Third row usefulness.

[xnsf]

you can only recline if people sit behind you? in already the little space they can afford?

why BMW? why?

[BloodRedHog]

It's a tough call...
Can I get a car seat back there? Yes. A forward facing seat for my 14-month old. Does it have latch attachments? No, but I can use the seat belt.

Can my 6-year and 7-year old back there? Yes.

The third row does have cup holders and air vents (if you order the rear seat climate package).

The 2nd-row seats do recline and move fore and aft when getting the third row option.

Can the kids who sit in the third row see the DVD screen? No.

Can all three kids (one in the car seat) fit on the 2nd row? Yes. But I ordered the third row because you will need it in emergencies.

Bottom line- the Merc GL450 has the best third rows in an SUV. They have power up and down; the front passenger seat automatically moves forward when you incline the 2nd row seat up to gain access to the third row.

But the GL does not drive like a BMW and its reliability is questionable...so get the X5.

[cpd1]

Car seats and 3rd row?
I know teh 3rd row doesn't have latch, I am more thinking booster seats for 4-6 yr olds? Will they fit?
How about a Britax Marathon or such? Anybody has tried car seats back there? This is really why I wil get 3rd row seat for the occasional school drop of my kids friends but they prob will get used once a month...

[Wes]

Originally Posted by xnsf

you can only recline if people sit behind you? in already the little space they can afford?

I would get the 3rd row option just because i could get the 2nd row to recline.