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I agree w/ the "read the manual" comments; the buttons aren't broken and the seats ARE designed so that a person who's been given permission to the drive the car w/ the valet key (in other words, a valet) can NOT access anything you have stored in your trunk or locked glove compartment. The only way to lower your seat is via the pull straps behind the seat in the trunk.
Having said that, I don't like the design either. My 325i had a similar collapsible back seat feature, but there were latches accessible at the same spot our buttons are located that DID lower the seatback from the interior of the car. It was a four-door; lowering the seat was very convenient and I used that feature constantly. Since the FR-S LOOKED like it worked the same way, I was a little surprised to find out it didn't, and you needed to go spelunking in the trunk to pull two latches. The workaround is to route those two straps so that they go around the sides of the seat and into the passenger compartment when you put the seat up. It's a little tricky, but it's possible. Then you can lower the seat from inside the car easily, but it's a hassle putting the seat back UP if you want to keep the straps accessible from the inside.
I don't understand the concept of a valet, and avoid having to use them like the plague. If I go someplace that REQUIRES valet service, I don't go there again, ever, and usually drive away and go someplace the first time they "require" it unless I have company in the car and have promised them we'll be going to whatever establishment I'm at. How many of you would walk up to a total stranger and hand them $20,000, regardless of ANY assurances they gave you? I'm not about to hand over my cars to anyone, period.
Now, just in case I upset any valets in our listening audience, as a musician I have been forced to use valet service at some of the clubs, casinos, and other show venues I've performed, and have NEVER had a problem. I just don't like it, that's all. It's nothing personal.
Best to all. Time to make the doughnuts.
Barry
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