If its still annoying after getting used to the quick release start features...you could also set a seat memory with the 123 buttons, and press it when you get seated etc...and as long as the door is open, all it takes is a quick one press of the button you programmed and the wheel will go down to where its comfortable to insert & turn the key.
If the door is closed you'll have to press & hold the memory button. As you see, there are multiple ways to deal with this minor annoyance you have with this feature many pre 1998 BMW owners would LOVE to be annoyed by.
In the 1998 e38 & e39... This convenience exit feature was added to the drivers seat module. If you owned a 1995-1997 five or seven series, you could retrofit this feature by just installing a new or used driver's seat switch from a 1998-up 5 or 7 series. Unfortunately, the e53 uses a different switch, so a swap from a pre 98 five/seven series won't help.
