X5M 3rd row seat

[nick6425]

I want to buy an x5m, but really need the 3rd row for kids. Does any one know if it is possible to ad one and if so how difficult that would be? I assume that the space and everything you would need is already there since it is an option on the non M's and would think you could simply by the parts and just bolt them in, but I have never had one apart. Any feedback anyone can provide would be great.

[GaryRudolph]

I was debating between the 5.0i and the X5M over the 3rd row seat issue as well. I couldn't even find the part numbers to purchase all the parts for the 3rd row seat. I think the only way to do it would be to buy another X5 with the 3rd row seat and swap them out. There's a lot to it. The floor panels, seats, 3rd row seat belts, trim for seat belts, etc. Even then, not sure if it would work. In the end just decided to settle for the 5.0i...

[Defib]

I'm pretty sure it isn't possible. The X5 chassis with 3rd row is completely different from the x5 without the 3rd row.

[Frank_NJ]

Originally Posted by Defib

I'm pretty sure it isn't possible. The X5 chassis with 3rd row is completely different from the x5 without the 3rd row.

Defib is correct as the chassis is different and they add self-leveling air suspension in the rear when you order the 3rd row seat option.

[JNoSol]

Sounds you need to buy an E70 with 3rd row seating, then swap everything from your X5M over. That would be awesome!

[ND40oz]

The X5Ms rear end is also completely different since it has DPC. 50i with M Performance Package is probably the best you can get from the factory with the 3rd row, always go Dinan or another tune as well.

[14bmws]

Any child old enough (big enough) to be out of a car seat is already too big to fit in the third row seat. I cant imagine putting a young child in a car seat that far away from you. Really, we have a friend with the third row... their 8 year old has no room for his legs.

[Cravin]

Originally Posted by 14bmws

Any child old enough (big enough) to be out of a car seat is already too big to fit in the third row seat. I cant imagine putting a young child in a car seat that far away from you. Really, we have a friend with the third row... their 8 year old has no room for his legs.

If the second row is all the way back, then yes, the third row is very tight. If you move up the second row, then there is leg space for kids and small adults. I'm not saying it's the most comfortable thing in the world, but when you need the third row, it's quite usable because of BMW putting in the sliding second row.

[nick6425]

Thanks for all the good feedback. I am sure the 3rd row isn't something that would get used very often, it would just be nice to have the option. I would rather have the performance of the M rather than the 3rd row, so I will likely go that way.

[NANDOM5]

Originally Posted by nick6425

Thanks for all the good feedback. I am sure the 3rd row isn't something that would get used very often, it would just be nice to have the option. I would rather have the performance of the M rather than the 3rd row, so I will likely go that way.

Great choice.


PD: Your bike was an '02 "TELEFONICA"........just add the word.....


Regards

[heatmizr]

This thread IMPLIES that you CAN in fact get the M Performance Package with a third row... Is this still true?
I am currently in the market for a 2013 model and I really want both. Anyone know for sure these exist?
I am having enough trouble finding any with the 3rd row, and those vehicles are maybe even less likely to have the M option....

[blue dragon]

Originally Posted by 14bmws

Any child old enough (big enough) to be out of a car seat is already too big to fit in the third row seat. I cant imagine putting a young child in a car seat that far away from you. Really, we have a friend with the third row... their 8 year old has no room for his legs.

Thats not true. In Ontario, kids 8 years old or 80 lbs do not need a booster seat. My daughter is 8, and is comfortable back there. I would only use it for short trips in a pinch though (her soccer team, or friends), because she can't see out the car well when there, and she's really far away.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by heatmizr

This thread IMPLIES that you CAN in fact get the M Performance Package with a third row... Is this still true?
I am currently in the market for a 2013 model and I really want both. Anyone know for sure these exist?
I am having enough trouble finding any with the 3rd row, and those vehicles are maybe even less likely to have the M option....

Yes this combination was available, and does exist.

With that said, both M Performance and 3rd row seating were rare options, and finding one with both makes this combination even more rare. As you already seem to have determined, M Performance was only available on 2013 models (on both the 35i and 50i) and the vehicle must 1st have M Sport to even have the option of having M Performance.

With all that said, there's several on BMWUSA.com -

2013 xDrive50i's with M Performance & 3rd row (I hope you like black!) -
Carbon over Cinnamon (rare again in that it doesn't have the optional 20" 333's as most M Sports do) -
http://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/BMW/2013-...m?geoZip=98028

Here's 3 Black Sapphire/black leather with both options -
http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/...m?geoZip=98028

http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/...m?geoZip=98028

This one doesn't show the option list but I can see in the pics it has the M Performance Package (aluminum pedals, black exhaust tips) and I double checked it on the VIN decoder -
http://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/BMW/2013-...m?geoZip=98028


Just 1 xDrive35i with this combo -
http://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified/BMW/...m?geoZip=98028

[heatmizr]

Dude you Rock!
Yes I was able to find a couple myself after my post, but before yours, which showed me that at least they made that combination. I will check your links!

Also, opening myself to the V8 model may help in my search, and honestly the need for the M Performance is much less with that engine.
The search is on!

[JupiterBMW]

The 3rd row is in the crumple zone... You wanna put your kids back there?? Or anyone for that matter?? No thanks.

[heatmizr]

We have all heard from the anti-third row contingent. Enough, please.

