climate control bezel removed = more knee room

I removed the climate control bezel recently and took a test drive before reinstalling everything..

Was suprised how much more comfy the right knee placement was w/o the bezel installed. (2023 4R).

Sharing in case anyone else finds this useful (and it's not too ugly w/o the bezel IMO)

Steve

 

How much more room did it create?

 

This needs photos.

 

Are your knees the size of footballs? How much room do you need?

 

How far forward do you sit? Or how tall are you?

 

the shape of the bezel points out into the knee cap.. maybe not always uncomfy..
.. but, when I drove it w/o the bezel, I immediately thought -this feels better on the knee. will snap a pic.

 

Do you have the seat all the way forward?

 

Are you referring to the fan speed dial ? I know I’ve bumped into it on the occassions I move my seat up and forward (Which I tend to do when off road for better visibility). Where it really gets me is when I get back in and forget that the seat is all hiked up and forward. I’ve whacked it hard enough to worry I might have damaged it lol.

Nowadays someone with a 3d printer might be able to make a thin profile/smaller diameter dial that looks decent. But I do like how functional those big chonky dials though. Especially after driving other toyotas with autoclimate controls that look like an alien typewriter.

 

Would you like to know more about Audi's climate control subscriptions?

 

Cannot like, on account that pic is making my blood boil, on multiple levels.

 

pics... guess I keep my legs wide for comfort

 

Looks like you hugging the wheel but thats just me.

My steering wheel is closer to my knee than my crotch. I'm not tall either.

 

okay let me take a note

 

I don't care how you sit but just saying may be part of the problem.

 

That trim sticks out another 3/8" when installed, doesn't it?

 

Steering wheel adjusts up /down/in/out.

 

So that looks like a really weird driving position. I wouldn't want to get into a collision being that close to the wheel and dash.

 

For a person 6'2", I sit closer to the wheel than a lot of people. I sit in a position that gives me the greatest wheel control and gives room for my legs. All I know it that the Dale Earnhardt position is not the correct position for driving. Also, every driver is different, that's why they make seats so adjustable. Good job being creative and making you vehicle more comfortable for you!

 

I was right. Your knees are the size of NFL regulation footballs.


P.S. Don't sit so close to the steering wheel.

 

Seat all the way back, steering wheel pushed in and up.

 

If your knees are already touching the dash, what happens if you get in an accident?

 

The up-side of sitting that close to the wheel - you can chew on it for a snack if you get hungry.

 

OP?

 

Just put your right leg up on the dash.

 

Extra space by removing that few mm thick side panel?!
Not to mention, how crappy that interior would look without that piece.
And in case of a collision, that knee cap is going to pop out and the airbag impact would be brutal.

 

Wow everyone roasting OP for no reason...

My knee is right next to that area as well. I'm 6 1 and have a proper driving position.
I will say @Tank010 described this position well and a lot of people (including wife, Mother and Father) seem to get it wrong. To the point that its a safety issue...

 

Yeah, I literally

*closer to 2.5" at the bottom and tapers up.

 

It could be that the extra space it takes is there because the bezel itself is meant to be part of what crushes or breaks off in an accident to protect the knee a little bit more.

It does seem like it might be worth trying some different positions that will give your limbs a bit more air gap. Even lowering the seat a little would help.