Welcome! I am also in NC (Raleigh). Where are you?
A couple of personal observations about the seats. I was all set on the 18-way Sports seats until I did an extended test drive on those. I am tall with broad shoulders, and those seats were an absolute torture device for me. The upper side bolsters dug into my shoulders incessantly, even at their widest setting. I would strongly advise that you try those seats out (or the 2-ways) before selecting them.
I ended up with the 14-ways, which I find to be extremely comfortable. Just the right amount of side bolstering for my frame. As far as the firmness--the seats are firmer than my former M4's, and yet much more comfortable over long drives. I presume that they are just designed more ergonomically than the BMW's.
A couple of personal observations about the seats. I was all set on the 18-way Sports seats until I did an extended test drive on those. I am tall with broad shoulders, and those seats were an absolute torture device for me. The upper side bolsters dug into my shoulders incessantly, even at their widest setting. I would strongly advise that you try those seats out (or the 2-ways) before selecting them.
I ended up with the 14-ways, which I find to be extremely comfortable. Just the right amount of side bolstering for my frame. As far as the firmness--the seats are firmer than my former M4's, and yet much more comfortable over long drives. I presume that they are just designed more ergonomically than the BMW's.