Is the 3rd Row Safe?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by hhhm3

Booster seats in the 3rd row? Booster seats don't have safety hooks for the anchors. What is your problem with that?
Booster seats requirements are 40lb - 80lb and over 4'9" or at 9yrs.
Many toddlers are between 40-80lb and 4'9" at age of 4 -5.
So why can't they sit in the 3rd row?

You are correct that BMW don't specifically advise against booster seats in the 3rd row. They simply don't address non-tethered car seats, lumping all car seats in together. They focus on child restraint devices, which I interpret as seats having restraint harnesses. Some seats for up to 12 years old have tethers, but obviously a simple booster cushion does not.

I think it is a judgement call as to the use of booster seats in the third row. The risks are that the seat may not be set up correctly and the belt tightened each time, because it is hard for the parent to access the third row. If the child releases the seat belt, it is harder for the parent to notice. Those are judgement issues, up to each parent.

I noted originally that BMW advises against putting child seats in the third row, which is true. It is hard to argue with the logic that it is reasonable to do so, especially given that the manual (and Meister's post above) both note that the 3rd row is equipped with locking seat belts for child seats. The ability to lock the lap/shoulder belt is important, so that the belt doesn't loosen during a trip.

Drive safe.