feels best. Nothing ruins a nice drive like incorrect and uncomfortable sitting position.

One last thing comes to mind, have tried moving the seat bottom a little farther back (away from the pedals) and tilting the seat farther forward (more vertical)? Sometimes when a seat is too reclined, it exaggerates the lumbar pinch a bit. Let us know what you discover.

washington dc porsche

Funny thing is, I believe mine lacks lumbard support.

TOORUF

Scott, I have the sport seats and I think they are the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. Try them next time I see you.