:thumbup:

I have the third row seats and they do recline, they have an ac vent, seems to work fine here in the dc area with cooling and heating... The space a little tight so kids / short people can fit in easily, I'm close to 6" and i have it a little tight.. the self leveling suspension is great and so is the HUD.. With the bmw coding you can modify the display on the screen too.. have not done it yet, but will soon do...

Cheers !!!

On X5 without the 3rd row, the 2nd row seat is already reclined to the maximum. X5 with 3rd row allows you to recline the seat forward to allow more space for person in 3rd row. Same purpose the 2nd row slides forward for.
In other words, by having 3rd row option, you will NOT have additional way to increase space on 2nd row. The sliding and reclining is to have LESS space on 2nd row to allow more space on 3rd row.

I dont agree with this. Perhaps its changed since I purchased my X5. 2009. You do have more leg room and seats do recline more with the third row option. I tested it and I purchased it. Maybe its perception on my part. Cannot answer the comfort part though.

Oops! Any more views or metrics on this to reveal the truth??
Thank you anyway for your contribution.

I am positive the seats recline more than the non third row bench. Leg space maybe my perception.