[goldTopDeluxe]

Got child no.3 on the way - so I'm going to need to fit 2 forward facing child seats, and 1 rear facing child seat in my 2009 323i?

So I'm hoping the configuration will be:
1) 4 yr old forward facing on a booster
2) 19mth old forward facing on a child seat
3) newborn rear facing in child seat.

Anybody know if this is possible?

If not - I'm going to have to look into getting a different car - but again - I'm not even sure if its going to be possible in an X5?

[samchuang33]

It is really going to be a struggle. I have a had forward facing and a newborn capsule in my 3 series before and my wife could not sit in the middle without sitting sideways so u may find that its is possible to put three seats. It also really depends on the car seat too. The more expensive Safe and Sound seats have side impact protection which makes it even bulkier.

X5 should be better but you may find that it is a tight fit too for 3 chairs. I ended up upgrading my E53 X5 to a Q7 for my wife as it has the larger boot space compare to X5. Q7 also have proper size third row seat standard so if I do have a 3rd child, I can have option of putting one child seat at the one of the third row seat. It will give more room in the 2nd row plus I still have half the boot space which I can fit a 2 pram/stroller and groceries etc.

It is really sux that BMW doesn't make a proper size 7 seater.

[Scootah]

having had a 325 there is no way of putting 3 child seats in the back seat , as previous post mentioned you have a space issue and iirc there are only 2 Restraining "hooks" on the parcel shelf.

7 seater X5 has NO restraining hooks on 3rd row seats - so no kids under 7 in the back

[samchuang33]

Originally Posted by Scootah

7 seater X5 has NO restraining hooks on 3rd row seats - so no kids under 7 in the back

Plus the 3rd row seat is a $7000 option on top. But I guess OP might be able to squeeze all three seats in the 2nd row.

[Scootah]

Originally Posted by samchuang33

Plus the 3rd row seat is a $7000 option on top. But I guess OP might be able to squeeze all three seats in the 2nd row.

Fark , I can't remember paying that much

[samchuang33]

Originally Posted by Scootah

Fark , I can't remember paying that much

I was told that it is $7000 because you have to add self leveling suspension with the 3rd row seat. I could be mistaken...

[Scootah]

Originally Posted by samchuang33

I was told that it is $7000 because you have to add self leveling suspension with the 3rd row seat. I could be mistaken...

You are correct , you do need self leveling suspension when getting 3rd row seats , and i looked at invoice , was @ $7k all up , split between 3rd row seat and self leveling suspension.

[goldTopDeluxe]

thanks for the responses.

I've booked in for a restraint fitter to have a look if its possible. If not - i'll be looking for a new car, most likely the X5.

For those who have had the 7 seater, i'm guessing there are no issues if I had to put the eldest in a booster on the third row? You dont need child restraint anchors for a booster right?

[pavo335]

i would have thought there was nill chance and a tight fit on the X5

[Scootah]

Originally Posted by goldTopDeluxe

thanks for the responses.

I've booked in for a restraint fitter to have a look if its possible. If not - i'll be looking for a new car, most likely the X5.

For those who have had the 7 seater, i'm guessing there are no issues if I had to put the eldest in a booster on the third row? You dont need child restraint anchors for a booster right?

Hey mate

I think most of the "good" boosters do require a restraint anchor, i know mine do.

I think you could fit 3 seats across back of X5, the other problem in putting booster in 3rd row is access , assuming you put the other child seats on the left and right sides of the car , the back seats will not fold forward to allow ingress to 3rd row. you would have to access in and out of the boot. Not that big of a problem for a 4 year old if he can do up his own seat belt , otherwise it will be a struggle

Other consideration with 3rd row up (They fold flat) you would struggle to get a decent sized double pusher in the remaining boot space

Kia carnival for you my friend

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by Scootah

Hey mate

I think most of the "good" boosters do require a restraint anchor, i know mine do.

I think you could fit 3 seats across back of X5, the other problem in putting booster in 3rd row is access , assuming you put the other child seats on the left and right sides of the car , the back seats will not fold forward to allow ingress to 3rd row. you would have to access in and out of the boot. Not that big of a problem for a 4 year old if he can do up his own seat belt , otherwise it will be a struggle

Other consideration with 3rd row up (They fold flat) you would struggle to get a decent sized double pusher in the remaining boot space

Kia carnival for you my friend

LMFAO, shoot me now PLEASE

[goldTopDeluxe]

Originally Posted by Scootah

Kia carnival for you my friend

f@rk that.

my wife and I have a laugh about the same thing. her sister drives one of those.

Re how to have it all setup so the 4yr old can still get in etc. Yep - its all a big head trip. I've been trying to work out all the configurations / possibilities in my head. I'm hoping i can get two side by side in the middle row.

I took a look at an X5 7 seater today - and yeah.. pretty much have to write off the boot space.

I've already warned my wife ... if this becomes too complicated, i'm getting myself a 135 and I'll buy her a Nimbus. She and the kids will just have to try and keep up.