3rd row seating

Hi all,

Considering a x5 premium and wondering if this a popular option to have. Also for the people who have it do you lose all of the trunk space?

Thanks

You lose the spare tire space, but as long as the third row is folded down the 'trunk' space is the same.


In my perception it is not highly 'popular', and is/should be driven by the singular question: will I need to carry more that 5 people?

A

If you have kids -- it is almost a necessity since they are really the only "people" who can comfortably fit back there. Without kids, it is a toss up. Will you ever need to haul more than 5 folks (including the driver) -- if not don't get it. If you "might" need it to haul two other couples to lunch -- you might want to get it. Remember with kids it is not just your own, you will be hauling little friends as well.

We had it in our '07, skipped it when we ordered the '13. It is only useful for small children or pets.

I agree with what Sean said. We played around with the 3rd row seat at the dealer. The wife needed it to haul kids (our children are 3 and 9). Adults can't fit back there unless they are small in stature. Good for small children.

If you watch the owner's video (on the BMWNA website) it states a person up to 5'6" can sit back there. I think that is a bit optimistic.

I have it ... never use it (and I don't have a spare and don't use run flat tires). But the car came with one additional feature as a result of the 3rd row seats, and that is a self-leveling suspension. Now that I like! But I probably won't like it when it breaks ...

Not clear at all if all cars with 3rd row seats automatically have a self-leveling suspension or if is something that must be specified at the time of order.

One more thing...adding 3rd row seats does change the look of the middle row somewhat (shape of the seats near the doors). Not sure if that is important but its worth noting.

Self Leveling is part of third row, that's why it is a $1,700 option.

Yeah I got 3 kids. Looks like a tossed Up question leading to yes I should get it. I am coming from an MDX (all are currently sitting 2nd row) which is nice and all. But the drive feels so dead.

Dropped my x3 when they were younger. What a mistake I should have leased a mini van in the interim.

Self leveling huh? How can you tell, is there a button or something you can adjust?

It is automatic. http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...levelling.html

REALOEM.com: Self-leveling suspension

Originally Posted by weavom5

One more thing...adding 3rd row seats does change the look of the middle row somewhat (shape of the seats near the doors). Not sure if that is important but its worth noting.

More importantly, middle row is movable, giving few extra inches of trunk space, if needed.

You can tilt 2nd row seats at two angles giving little more room for 3rd row ppl and I get to use that when hauling kids friends- total 5 in the back. +wife= total 7! Albite short trips to soccer games.
Not sure if you could tilt 2nd row seats at all,with out 3rd row option.

Originally Posted by 11leven

...Not sure if you could tilt 2nd row seats at all,with out 3rd row option.

You can't.

Originally Posted by smyles

More importantly, middle row is movable, giving few extra inches of trunk space, if needed.

I have 3rd row. I have read that it gives more space to rear seat passengers (when not using 3rd row).

3rd row seats are really only for kids up to about 12 (and I'm talking about small 12-year olds). I use them when I have family visiting for short trips only. I wouldn't recommend them.

3rd row is a joke for this gen. It's an afterthought by BMW marketing

BMW explains in its videos for the x5 that it's meant for children 5'6 and under. So...

Second row does slide up and back but ur not gonna gain much from that feature as again the x5 is designed to imitate the e60 interior volume (at least 2nd row forward). The next gen may or may not have. Alleviated that situation with a longer wb and
More useable passenger volume due to next gen architecture.

Originally Posted by BMW Power

Self Leveling is part of third row, that's why it is a $1,700 option.

Self-Leveling also comes with Adaptive Drive.

Originally Posted by weavom5

Adults can't fit back there unless they are small in stature.

LOL, funny choice of wording...luckily with my stature I fit easily in the cup holder! Haha

Seriously though, my brother is thinking about getting an X5d and has kids. The third row seats are one of his selling points to the wife.

If you car-pool a lot with kids (undrer 10-12 years old) you might use it. More importantly, if you're doing it now, don't think you'll grow into it.

We've had a 2013 X5 since may last year and I can say we only used it once or twice. I'd put the extra $1,700 into another option or upgrade, or your pocket.

What everyone is saying sounds about right. 3rd row is definitely suitable for children and teenagers. As far as trunk space, you can always fold those seats down if you need to transport a few things. As far as taking a long distance trip with seven passengers and luggage you may run into some issues unfortunately. The auto suspension is a beautiful thing though.

Definitely don't have an expectation that the third row small-in stature passengers will have any view whatsoever or that you will be able to see them. Those third row seats are LOW of course. You have to rely on hearing to confirm that you've remembered to get all the passengers on board.

Originally Posted by Sean

Self-Leveling also comes with Adaptive Drive.

WRONG.

Absolutely independent options.

3rd row seats is worth it if you can convince your significant other to even consider x5. That is really the reason anybody needs.

It is useful for kids on booster and before the grow too big. Personally, I like the ability to change second row angle and seating position. All the stuff about self leveling suspension is additional bonus.

Sent from my LG-P999 using Bimmer App

3rd Row - I have it.

Will I get it again - yes. Previous SUV didn't have it and as a result several times we had to take a second car. Great if you volunteer for kid's field trips. Yes this option is need specific.

Have I sat in the 3rd row - yes. I (6 feet) found it doable, but a very tight fit, at most for an hour long drive. Yes the front passenger and middle passenger side seats have to move forward.

With 3rd row up, the trunk will hold one regular suitcase standing upright.

Biggest downside - limits your tire options SIGNIFICANTLY, particularly if you go for Option 214 wheel option. You are stuck with RFT and only a couple of tire manufacturers make RFT that fit the 214 option.

Self-leveling and slidable/tiltable middle row seats are standard with 3rd row.