Those of us that want/need it do not intend it for everyday use. It's those twice a year occurrences where the grandparents are visiting, or we are on vacation with family and we want to take one car to dinner.
I have no intention of stuffing an older bigger kid in there, let alone an adult, and I have no desire to use it every day to fill the vehicle like a minivan.

Kindly butt out.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by heatmizr

Dude you Rock!
Yes I was able to find a couple myself after my post, but before yours, which showed me that at least they made that combination. I will check your links!

Also, opening myself to the V8 model may help in my search, and honestly the need for the M Performance is much less with that engine.
The search is on!

True, you may not 'need' the extra power but if you find a 2013 that meets all your other search criteria, and it has M Performance, that would be a nice bonus. M Performance adds another 40 HP and 30 TQ in the 50i. 400/450 up to 440/480. M Performance is really rare on the 35i - 15HP & 30 TQ above stock. I'd drive both the 35i and 50i if you haven't already...that should help narrow your search.

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

The 3rd row is in the crumple zone... You wanna put your kids back there?? Or anyone for that matter?? No thanks.

Hey Jon, the 3rd row crowd is still waiting for proof of this, aside from what a salesman said

And you just wait until those kids get older and have their friends around

[heatmizr]

Hey Jiggz,
I also want the ventilated seats. And I'm not sure I have ever seen that option code listed for any VINs I have searched.
Should I instead be looking an umbrella package that always has this option?

*EDIT*
Seems I posted before I saw your new post.
I have driven the 35, and the 50, but neither with the M Perf. I am trying to find one local that has it, more so I can feel the suspension which many claim to be a bit much. No luck, not much to choose from.
If I can't have the M Perf, I think the M Sport pkg would still be fun.

[007_e350]

we bought the 2011 Diesel with 3rd row ... and man it wasn't of any use... wont fit car seat etc... they let us trade it back in for a 2012 diesel with no 3rd row.. now I miss the air suspension & movable rear seats LOL ... greed never ends, we're happy we did it though

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by heatmizr

Hey Jiggz,
I also want the ventilated seats. And I'm not sure I have ever seen that option code listed for any VINs I have searched.
Should I instead be looking an umbrella package that always has this option?

*EDIT*
Seems I posted before I saw your new post.
I have driven the 35, and the 50, but neither with the M Perf. I am trying to find one local that has it, more so I can feel the suspension which many claim to be a bit much. No luck, not much to choose from.
If I can't have the M Perf, I think the M Sport pkg would still be fun.

If you want ventilated seats you'll want to find one with the Luxury Seating Package (this is what I'm seeing it referred to as on 2013's, it used to be called the Active Ventilated Seat Package). Ventilated seats were not a standalone option so you'd need this package.

The Luxury Seating Package will also give you the Multi-Contour seats, which I highly recommend. Multi-Contour are also available as a standalone option, unlike the ventilated feature.

Here's the one from above that has the ventilated seats -
http://cpo.bmwusa.com/used/BMW/2013-...m?geoZip=98028

While the ad doesn't mention this package the decoder does -

451 ACTIVE SEAT FOR DRIVER (this is the massaging feature - driver's seat only)
453 ACTIVE SEAT VENTILATION, FRONT (both front seats have this feature)
456 COMFORT SEATS, ELECTRIC. ADJUSTABLE (both front seats have this feature).

I can't imagine the 35i M Performance package would make much of a difference, but I could be wrong? I'd try to find a 50i with 3rd row and Luxury Seating Package, and if it also has M Performance, then great.

For reference, this one we're looking at is pretty loaded -
M Sport Package with optional 20's (333M)
M Performance Package
Premium Package
Luxury Seating Package
Technology Package
Premium Sound Package
3rd row seat
Leather dashboard (rare)
BMW Apps

The only package it doesn't have is Cold Weather. Front heated seats were standard so you'd miss the heated steering wheel, rear heated seats, and headlight washers.

The only options it's missing that I can think of are adaptive drive, active steering, rear entertainment, lane departure warning, and active cruise. All are rare/hard to find options.

Originally Posted by 007_e350

we bought the 2011 Diesel with 3rd row ... and man it wasn't of any use... wont fit car seat etc... they let us trade it back in for a 2012 diesel with no 3rd row.. now I miss the air suspension & movable rear seats LOL ... greed never ends, we're happy we did it though

It's useless for car seats and bigger adults. For kids 5+ out of booster seats it's great...we use it all the time. Kids fight over who gets to sit back there.

[heatmizr]

Very helpful, again.... That car looks perfect. Thanks Jiggz!
Unfortunately that is pretty far away from me. I will be patient and look closer to home.

Agreed - you'd never want to put a car seat back there anyway, best to use the second row for that and the older kids can go all the way back. Mine are 3 & 5 so perfect.

What decoder are you using? BMWarchive gives the below descriptions for those same options:
S451A Active seat for driver
S453A Climatised front seats *
S456A Comfort seat with memory

Sometimes instead of reading all the VIN results I do a Ctrl+Find on "Vent" or whatever I am looking for, and this one wouldn't have found it. Tricky... Lesson learned.

[mitch808]

I'm gonna spew some crazy talk... But how about a new Volvo XC90? Wait a little and they are claiming a PoleStar Edition as well. I gather the 3rd row is a full-sized 3rd row.