Fredo, do you have more info on the 2nd row being affected by the 3rd? is it due to the 'swing-forward' mechanism affecting the seat design or something?

It's just less padded I think....feels more like a bench than a seat to me. I think other people have written about it. Also as the seat has to move forward it's not built in as neatly...which makes sense.

I don't think the second row seat should sway your decision of getting the third. When the third row is not in use and you slide the second row all the way back the roominess is the same. I would like more factual information about the seats actually being made different and plushness being compromised. I find that hard to belive. I also sat in both and I didnt feel them to be less plush.
as for resale. fredo said it, It will be an absoulute deal breaker wihtout it for some.
however I belive it will not be a deal breaker on the other end.

I dont agree with the comfort difference beign so extreme but here read some more info
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...t=3rd+row+seat

I just don't understand people making bold statements that the 3rd row seats are useless when they're great for families with small kids. BMW added this option to accomodate the majority of the X5 buyers, families with kids, who wants to drive a BMW and still can accomodate extra rugrats without having to drive a tank and pay $10 /gallon on gas.

I have a 5ft tall 10 year old daughter and a 18 mo old toddler and they fit in the 3rd row seat just fine.

If you want a people mover, go get a minivan or a Suburban.

I have a third row seat and I find it useful for my kids. We have used it many times and it prevented us from having to take two cars to the same place. Besides, I also took the option to qualify for the 6000 GVWR tax break. As far as residual value is concern, I think that it will be a good resale option that people will prefer but I don't think that you can get money back from it though.