E70 3rd row seats...safe for kids

[brian5]

Originally Posted by rh71

Undeniable the E70 3rd row is only for short distances. My dad's MPV minivan obviously has 3rd row and it was so much more comfortable compared to when I sat in an E70 3rd row. There's just no comparison. But in either case, those seats are right up against the rear window... you can't help but think in case of any rear-ender, your head is going to hit the glass. I wonder what the numbers are from the IIHS...

And I've been told I used to sit up in the front middle of my dad's Firebird. ... and to think they gave Britney Spears a hard time...

I'd rather my kids were in the 3rd row seats of the BMW than the rear facing child seats that you (used to?) see in Volvo wagons

These 3rd row seats are definitely not for regular use. They have been useful to me a couple of times -- when I wanted to play soccer mom role or I had family visiting. If someone needs this seating regularly, then BMW does not have a car for them right now. As far as I know, the X7 has been scrapped.

[Zoich]

Originally Posted by rh71

Undeniable the E70 3rd row is only for short distances. My dad's MPV minivan obviously has 3rd row and it was so much more comfortable compared to when I sat in an E70 3rd row. There's just no comparison. But in either case, those seats are right up against the rear window... you can't help but think in case of any rear-ender, your head is going to hit the glass. I wonder what the numbers are from the IIHS...

And I've been told I used to sit up in the front middle of my dad's Firebird. ... and to think they gave Britney Spears a hard time...

My sister and I used to play in the footwell area in the front passenger seat area 30+ years ago.... after she had picked us up from Kindergarden.

[hhhm3]

I was told by the dealership that you can put a booster seat in the 3rd row and probably safer than any other seat in the vehicle due to all the solid reinforced construction surrounding the 3rd row seats.
The side roll airbag actually extends pass the rear small windows and there is still lots of space between the hatch window and 3rd row seat headrests.
He also said that his sister puts her 5 yrs old back there with a booster.
The safety issue for the seat belt is to ensure the belt don't choke the child, that is why the booster seat.

[nynd]

I think the wording is more to the effect that those child seats which require "LATCH" support, can only be mounted in the second row (as there is no latch anchor points for 3rd row). For kids who sit in booster seats, back there should be fine as the seat raises them to correct level for the seat belt to secure them. I currently use a booster for over 40 lbs and under 5 ft...

[wdc330i]

I read somewhere that the third row is engineered to sustain a 50 mph rear end collision. And that the safety of that area accounts for and excuses the inconvenience of the clam shell design of the tailgate.

[bmwman3241]

Best 3rd row seat is in a full-size SUV like a Denali.
I chose the 3rd row seat in the X because it is an option (I have every option) and because it could be used when it is needed. I have fit 2 adults in the back when going to the mall. The skinny ones end up in the back, and they seem to fit fine.

As far as the family goes, we take the Denali or 2 cars rather than using the 3rd row.