Im gonna do it...Cut hole in back seat for ski pass through e90

carve · 11-04-2010, 12:52 PM

So must winter tires are available as runflats? I don't think so. There are a couple of choices, now, but that's fairly recent.

Plugboots: you drive a wagon. Not the same thing- you have a lot more room. It doesn't take many boots, helmets, and gearbags full of puffy jackets to fil up the 12 cu ft trunk. And, if you're on fat skis it's hard to get them all through the passthrough. In fact, on BMWusa.com, they don't even show the wagon HAVING a passthrough. If you add on top of that roadtrip gear, it's a pretty tight squeeze for three to go skiing in a sedan, unless you're all already dressed and just going from the hotel to the slope.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2011/3/328ixDriveSportsWagon/3SeriesSportsWagonMediaGallery.aspx

DrDurt · 11-04-2010, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

You ski in Texas?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

bimmer_335 · 11-04-2010, 01:59 PM

I know you dont like roof racks but 3er is designed to have racks... its a european car... I'd do as the europeans do!!!!

But its your car... as you please. Good luck.

MusclezMarinara · 11-04-2010, 02:20 PM

ohh boyyy

ajsalida · 11-04-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer_335

I know you dont like roof racks but 3er is designed to have racks... its a european car... I'd do as the europeans do!!!!

But its your car... as you please. Good luck.

Yeah they are designed for each car. I just put a set on my e92 xi, they look great. You can get them new on eBay for way less than MSRP.

sickem · 11-04-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carve

So must winter tires are available as runflats? I don't think so. There are a couple of choices, now, but that's fairly recent.

there are four available on tirerack. how many do you need?

carve · 11-04-2010, 04:15 PM

They're only showing two for my wheel size, ranging from 25-40% more expensive than their non-RFT models. Last year, when I BOUGHT snow tires, there were zero.

Regardless, many people don't like RFT's anyway for various reasons, and there's nowhere to put a proper spare, taking up a lot of trunk space. That's my only point.

e90TiAg335i · 11-04-2010, 05:03 PM

Actually, it's quite easy to cut out the seat back. Just tedious. The seat back is plastic not metal and the carpet is glued to the plastic. I just pulled out the seat back, removed the armrest, taped around the inside of the seat to protect the leather. Then used a die grinder with a cutoff wheel to cut out the hole. You can pretty much use the edges as a guide. The plastic cover behind the armrest still snaps in place. Only problem is I still haven't covered the edges yet to make it look factory. I'll get around to it one day. The angle of the camera makes it look crooked but it is straight.
[IMG]

[/IMG]
[IMG]

[/IMG]

galahad05 · 11-04-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carve

They're only showing two for my wheel size, ranging from 25-40% more expensive than their non-RFT models. Last year, when I BOUGHT snow tires, there were zero.

Regardless, many people don't like RFT's anyway for various reasons, and there's nowhere to put a proper spare, taking up a lot of trunk space. That's my only point.

You use 18's for your winter set?

The RFT winters are more common in the 17 inchers.

carve · 11-04-2010, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galahad05

You use 18's for your winter set?

The RFT winters are more common in the 17 inchers.

That brings it up to 3 tires for 225/45 17.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...0Valve%20Stems

I think you're missing the point though. This is a tangent.

Yogi335 · 11-04-2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90TiAg335i

Actually, it's quite easy to cut out the seat back. Just tedious. The seat back is plastic not metal and the carpet is glued to the plastic. I just pulled out the seat back, removed the armrest, taped around the inside of the seat to protect the leather. Then used a die grinder with a cutoff wheel to cut out the hole. You can pretty much use the edges as a guide. The plastic cover behind the armrest still snaps in place. Only problem is I still haven't covered the edges yet to make it look factory. I'll get around to it one day. The angle of the camera makes it look crooked but it is straight.
[IMG]

[/IMG]
[IMG]

[/IMG]

Didnt realize someone has done it...perfect.

mthomas · 11-04-2010, 07:38 PM

What are pics 3 and 4? Did you ever fit the ski bag part? If not what are you planning on trimming the edges out with?

e90TiAg335i · 11-04-2010, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mthomas

What are pics 3 and 4? Did you ever fit the ski bag part? If not what are you planning on trimming the edges out with?

3 is the whole opening from the inside, 4 is the bottom of the opening. You can't fit the ski bag into this opening. The back of the seat is a different part# than the ones with the passthrough. In order to use the ski bag, I think you'd have to change to folding seats.

