Is the 3rd Row Safe? - Page 3

JCL · #1 05-20-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCinq

So is the third row only suitable for short teenagers and dwarfs? It's a bit limiting.

No dwarfs, there is a 5' minimum height requirement for the 3rd row or the safety devices will not work as designed, according to BMW. I guess it would be OK for dwarfs that you didn't like very much, but that comes across as a little harsh.

jeep · #2 05-20-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCinq

How do you choose which of your three children has to sit in the third row? Or is the one that draws the short straw.

Rock paper scissors maybe, more humane and entertaining

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCinq

I did read somewhere that the second row is less comfortable in a 7 seater than in a 5 seater. Don't know if that is true.

Actually the 2nd row reclines in an X with 3rd row seating and are more comfortable, so that makes for another reason to have the 3rd row seating. I guess, BMW may be using that to justify the high cost of the 3rd row option

XCinq · #3 05-20-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeep

Rock paper scissors maybe, more humane and entertaining

Actually the 2nd row reclines in an X with 3rd row seating and are more comfortable, so that makes for another reason to have the 3rd row seating. I guess, BMW may be using that to justify the high cost of the 3rd row option

I wanted reclining seats as we do long trips and the kids fall asleep but unfortunately you cannot have that without the third row option.
I agree reclining would be more comfortable. I think what I heard was more to do with the part that you sit on. If anyone is going for the third row just give the second row a good up and down bounce test, especially if you have a boney butt.

us_matrix · #4 05-20-2009, 06:08 PM

There is a video under owner section from BMWUSA website and the height is 5' 6" tall.

BMW North America=

watrob · #5 05-21-2009, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCinq

I wanted reclining seats as we do long trips and the kids fall asleep but unfortunately you cannot have that without the third row option.
I agree reclining would be more comfortable. I think what I heard was more to do with the part that you sit on. If anyone is going for the third row just give the second row a good up and down bounce test, especially if you have a boney butt.

Both parts of the second row seat moves, the back part can recline back or forward and the bench part you sit on moves forward also, its make them quite comfortable for long trips.

jeep · #6 05-11-2009, 11:21 PM

The 3rd row seat is worth getting just for the auto levelling suspension on 3.0 (it is standard on the 4.8).

BMW is pretty good at testing their vehicles and I would be surprised if it does not provide 5 star protection. Having said that those seats are definitely not a couch, and probably are good for smallish folks, less than 6ft and short rides.

I would question why the BMW salesperson would recommend Q7. Looks like you are in the market and he dosn't have any X5s on his lot with 3rd row seating

oztme · #7 05-14-2009, 10:03 PM

He probably recommended the Q7 because it had a higher profit margin that month, or some other reason like that. I used to work in sales (electronics) and sometimes manufacturers would give us bonuses (cash + stock) if we sold a certain amount of their product in a given month. So, if we were trying to hit a Sony sales target for the shop, and someone asked should they get Sony or Panasonic, it was in our financial interest to push Sony. I wasn't callous about it, but all other things being equal, you'd push the Sony. I'm sure similar spiffs/difference in margins etc apply in car trade.
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Regarding safety: I think what they said in the 5th gear video above sounds reasonable...

I agree with what others have said: I reckon BMW cars would be above average for seating in this size+configuration vehicle, but every time I look at kids in the back of a 7 seater with their heads 10cm from the rear glass, I cringe...