Third Row Seat

[mricorp]

Any idea why no third row seat option in the X5M? For some of us who have four kids and cannot fit them all in an ordinary sedan but want "M" level performance this vehicle would be perfect. However, it is useless to me without that option.

[HIRISC]

I don't know the answer, but I've also made that comment that it's a mistake by BMW to exclude those with kids (ostensibly using the 3rd seat) from their already very thin (for the X5/X6M') customer base.

[ring007]

Agree 1000% as I am in the same boat and I have asked my local dealer if they would build one for me as a frequent customer. Doubt it, but worth chasing for a bit.

My dealer is checking with BMWUSA to see if they can build a M as a one-off on the chassis used for the third row option on normal X's. Apparently, there is a difference between the 2-row and 3-row structure so it is not possible to retro fit the third row seats to an existing X5M.

I'll keep everyone posted on their response.

Originally Posted by mricorp

Any idea why no third row seat option in the X5M? For some of us who have four kids and cannot fit them all in an ordinary sedan but want "M" level performance this vehicle would be perfect. However, it is useless to me without that option.

[ring007]

Unfortunately no positive response so far. I placed my order for an '11 and asked them to have the third row added to press the point to see if they will build one for me. Not holding my breath but you never know until you ask.

Also asked for cinnamon leather over the comfort seats just in case BMW is in a cooperative mood.

Originally Posted by ring007

Agree 1000% as I am in the same boat and I have asked my local dealer if they would build one for me as a frequent customer. Doubt it, but worth chasing for a bit.

My dealer is checking with BMWUSA to see if they can build a M as a one-off on the chassis used for the third row option on normal X's. Apparently, there is a difference between the 2-row and 3-row structure so it is not possible to retro fit the third row seats to an existing X5M.

I'll keep everyone posted on their response.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by ring007

Unfortunately no positive response so far. I placed my order for an '11 and asked them to have the third row added to press the point to see if they will build one for me. Not holding my breath but you never know until you ask.

Also asked for cinnamon leather over the comfort seats just in case BMW is in a cooperative mood.

Sorry to see what happened to your 2008 E70(read in your sig). Did I miss the post about it?

[bmwman3241]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Sorry to see what happened to your 2008 E70(read in your sig). Did I miss the post about it?

I would like to see some pictures of it if possible!?

[ring007]

I'll try to post some...not much to look at as the majority of the damage is under the car and inside the door frame (pics were before the body shop put the X on the frame machine to pry off the rear driver side door).

Originally Posted by bmwman3241

I would like to see some pictures of it if possible!?

[ring007]

Thank you LeMans.
No you didn't miss the post. I didnt post anything on it. Still recovering and still sore and the effects of the concussion are just wearing off.

I was in the far left lane going about 35mph on a four lane one way street and driver in the right lane next to me decided to turn left with no signal nor without clearing (obviously). Turned right into me, hit both doors on the passenger side, broke the rear passenger side suspension/wheel which punctured the floor, then pushed me over the curb and sidewalk into a light post that crushed the driver side rear door just forward of the rear wheel, bent the inner door frame structure and floorpan.

Needless to say my loaded, perfect Monaco Blue/Beige Nappa 4.8i with only 14k miles on it is now salvage.

I have some iphone pics that I'll try to post.

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Sorry to see what happened to your 2008 E70(read in your sig). Did I miss the post about it?

[ring007]

Few pics of the damage. Doesn't look that bad, but once they opened it up and had it on a hoist the total ran up to $25k pretty fast and the repairs would of taken 6 weeks to finish. Insurance co would either total it or allow the repair. Given the floorpan and inner door frame structure damage, I elected for them to total it.
Note the funny angle of the passenger side rear wheel....

Originally Posted by ring007

Thank you LeMans.
No you didn't miss the post. I didnt post anything on it. Still recovering and still sore and the effects of the concussion are just wearing off.

I was in the far left lane going about 35mph on a four lane one way street and driver in the right lane next to me decided to turn left with no signal nor without clearing (obviously). Turned right into me, hit both doors on the passenger side, broke the rear passenger side suspension/wheel which punctured the floor, then pushed me over the curb and sidewalk into a light post that crushed the driver side rear door just forward of the rear wheel, bent the inner door frame structure and floorpan.

Needless to say my loaded, perfect Monaco Blue/Beige Nappa 4.8i with only 14k miles on it is now salvage.

I have some iphone pics that I'll try to post.

[X5 Meister]

I still don't understand the reason behind omitting them, other than "introducing" the option in a year or two. They came out with a M3 sedan years ago which required redesigning the entire car. The 3rd row seat was already designed for the E70 platform, so what's the issue?

Originally Posted by ring007

Unfortunately no positive response so far. I placed my order for an '11 and asked them to have the third row added to press the point to see if they will build one for me. Not holding my breath but you never know until you ask.

Also asked for cinnamon leather over the comfort seats just in case BMW is in a cooperative mood.