Not sure what I'm going to do to trim it. My only concern would be trunk side. I'll probably just build a "plug" that presses in from the back.

chromisdesigns · 11-04-2010, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90TiAg335i

Not sure what I'm going to do to trim it. My only concern would be trunk side. I'll probably just build a "plug" that presses in from the back.

Here's a suggestion -- you can buy U-shaped rubber molding that will trim out the raw cutout nicely. Then take a piece of 1/8" thick aluminum plate, cut it oversize about a 1/2 inch all around, and hinge it with a piece of continuous piano hinge (or the plastic version) so it drops down into the trunk when opened. Then mount a turnbutton at the top to hold it closed. It should seal well against the rubber U-mold. If you made it enough oversize, you could add the U-mold around the edges of the plate, as well, and let it nest over the trimmed opening. I think that's the way I would do it.

Nice solution that doesn't involve spending huge amounts of dough to change the seats!

k3m0-330i · 11-04-2010, 10:55 PM

i cut mying its the best thing in the world. i put for holes and then cut it with a jigsaw.

Yogi335 · 11-04-2010, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chromisdesigns

Here's a suggestion -- you can buy U-shaped rubber molding that will trim out the raw cutout nicely. Then take a piece of 1/8" thick aluminum plate, cut it oversize about a 1/2 inch all around, and hinge it with a piece of continuous piano hinge (or the plastic version) so it drops down into the trunk when opened. Then mount a turnbutton at the top to hold it closed. It should seal well against the rubber U-mold. If you made it enough oversize, you could add the U-mold around the edges of the plate, as well, and let it nest over the trimmed opening. I think that's the way I would do it.

Nice solution that doesn't involve spending huge amounts of dough to change the seats!

That is kinda what i was thinking actually, although i didnt think of the rubber, nice touch.

JIM E92 · 11-04-2010, 11:59 PM

The only thing is safety....the factory system has a ski belt that will prevent the skis from becoming deadly missiles in the event of an accident.

chromisdesigns · 11-05-2010, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIM E92

The only thing is safety....the factory system has a ski belt that will prevent the skis from becoming deadly missiles in the event of an accident.

Nah, you aren't thinking about it correctly. Somebody cuts you off, you WANT that big chunk of rebar to go hurtling though the windshield into the villain's heart!

I'm considering grinding a nice sharp point on mine when I do this mod!

sickem · 11-05-2010, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carve

They're only showing two for my wheel size, ranging from 25-40% more expensive than their non-RFT models. Last year, when I BOUGHT snow tires, there were zero.

Regardless, many people don't like RFT's anyway for various reasons, and there's nowhere to put a proper spare, taking up a lot of trunk space. That's my only point.

ok, I do not have ZSP but I do have 17s, so mine showed four. as for your second point...agreed!

335BBS · 11-05-2010, 08:53 AM

I take it back.....that looks great.

F32Fleet · 11-05-2010, 09:16 AM

OP should just buy the seats from a junkyard and be done with it.

plugboots · 11-05-2010, 12:58 PM

Nice.
Carve, I'm sorry, but how could you possibly know my situation. I have a ski pass through, (I have no idea why they don't show that on your link), fit 4 pairs of skis in there all the time, and don't stack crap up to the roof. I'm ordering a new 328xit, and the ski pass through is still available with the winter package, or as available in Europe under item number 464. Our skis are 112, 113, 103, 95, 96, 91, etc. underfoot. I have Marker Dukes, Jesters, Salomon Z12Tis, and assorted other Fritschis and Dynafits etc. on them. I have no idea how many skate skis fit in there, at least 6 pairs. All our poles collapse, so I don't bother ramming them in the pass through. When I picked my car up in Munich I just popped the ski pass through out, and the hole is that much larger, if you need that extra room. I haven't needed to do that here. I hate racks, and I simply take my time loading the stuff in the car, and I'm not particularly careful around the car itself.

I post this info because on this forum people tend to treat their cars very nicely, and I want to show what is capable with these cars if if you treat them like I do, (which is to say like an old pick up truck).

