Quote:
Originally Posted by tomcat
Another thought is a crash impact's effect on the cargo area. They didn't design the crumple zones for people in that area. Even if you can squeeze kids back there, doesn't mean it's safe. Call me old fashioned, but the risk outweighs the reward. I cannot believe someone would even consider adding seats to an area that doesn't have them and stick their kids in there.
Scott
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I think there is some logic to the point that E53 crumple zones are not designed for 3rd row seats. That said, you can get a standard 3rd row (with zero space behind that row), in a mini-van that is not likely to be as safe as an X5 in terms of either dynamic safety or crumple zones. It is all relative. If the aftermarket seat meets federal standards for anchoring and head restraints (as they advertise) then that would go some way towards making me feel safer.
We used to ride in the third row in Vista Cruisers and Ford wagons, and they were fine. Rode in the second row (rear facing) in a Subaru Brat, nothing more than plastic seats mounted in the pickup box, with no rollover protection. This seems much safer than that.
I think everybody has to make their own personal decisions.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
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