E53 X5 - Nightmare fitting 3 kids' seats in a row

[razor]

I have been trying to fit 3 "group 2" forward facing car seats (i.e. the ones without the integral harnesses) in a row in the back of our X5. They will fit but it's almost impossible to get your hand between the seats to plug in the seat belts. We have Graco seats. Has anyone found a way of fitting 3 kids seats in a row without having this difficulty? e.g. has anyone found particularly narrow group 2 seats (unlike Graco)?

Previously we had a group 2 seat (for the 6 year old) alongside two group 1 seats (for the 4 year old twins) and that worked ok.

I am even thinking about trading the x5 for a new 4.8 x5, if there is no way of getting narrower child seats! Does anyone know if the rear (2nd) row of seats is wider in the new X5?

[theboss]

And there I was eyeing up the E53 as a family wagon for when we've had our third (which is due imminently!!)

Apart from the new model what else (if anything) are you considering?

[razor]

I haven't really found anything else that would be a better replacement for the e53 than the new x5. I would want something with the same all-round abilities of the x5, which rules out Range Rover (and I don't even know if I'd be better off with one of those in terms of 2nd row width) and the Land Rovers. And the people carriers don't appeal - we hired a new Galaxy in the summer and it was really uncomfortable to drive (as well as being slow etc). I had a go in a Q7 which drove quite well but just looks a bit weird and was overpriced.

I did a search on the BMW website for approved x5 4.8s and there were hardly any about so I'll have to see what comes up over the next few months.

[bobthemonkey]

I really don't want to come across as a tt, but do 4 & 6 year olds really need car seats? I certainly didn't at that age, and with one exception nobody else I knew had one either.

[DeanVRS]

A six year old in a booster seat is fine,even the 4 year old could possibly but don't quote me.

this should make life much easier as long as seat belt straps ok etc.

[theboss]

bobthemonkey said:

I really don't want to come across as a tt, but do 4 & 6 year olds really need car seats? I certainly didn't at that age, and with one exception nobody else I knew had one either.

The difference is that we didn't live in a nanny state...

http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/focusareas/children/ch...

[ism123]

Doesn't the latest X5 have a 7-seat option?

Failing that when I was looking into the issue of 3 x child seats in the rear of a non 4x4 the E class estate was supposedly the only one able to accomodate.

[inishfalle]

The only cars that can take 3 seats across are volvo xc90 (v8 very cheap), Disco and Ford smax/galaxy.
Ref nanny state, yes I agree but but I quite like my 3 kids and in the rare event that plod stops you (abt once every 15 years thks to speed cams)he will fine you if you dont have the right seats. The solution is too buy volvo xc90 v8 or v6 and the money saved on New x5 can be spent on 3 or 6 series coupe as a 2nd car!

[razor]

I haven't tried the XC90 - what is it like to drive?

[gizlaroc]

Mercedes E class.

E55 AMG Estate is a nice subtle family wagon.

[Zead]

razor said:

I haven't tried the XC90 - what is it like to drive?

nothing like a BMW. Capable and ticks all the boxes but v. dull, and goes through tyres like scoobies but cost twice as much

[razor]

gizlaroc said:

Mercedes E class.

E55 AMG Estate is a nice subtle family wagon.

Good thought, but not sure that I'd want the wife driving a car which is nearly as fast as my E60 M5!

[razor]

Actually, I forgot the other 7 seat option that we looked at a couple of years back - the Mercedes GL. We took out a GL420 CDI just after Merc had brought out the GLs. It was quite luxurious and I think that it was the only one we looked at where the third row seats folded electronically (a very nice feature). But, the car was really let down by the excessively floaty ride and what felt like ridiculous lag. I also remember that they told me that my X5 (which was then only 2 years old) would be worth only £18k on p/x, at which point any faint interest I'd had just died. Good ol Merc.

[MarkwG]

Quote from theboss - yep, that's a nanny "Euro" state, afaik: we came into line. Been the case on the continent for a while, caused me similar aggro when we lived over there, & caused a child minder friend of mine such hassle she's jacked it in! Progress

[inishfalle]

razor said:

I haven't tried the XC90 - what is it like to drive?

The xc90 3.2 is perfect for long journeys and rutted lanes etc and dump, ikea runs etc, kids never vomit in it which is a good sign! in my opinion. I got a friend to buy the xc90 V8 sport (firmer suspension 0-60 6.9) as he faced the 3 kids problem with his RS6 avant but did not want to give up the sporty element. He loves it, his wife and kids love it he does not care abt the 15 mpg but only does about 6000 miles per year. It no sports car but thats why i have the 645 for. PS re merc we had old ML but customer service put me off Merc for life. I dont think they ever learned their lessons. Also check out reports of New ML on PH its sound horrifc. XC90 very safe and reliable and volvo customer service almost as good as BMW!

Edited by inishfalle on Friday 16th January 11:56

Edited by inishfalle on Friday 16th January 11:57

[inishfalle]

Zead said:

razor said:

I haven't tried the XC90 - what is it like to drive?

nothing like a BMW. Capable and ticks all the boxes but v. dull, and goes through tyres like scoobies but cost twice as much

ref tires 150 quid a corner (bmw no cheaper 645 run flats 300 quid per corner), every 15,000 miles if you have heavy right foot like me, wife is a bit
lighter on it then me. Scooby great car but not for 3 kids becomes a bit of a vomit comet. PS remeber the point is money saved over x5 can put towards the essential 2nd (fast car) ie scooby, mcar what ever you like the bigger the engine the lower the price.

[gizlaroc]

There is a Volvo T5 sat outside my shop at the moment with 3 child seats across the back seat, reminded me of this thread.

Looks really nice too in black, plus they are pretty rapid and extremely comfy!