Retrofitting third row.. question

[007_e350]

Hey guys, been able to install rear seat belts, middle row ( pre rea for 3rd row) but now I’ve hit a snag ... the third row area doesn’t have threads for the bolts .. the cut outs are there but they’re hollow.. unlike in the middle row the seats go into same threaded locations ... what are my options ? Weld it in ? We haul kids it has to be safe... any ideas ? Also, anyone knows a good welding shop in Chicagoland ? Thanks, will post detailed write up when done

[mitch808]

I would say rivnuts are an option, but for safety, a welded in nut would be best.

[heatmizr]

Wow I would never attempt this, kudos to you. I thought I remembered a lot of things that were different with the third row option.
What about rear suspension, leaving all the same?
Good luck! I know my 3rd row has come in very handy, at least while my kids are small.
But I will say, its like a freaking chinese puzzle putting it up and down... Like a 7-step process sliding each second row seat up, headrests, needing to access from both rear doors and the hatch. My advice - just leave em up as much as you can.

[Nkponder]

Yes, I think 3rd row conversion is a bad idea. We are talking about the safety of your little ones!

Also, suspension is totally different, you lose your spare tire (should install 4 new run flats), and how about the A/C vents?...

Again and most importantly, how will those rivets hold up when you get rear ended with two little ones in the back!?!

Please don't do this conversion, very bad idea.

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by Nkponder

Yes, I think 3rd row conversion is a bad idea. We are talking about the safety of your little ones!

Also, suspension is totally different, you lose your spare tire (should install 4 new run flats), and how about the A/C vents?...

Again and most importantly, how will those rivets hold up when you get rear ended with two little ones in the back!?!

Please don't do this conversion, very bad idea.

+1


Sell the 5 seater and buy a 7 seater.

Just for the kid's safety issues.

[heatmizr]

Ehhh, just wrap them in bubble wrap. Mucho savings. They are fairly durable.

[007_e350]

Originally Posted by Nkponder

Yes, I think 3rd row conversion is a bad idea. We are talking about the safety of your little ones!

Also, suspension is totally different, you lose your spare tire (should install 4 new run flats), and how about the A/C vents?...

Again and most importantly, how will those rivets hold up when you get rear ended with two little ones in the back!?!

Please don't do this conversion, very bad idea.

Never had the spare tire, suspension is irrelevant in this case, middle row climate control will suffice, not riveting getting it welded professionally.

[Nkponder]

Do what you want, even if it's a VERY bad idea.

I'll keep my eye on the Darwin awards for you...

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by Nkponder

Do what you want, even if it's a VERY bad idea.

I'll keep my eye on the Darwin awards for you...

Ok we get it, you think it's a very bad idea. Please stop commenting unless you have something constructive to say and let the man continue with his project in peace.

[X5 MAN]

Even if everything goes well., that X5 just lost its resale value like a sinking rock.

[Spyro235]

Originally Posted by X5 MAN

Even if everything goes well., that X5 just lost its resale value like a sinking rock.

It's an X5.. That already happened. Plus, in the general population, you think someone's going to research the options and even for one second consider it wasn't a factory installed option? Probably not. Someone on this forum might, but they would know to look for the tell tale signs, such as the extra vents. My parents or girlfriend would never, ever know the difference.

[Nyc Dito]

Originally Posted by 007_e350

Hey guys, been able to install rear seat belts, middle row ( pre rea for 3rd row) but now I’ve hit a snag ... the third row area doesn’t have threads for the bolts .. the cut outs are there but they’re hollow.. unlike in the middle row the seats go into same threaded locations ... what are my options ? Weld it in ? We haul kids it has to be safe... any ideas ? Also, anyone knows a good welding shop in Chicagoland ? Thanks, will post detailed write up when done

I'm not sure how true it is, but when I was working for BMW and the E70 was being released they told us that the third row optioned vehicles had "better" or stronger reinforcements in the body for the third row. For the safety of the kids of course. BUT looking at the ETK, and looking up frame part numbers, they look the same regardless of options. I would think if the frame is all the same (no extra reinforcement according to BMW) it could be done.

[m5james]

Bumping this thread to see if this was ever completed. I don't wanna sell the X5M but there's been rare moments where a 3rd row would be handy and there's a few being parted in my area.

Soapboxers, keep to yourselves.

[2011with140k]

I wish there was an easy way I could trade parts, because I have absolutely no use for the 3rd row in mine.

[Serf27]

Third row seats are pretty nice. Biggest down side is the limited trunk space available when they’re in use.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by 2011with140k

I wish there was an easy way I could trade parts, because I have absolutely no use for the 3rd row in mine.

I'll swap with ya if you're ever in Seattle. In the meantime I just keep watching for rare E70 part outs.

[Racetune]

It's 100% possible to do it with a high degree of safety if all the anchor points are just like OEM or at least reinforced.

You'll just have to copy it over, like for like, bolt for bolt and add make sure the anchors are structural and secure for the seat belts and seats.

The largest challenge is getting the rear pillar anchor point strong and like factor - if the threaded boss isn't there.

The rest looks pretty easy and the oem trims will make it look like factory.

Give it a shot, blog about it on here- worst thing is that it wont work and you can sell the parts.

[Pobblestone]

Did you manage to install 3rd row and seat belts? I bought a lovley x5 at auction, was hoping for 3rd row, but only need occasionally (when international family visit) so don't need full functionality opening and closing, just locking in occasionally and can leave out of the car.