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

why BMW? why?

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.

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

I hate the third row...it is a total waste of space, and it makes the second row look bad... I would say if you really don't need it, spend elsewhere.

but then, you won't be able to recline your 2nd row seats...

I have the E70 and I did not get the third row seat. BMW should have never created this option.

Here is my point.... If you do not opt for it... you get a spare tire. The vehicle comes with run flats but what if a tire is destroyed?? I like knowing I have a spare in case that happens. Run flats are good for about 90 miles but a shredded tire will get you 0 miles.

but they are at a good angle already....
E53's reclining seats were for more cargo space, right?

I have reclining rear seats now but I almost never adjust them I wouldn't miss them if I didn't have them, but I agree, they're cool to have. Do you have them now, Wes? How often do you adjust them?

I have a Cayenne S and the lease will be over in a couple of months. My wife always complain we can't recline the 2nd row while my friend's cars could. That's why the reclining 2nd row is in one of the important options. Well, not a must in my book, but certainly a big plus for my wife.

As of right now, I'm pretty much set my mind on the X5 4.8 with almost all of the options except maybe just one or two.

Oh, btw, my Cayenne do not have run flat nor spare tires at all. We had shredded tires twice and puntured tires 3 times. I have very good experience getting the car being towed back home or to nearest repair shop now. LOL!

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...