[KingSize.Hamster]

The U11 iX1 has been a great car in many ways. There are certainly things that I feel BMW could have done a better job but aren’t dealbreakers: delay in radio station list when car is parked in underground parking, overly compensated acceleration from dead stop on uphills, weird logic for “start” button, loud AC fan noise … etc

The only thing that really bothered me was the headrest (or head restraint as many would call them). I know this is a beaten to death topic in many forums, as many argue there is a reason for modern cars to push drivers’ head “too-forward” to prevent whiplash. However, I certainly disagree as it’s not an issue for some body heights and certainly much less of a problem when one sits in a much more reclined angle or if I put a thick cushion to mimic a taller torso. I sit in a much more upright position normally. I’m pretty sure Porsche is able to pass crash tests satisfying whiplash drills using their fixed-back bucket seats.

Obviously the solution in reality is to provide an adjustable angle/horizontal position headrests like some more-premium cars do, but to make life easier and supposedly more “fool proof” (though realistically more budget) manufacturers including BMW just have a one size fits all to pass crash tests.

Anyways I swapped out the factory U11 headrests with some G30 (or something) ones. The angle difference is minimal visually, but it made a world of a difference for me. I no longer need to recline the seats just to prevent my neck from breaking, and having a much more upright angle is so much better for my lower back.

By no means am I suggesting this mod/change is legal/safe and all that. I’m merely sharing my experience. I will not be responsible nor liable for any damage or injuries caused if anyone decides to do the same …

PS: My car has oyster sensatec interior, and I couldn’t find full sensatec headrests, so had to get the cloth ones … but they did turn out pretty well. Very happy with this.

Photos:

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by ramen.slayer

The U11 iX1 has been a great car in many ways. There are certainly things that I feel BMW could have done a better job but aren’t dealbreakers: delay in radio station list when car is parked in underground parking, overly compensated acceleration from dead stop on uphills, weird logic for “start” button, loud AC fan noise … etc

The only thing that really bothered me was the headrest (or head restraint as many would call them). I know this is a beaten to death topic in many forums, as many argue there is a reason for modern cars to push drivers’ head “too-forward” to prevent whiplash. However, I certainly disagree as it’s not an issue for some body heights and certainly much less of a problem when one sits in a much more reclined angle or if I put a thick cushion to mimic a taller torso. I sit in a much more upright position normally. I’m pretty sure Porsche is able to pass crash tests satisfying whiplash drills using their fixed-back bucket seats.

Obviously the solution in reality is to provide an adjustable angle/horizontal position headrests like some more-premium cars do, but to make life easier and supposedly more “fool proof” (though realistically more budget) manufacturers including BMW just have a one size fits all to pass crash tests.

Anyways I swapped out the factory U11 headrests with some G30 (or something) ones. The angle difference is minimal visually, but it made a world of a difference for me. I no longer need to recline the seats just to prevent my neck from breaking, and having a much more upright angle is so much better for my lower [...]

For me personally, the headrests in my sports seats are adequate, though not perfect. I can’t remember which of my cars had it, it was either my e90 or f32, but it had tiltable headrests.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

For me personally, the headrests in my sports seats are adequate, though not perfect. I can’t remember which of my cars had it, it was either my e90 or f32, but it had tiltable headrests.

the first car that I drove was my high school English teacher's old Chevy(could have been Oldsmobile, my memory is a little fuzzy on that) when she taught me to drive.

it had no headrests at all because the law didn't require it when the car was produced. the good old days.

[timesone]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

the first car that I drove was my high school English teacher's old Chevy(could have been Oldsmobile, my memory is a little fuzzy on that) when she taught me to drive.

it had no headrests at all because the law didn't require it when the car was produced. the good old days.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by timesone

not as shocking as when I saw my friend's 5-year-old using iPhone 15 like a pro and editing photos. when I was 5, I was probably playing with paper cup phones... I think my Dad installed a CB radio in his new car around that time.

[SeaSkiAndMe]

I don't have a headrest issue bc I am short, but rather, a different issue.

When test driving, I asked my CA if there was a booster seat or cushion of some sort available for the car because I feel slightly low even though I had the seat up at max height. I think it was all he could do not to laugh at my request.

He very nicely said, "Oh you could probably find something on Amazon."

[KingSize.Hamster]

Actually it would have been less of an issue if anyone either is taller or shorter. I am just hitting this weird spot where it gets really uncomfortable.

It is better when I raise the headrest all the way up, but I would be more worried about breaking my neck that way than using an older model headrest from BMW at its lowest setting. I have also tried raising my whole body up with some cushions, and the neck issue goes away. The rest of the seat is fairly well designed otherwise.

[SeaSkiAndMe]

Originally Posted by ramen.slayer

I have also tried raising my whole body up with some cushions, and the neck issue goes away. The rest of the seat is fairly well designed otherwise.

What kind of cushion are you using? I'm considering getting one for longer road trips.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by SeaSkiAndMe

What kind of cushion are you using? I'm considering getting one for longer road trips.

I will be trying this car neck pillow soon...
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RBGBCV30DF0

[SeaSkiAndMe]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

I will be trying this car neck pillow soon...
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RBGBCV30DF0

LOL, mine would be scratching me and howling. All three HATE riding in the car.

[KingSize.Hamster]

Originally Posted by SeaSkiAndMe

What kind of cushion are you using? I'm considering getting one for longer road trips.

I wouldn’t use it while driving as a long term thing. I only did it to test the impact of having a taller torso in these factory seats. I used something like this that my daughter have:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/DanceeMangoo-Cute-Animal-Seat-Cushion-Round-Cartoon-Chair-Pads-Multi-Styles-Home-Floor-Throw-Pillows-Living-Room-Cushion-Gifts-Girls-Girlfriend-Pengu/3366776698

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by ramen.slayer

test the impact of having a taller torso in these factory seats.

I'm also tall. With the seat in the lowest position, there's only about 1 inch of space above my head.(which is perfectly fine with me) In other words, I probably also have taller torso and short legs.

[Frenchstar-57]

Hi, did exactly the same replaced by g20 headrest. Since 2 month it was impossible to find a comfortable position,
I owned bmw g30, f48 ,f20, e90, e87, never had back tension before!
it was simply the headrest!
Neck position Have a such impact and create tension in the lumbar and upper back zone!

[Frenchstar-57]

https://www.yogaback.com/new-car-headrests-designed-too-far-forward.html
-> that’s the explanation !

[KingSize.Hamster]

Originally Posted by Frenchstar-57

https://www.yogaback.com/new-car-headrests-designed-too-far-forward.html
-> that’s the explanation !

Well. It's partly due to cost cutting and partly due to how most people just drive at such an incline.

I'm just annoyed that people who sit very upright get penalized as a result. The entire seat setup should be designed so it fits a wide range of applications, at least for a regular family car.