X5 e70 - Possible to fit 3rd row ?

[007_e350]

I know its a long shot, but is it possible ? has anyone done it ? thanks

[E70'11]

Originally Posted by 007_e350

I know its a long shot, but is it possible ? has anyone done it ? thanks

Well since the E70 does have a 3rd row option, I would say that it is possible to do so

[jandref321]

Looking at realoem it seems possible. I originally though it was a different rear floor plate but looks like it's just different floor covering. You need the seat frames, brackets, covers, storage trim, seat trim, etc. I'm not sure if you'd need to rivet or weld the brackets, maybe just bolts. This would take time and money to be done properly since the second row seats are way different also to allow you to access the third row. So you'd need the whole second and third rows with trim, carpet, and install. You could probably just buy some salvage third row seats and throw them in without worrying about the rest if simple seating is all you need, but it would look weird...maybe do the project in stages

[smyles]

It's possible, but level of effort and $$ depend on scope:
- just the seats/seat belts/trim?
- 3rd row climate?
- self-leveling suspension?

[jandref321]

Lots of differences lol...I forgot about the seats belts also so the D-pillars will need to be replaced. The link is for a video showing third row seating, note the differences from your setup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1MUYyKzaQo

[jandref321]

Another one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAdt_43HZW4

[007_e350]

Gosh not fun... I'm not looking to do a whole lot, maybe just install 3rd row seat, I'll slip the kid in from the trunk ... my concern is safety, is it safe enough ? In the event of a crash etc will the seat hold etc..

[BrunoT]

Just put the kids in a roof box with an ipad, a juice box, and some gummy worms.

[JoeyBimX5din]

Originally Posted by BrunoT

Just put the kids in a roof box with an ipad, a juice box, and some gummy worms.

that seems like its a good idea.

Why not buy a hooptie mini van, and keep the X as 'daddy's toy'

[omgboost]

I think you can do it but you may need to get a new 2nd row seat. The 2nd row seat with 3rd row has cutouts for more leg room for 3rd row passengers. Also, the 2nd row without 3rd row has this metal bracket for the cargo tray that will seriously hamper 3rd row leg room.

[007_e350]

Originally Posted by omgboost

I think you can do it but you may need to get a new 2nd row seat. The 2nd row seat with 3rd row has cutouts for more leg room for 3rd row passengers. Also, the 2nd row without 3rd row has this metal bracket for the cargo tray that will seriously hamper 3rd row leg room.

I think the 2nd row w/ 3rd has sliding rails also, cant imagine its so much more just for a 3rd row that still cant fit an adult

[omgboost]

Yup, I looked into it too since I don't like buying used German cars and it may have been better to try to fit 3rd row into the car instead of buying another car. But in the end, I don't think it's worth it. The additional passengers can just call an Uber or rent their own car.

Here's the cutout where their little toes can fit. The two row X5s don't have that so if someone was sitting in a retrofitted 3rd row, they'd have to angle their toes sideways to sit

[335dsleeper]

You'd need to retrofit the 2nd row seat as well. The 3rd row equipped vehicles have a fully adjustable 2nd row. The seats slide and recline to fit larger people in the 3rd row comfortably, to include full size adults.

Op- it can be done. All the parts are available but it would be expensive. I recommend just buying an X5 with a 3rd row.

We're very happy with our X5 and even though many say the X5's 3rd row is useless, we use it daily and find that notion to be grossly inaccurate.

Originally Posted by omgboost

Yup, I looked into it too since I don't like buying used German cars and it may have been better to try to fit 3rd row into the car instead of buying another car. But in the end, I don't think it's worth it. The additional passengers can just call an Uber or rent their own car.

Here's the cutout where their little toes can fit. The two row X5s don't have that so if someone was sitting in a retrofitted 3rd row, they'd have to angle their toes sideways to sit

[007_e350]

Originally Posted by 335dsleeper

You'd need to retrofit the 2nd row seat as well. The 3rd row equipped vehicles have a fully adjustable 2nd row. The seats slide and recline to fit larger people in the 3rd row comfortably, to include full size adults.

Op- it can be done. All the parts are available but it would be expensive. I recommend just buying an X5 with a 3rd row.

We're very happy with our X5 and even though many say the X5's 3rd row is useless, we use it daily and find that notion to be grossly inaccurate.

Wow - do you have any pics with adults seated, bmw made 3rd row for people under 5'6" from what I read

[heatmizr]

Its tight. I haven't tried but wouldn't want to ride back there at all, I'm 5'9".
My wife is skinny and 5'5" and CAN fit next to my 7yo son, but I don't believe she was too excited about it, especially getting in and out past the flipped forward 2nd row seat.

[JoeyBimX5din]

that's the kind of quality comfort most '3rd' row vehicles have these days. People will purposely buy vehicles for there 3rd rows and they are a waste of time and space (ha, get it!). If you absolutely need the space, you need a legit full size SUV, or a minivan.

[jandref321]

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

that's the kind of quality comfort most '3rd' row vehicles have these days. People will purposely buy vehicles for there 3rd rows and they are a waste of time and space (ha, get it!). If you absolutely need the space, you need a legit full size SUV, or a minivan.

Not the MINIVAN!

[-c-]

Well it's come in handy a few times. Theirs been situations where they really saved the day. It's more of a convenience really! If you need em you have em..... don't loose anything really as far as cargo space minus the spare when their down... when their up I hope you don't plan on bringing luggage unless you have a cargo top.

I'm glad I have em!

[trucky2]

I have never once used my 3rd row seating but I would absolutely make it a requirement if I get another E70. The reason why is because of the auto leveling air ride rear suspension that is a part of the 3rd row package. It is a great addition when towing or carrying much weight in the rear. I don't know if the air ride was available as a separate option but I have yet to see one optioned without also having the 3rd row.

[JoeyBimX5din]

The air springs seem to be pricey when they fail though, and if you are really worried about suspension height when towing, add on air bag kits can be had for under $200. I am glad I have rear springs. My 'truck' doesn't have a hitch to, I haven't added one yet. I typically tow with my wifes jeep or my F250 when the going gets heavy.

[-c-]

Originally Posted by JoeyBimX5din

The air springs seem to be pricey when they fail though, and if you are really worried about suspension height when towing, add on air bag kits can be had for under $200. I am glad I have rear springs. My 'truck' doesn't have a hitch to, I haven't added one yet. I typically tow with my wifes jeep or my F250 when the going gets heavy.

Well if you don't go OEM but go with an OEM supplier their actually pretty cheap. Some sell for 75$ for 2 new bags. The stock part is over 200$ though through a dealer.

BMW's markup and dealer markup. I recommend buying from the OEM supplier and cut out the 2 middle men.

[JoeyBimX5din]

Oh that is not too bad then. I have seen used unit before and the prices struck me as a bit high. Like 80-100 for a single one. That is air bag on a shock/strut