The M5, child seats and airbags

[Neil.D]

Dear fellow M municipal.

I knew my time would come when forthcoming children may be in the midst, (no condolences but thanks!)

I bought the M5 (E39) with half a thought on this topic knowing that the extra doors would probably one day be helpful.

My problem, apart from the possible, shiet/vomit/snot and equally soul destroying child seat dents in the leather is thus:

The car has curtain aibags all the way round, meaning should the car be 't-boned' one or more of them will go off potentially KO'ing said child.
I know that forward facing seats are not advisable owing to this problem but what about the side ones? Is the problem just as severe?

Any input regarding children, baby seats, seat covers and vomit protection much appreciated.

Regards,

Neil

[(AS)]

I know about this....
I had the rear LHS airbag deactivated on my E39 M5 around the time our little one arrived - some years back now...
It's a mildly complex procedure and can only be carried out by BMW themselves - it involves the local service department making contact with BMW Germany to request a deactivation code, entering it and then producing a certificate to explain what has occurred.
BMW recommend that this procedure is followed if you are going to be carrying the little darlings in the car - you're correct to think that children and airbags don't mix!
Also, as a general rule, it's a rear facing seat for the first year and then forwards facing after that.

Otherwise, the E39 M5 is a great choice for a lugging all that family paraphernalia around.
Hope this helps and all the best...
A.

[BOR]

That's a good question, but I don't know the answer.

I was t-boned last Sunday(in a 318 E91) , curtain airbag(+ one in the seat which I didn't know was there) deployed. I think with the momentum of the accident, you are moving away from the side airbag, so the affects are less than with the steering wheel bag.

My son was on the other side of the car, and was constained by his child seat.

Gut feeling is that the curtain airbag is OK for kids.

[Neil.D]

Some good info there (AS). Seems like its a bit of a project to get it done then.
Ah well, suppose I will already have my wallet out.

BOR - yes I see your point. Its not like they will be receiving the full force straight into their sweede.

Any BMW friendly makes recommended or are they are they all pretty much the same?
Ha, I know nothing about it!

Neil

Edited by Neil.D on Thursday 11th September 19:54

[Cork M3]

Hi Neil,

I have two child seats in my M3. I have a spare set of BMW mats and have put one rear mat under each child seat and also have child seat covers under them which also protect against the seats getting marked. Got those in Halfords.

Seems to work well.

Regards

Mark

[Zod]

curtain airbags are above kids' heads.