[Kraigster414]

Because I am a long-time low back sufferer, every car that I have owned over the last 10-15 years has required some kind of after-market driver's seat support/cushion. Adjustable lumbar seats sometimes help, sometime not and you won't usually know until you've had a chance to road test for at least a few hours. Sitting in the car in the showroom or taking a quick test drive around the block is not adequate in my opinion. Fellow back sufferers, you know what I am talking about.

I have the sport leatherette seats in my new 04 Mini - I just couldn't spring ($$!!) for the leather with adjustable lumbar support when all I really wanted was the lumbar (and then there was no assurance it would be comfortable). The Mini sport seats have a good amount of lower (very low) non-adjustable lumbar support - perhaps too much since it feels like a "bump" to me. What I would prefer is more mid to not so lower back support.

Right now I am "road testing" the Obus Forme back rest with seat cushion. Very nice. The combination runs about $160. It really cradles your body and the velcro attached lumbar foam pillow should give you all the lumbar support you need. I just wish the fabric would "breath" a little better. In black, the seat really looks sharp on the Mini's black leatherette.

Another seat cushion, I am anxious to try out (good that you can return these things!) is the Better Back with variable lumbar support for around $150. Has a built-in adjustable lumbar support. The Relief back rest also shows potential. Links are below.

I have no financial interest in any of this stuff - just passing on hopefully some worthwhile info. Would like to hear your experiences as well. Bad backs are all too common these days especially with the aging "baby boomers."

http://www.sitincomfort.com/backrests.html

http://www.reliefmart.com/adjustable...t_supports.htm

[shiredweller]

Good web sites for us old guys. My biggest MINI related back problem comes from sitting at the computer too long flapping the cake hole on this forum.