I recently injured my back (herniated disk; unrelated to auto) and am thinking about changing out the Porsche for something that may be a bit more "friendly" to my back. The only car that would interest me is the new M5.

Ive heard that Porsches are notoriously back "unfriendly" due to the ride quality, ride height, and having to squat down low to get in and out, but dont really know how much validity there is to that. So, I guess my question is:
1. Anyone else experience back pain relief by not driving their Porsche? I would regret nothing more than to sell my beloved Porsche and still experience back pain in an M5. I truly do love the Pcar, but I would love even more to live pain free. I just dont know if changing cars would make that much of a difference.

 

Ouch, sorry to hear about the back.

Of course, best bet is to fix your back. If you can't do that, maybe try a different seat in the Porsche? The ride quality in the M5 might not be much better than the Porsche.

If you really need to soften it up, there's always the S class, 7 series, and the big Lexus. Not sporty, but they all have million-way adjustable seats and lots of room to move around.

 

2nd that. There are good , low invasive ways to fix your low back. If that doesn't work then it's time for a 1982 Caddie!

 

M5 can be pretty comfortable compared to a sports car, but a 550 or even a 7 series will be much more back-friendly overall.

 

Panamera?

 

Good old caddie lol

 

Panamera Turbo S. Or Turbo with the sport kit.

 

While the ride of my 528i sport-manual is more plush than my 997 Cab, I truly find the seats of the Porsche more comfortable for my 60 mile commute. Even with the articulating seat back option in the BMW, which was sought out specifically with commuting comfort in mind, my 997 standard seats with power and memory are much more comfortable...for me.
Before you make the move you should take a long test drive of each back to back.

 

PASM and adaptive sport seats should keep you in the porsche family

 

Hmmm....95% of low back pain cases can be managed conservatively without surgery. Evidence-based nonsurgical options include: nsaid medication, physical therapy with modalities, epidural steroid injection series (sometimes), radio-frequency ablation treatment, or choose the M5 and continued back pain.

 

*** are the most comfortable seats I've owned. We have a 2011 528 for gf and there's no comparison.

 

You're going to find that for back problems, the key thing is to sit higher. Sounds strange but the more bent your knees are, the less strain on your back.

Consider that for the price delta and the loss you'd take on your C4S, you could probably get a cheap SUV, like lease an X3 or pick up a CPO'd cayenne or X5, and you'd be in good shape. You could drive your 911 when you have good days and daily drive a smaller SUV.

 

I think you should test drive an M5 ... make sure it doesn't ride too hard for you. My 650i has a nice ride but I remember my 335i had a hard ride ... I would think an M5 car would ride somewhere in between which might be too hard for you.

Have you considered the Jag XK ?

 

In the end the seats,not the ride quality, may be the deciding factor. The BMW seats are far more comfortable( soft,supportive,roomy and infinitely adjustable)IMHO. I own a 997.1 and use a 2011 535i as my daily driver.

 

+1 on everything but the epidural. Had that. Good for three months. Three Aleve (NSAID) daily, for three consecutive days, worked better. Plus, no pain upon administration!

I have lived with back pain or related muscle issues due to herniated/desiccated intervertebral discs for the better part of 40 years. I have found that the shape of the car's seat and the resting angle of one's knees has much more to do with driving comfort than seat softness or hardness, or the firmness or softness of the suspension. Given the seat adjustability of my C4S cab, I have found the perfect seating position for me. If the seats that you have do not work for you, the Porsche Sport Adaptive seat or one of the Recaro models might be something to look into.

Getting into the car is a snap. With the door fully open, face away from the car. Sit down, now sideways, onto the seat. Pivot your torso to face forward, then swing one leg at a time through the door well. Getting out is the reverse.

Best wishes on this.

Marshal