Does everyone use the power easy access system that moves the drivers seat back for easy access? Has anyone had the motor fail? I'm wondering if it's reasonable to turn off this customizable feature to lengthen the seat motor life. (I guess this also applies to the folding mirrors.)

 

I don't think it has any major effect on motor life. I have it set to the "intermediate" setting, so it doesn't go fully back, just a little bit. If you have people sit behind you with any regularity you should turn it completely off because it's a pain in the *** for anyone to get in or out behind your seat if it's enabled.

 

I turned the steering wheel autotilt feature off. But I kept the driver seat access and folding mirrors enabled.

 

I use the intermediate setting myself. The way I look at it is - if I like a feature or option I'm going to use it. Not using a feature or option in hopes of making it last longer doesn't make much sense to me. I guess you can always buy something and then not use it so it'll always work when it's eventually put to use. See, that don't make any damn sense at all!

Agree. Back seat leg room in the GS 350 is minimal at best. Having the driver seat retract fully is a good way to pin and trap somebody in the car.

 

I turned it off because I frequently have a child seated behind me.

 

Steering retract I have off because I don't find it all that helpful for me.

Seat retract I have it on the intermediate setting as I don't need it all the way back, but having it pull back a little does help as I'm 6'1.

 

 

I'm afraid to use the power windows, power doors, power side mirrors, power steering, windshield wipers, and turn on the car because it will affect motor life, lol.

There are more electric motors that are used more frequently than the power seat. Heck I have a 450h, it has a big electric motor thats constantly used, and there are preious generations that have gone beyond 250k miles with no failure. I think a little electric motor that is used for 10 seconds everytime you turn the car on/off will last well beyond the life of the car.

I have 85k+ miles on my car, easy exit, and retracting steering wheel has always been active, never had an issuie.

 

I'm 5' 6 3/4" 165lb and I find the partial seat and steering retraction very helpful and easy to get in/out of the car.

 

I always use it, and I'm only 5'5", but I certainly don't have it go back all the way.

-Mike

 

 

Appreciate the feedback and I am happy to announce that I have been awakened to my illogical way of thinking. "Use it or lose it" is my new motto. The feature does seem helpful in getting in/out. I sit closer to the wheel in the GS than in our other cars, as it seems to allow for more control and feel during "sporty" driving...which happens much more in this car.

 

That-a-boy! Now you're on the right track.

You wouldn't buy a convertible and not put the top down because you're afraid the motor will burn out.

PS - Don't forget to use your turn signals!

 

What?! I never use the turn signals, those bulbs will definitely burn out someday!

 

Every Bimmer driver.