11-04-2010, 12:52 PM	#23
carve Major 177 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	So must winter tires are available as runflats? I don't think so. There are a couple of choices, now, but that's fairly recent. Plugboots: you drive a wagon. Not the same thing- you have a lot more room. It doesn't take many boots, helmets, and gearbags full of puffy jackets to fil up the 12 cu ft trunk. And, if you're on fat skis it's hard to get them all through the passthrough. In fact, on BMWusa.com, they don't even show the wagon HAVING a passthrough. If you add on top of that roadtrip gear, it's a pretty tight squeeze for three to go skiing in a sedan, unless you're all already dressed and just going from the hotel to the slope. http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2011/3/328ixDriveSportsWagon/3SeriesSportsWagonMediaGallery.aspx Last edited by carve; 11-04-2010 at 12:57 PM..
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11-04-2010, 01:59 PM	#25
bimmer_335 Major 177 Rep 1,123 Posts Drives: 540 mSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In the middle of nowhere, TX iTrader: (1)	I know you dont like roof racks but 3er is designed to have racks... its a european car... I'd do as the europeans do!!!! But its your car... as you please. Good luck.
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11-04-2010, 02:20 PM	#26
MusclezMarinara Banned 262 Rep 5,018 Posts Drives: VALNCYA Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jersey iTrader: (23) Garage List 2011 BMW 1M [9.22] 2009 335i Sedan xdrive [9.34]	ohh boyyy
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11-04-2010, 04:15 PM	#29
carve Major 177 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	They're only showing two for my wheel size, ranging from 25-40% more expensive than their non-RFT models. Last year, when I BOUGHT snow tires, there were zero. Regardless, many people don't like RFT's anyway for various reasons, and there's nowhere to put a proper spare, taking up a lot of trunk space. That's my only point.
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11-04-2010, 05:03 PM	#30
e90TiAg335i Major 124 Rep 1,151 Posts Drives: 10 e90 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: jacksonville, FL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2010 e90 335i [7.00]	Actually, it's quite easy to cut out the seat back. Just tedious. The seat back is plastic not metal and the carpet is glued to the plastic. I just pulled out the seat back, removed the armrest, taped around the inside of the seat to protect the leather. Then used a die grinder with a cutoff wheel to cut out the hole. You can pretty much use the edges as a guide. The plastic cover behind the armrest still snaps in place. Only problem is I still haven't covered the edges yet to make it look factory. I'll get around to it one day. The angle of the camera makes it look crooked but it is straight. [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] __________________ JB4, DP, VMR V710, Sonic Tuning S1 coilovers, Hybrid Ovations, Soundsplinter 10" and Zapco DC Ref amps Last edited by e90TiAg335i; 11-04-2010 at 05:52 PM..
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11-04-2010, 07:38 PM	#34
mthomas Private First Class 5 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: lNorth Shore, Lake Tahoe iTrader: (0)	What are pics 3 and 4? Did you ever fit the ski bag part? If not what are you planning on trimming the edges out with?
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11-04-2010, 10:55 PM	#37
k3m0-330i Major 73 Rep 1,375 Posts Drives: 08 335xi Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Albany Ny iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	i cut mying its the best thing in the world. i put for holes and then cut it with a jigsaw. __________________ Current 2008 M6 e63 v10 6mt Current 2012 e70 x5 35i -jb4 2008 335xi e92- Sold 2007 335i e90 - Sold 2002 Taig / Red / / / M3 - SOLD
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11-04-2010, 11:59 PM	#39
JIM E92 Lieutenant 15 Rep 410 Posts Drives: 2007 328 Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sandy Eggo iTrader: (0)	The only thing is safety....the factory system has a ski belt that will prevent the skis from becoming deadly missiles in the event of an accident.
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11-05-2010, 08:53 AM	#42
335BBS Brigadier General 55 Rep 3,606 Posts Drives: 2009 335 coupe. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I take it back.....that looks great.
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11-05-2010, 09:16 AM	#43
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3566 Rep 10,346 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	OP should just buy the seats from a junkyard and be done with it.
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11-05-2010, 12:58 PM	#44
plugboots Nude Member 6 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2011 328 xit, 2012 Golf R Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Nice. Carve, I'm sorry, but how could you possibly know my situation. I have a ski pass through, (I have no idea why they don't show that on your link), fit 4 pairs of skis in there all the time, and don't stack crap up to the roof. I'm ordering a new 328xit, and the ski pass through is still available with the winter package, or as available in Europe under item number 464. Our skis are 112, 113, 103, 95, 96, 91, etc. underfoot. I have Marker Dukes, Jesters, Salomon Z12Tis, and assorted other Fritschis and Dynafits etc. on them. I have no idea how many skate skis fit in there, at least 6 pairs. All our poles collapse, so I don't bother ramming them in the pass through. When I picked my car up in Munich I just popped the ski pass through out, and the hole is that much larger, if you need that extra room. I haven't needed to do that here. I hate racks, and I simply take my time loading the stuff in the car, and I'm not particularly careful around the car itself. I post this info because on this forum people tend to treat their cars very nicely, and I want to show what is capable with these cars if if you treat them like I do, (which is to say like an old pick up truck).
	Appreciate 0 Quote