I find the stock seats too flat and lacking in lateral support. About as bad as the bench seats in my first car. On the other hand, the seats in the S2000 I just sold are fantastic compared with the Jag seats. Is it worth it to try to find a pair of original equipment recaros? I read a number of threads that seemed to suggest that folks of my build (5' 9", 155lb) would fit nicely, whereas larger folks don't.
Or, should I try to go with aftermarket recaro seats? Again, my thread searching indicated that no one makes a bolt-in set, but I'm not averse to making my own brackets. I don't need all the electrical bells & whistles, so manual adjustment would be fine. Seat heaters would be nice, but that's "no hill for a climber" either armed with the wiring diagrams, which I have.
Any similar experience or advise?

 

Being that you have an 04 you will have the side airbag (in the seat) to contend with.

If you go with an aftermarket seat you will have to figure something out to keep the system happy. Similar if you find OEM Recaro seats from an earlier car.

 

Everyone says they suck. Still want em tho!

 

I love my Recaros in my XKR. They're far better than the standard seats, IMO.

 

Several members have been searching unsuccessfully for used OE Recaros for some time so you may find this isn't a quick fix.

If you go aftermarket Recaro, the biggest problem is likely to be the SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) which takes several signals from the OE seat.

Graham

 

I installed a set in my 2001 coupe, from a 2002 xkr100, and I love them. They are a bit harder, but they are much more supportive, and they look great!

I'm 5' 7" btw. If you can find a set, I'd say go for it!

 

The Recaros were a must have when I was looking for a XKR. I feel they make the car. I'm 6'0 / 180 and I'm at the limit of the coupe, having my seats adjusted all the way back and reclined a bit. They hug your legs and sides and serve as a reminder that this beast can awaken at any moment. You can relax on a fast curvy road and let your body press against the seat bolsters. But they are definitely made for thinner body types.

Seems like Recaros were much more common in UK cars, hard to find in the US. I think Jaguar's theory was Americans are too obese to want form fitting, racing seats. I'm surprised they didn't put hamburger holders in the armrest.

The seat heaters also work better than my lexus, it would be a shame if you couldn't hook them up. Luxury and speed at it's finest. They look amazing too

 

Not sure I agree with the thinner parts... when I bought my XKR I was grossly overweight.... 5-7 and about 225ish. I thought the Recaros fit well. Since then I've lost quite a bit of weight, I'm at 160ish right now and they still feel great. The seats in my 97 XK8 feel flat even though there's plenty of life in them and aren't really that comfortable.

I agree, you can just relax and drive how you want. The Recaros definitely keep you properly positioned to drive aggressively.