ISOFIX Retrofit
Discussion
Appealing for advice from the plethora of knowledge from PistonHeads, does anyone know whether it is:
a) Possible
b) Advisable
to retrospectively fit the ISOFIX 'hoops' to a car. I bought a Mercedes S211 2009 a few years ago which ticks many of my family requirements, but surprisingly it does not have ISOFIX, with number two on the way I would prefer to use the more secure fixings of ISOFIX for the child seats. On the assumption that the 'hoops' are welded to the chassis(?) rather than formed during manufacture, I was considering whether to ask a reputable garage to weld a pair for use on both rear seats.
Honest thoughts and advice much appreciated,
GG
a) Possible
b) Advisable
to retrospectively fit the ISOFIX 'hoops' to a car. I bought a Mercedes S211 2009 a few years ago which ticks many of my family requirements, but surprisingly it does not have ISOFIX, with number two on the way I would prefer to use the more secure fixings of ISOFIX for the child seats. On the assumption that the 'hoops' are welded to the chassis(?) rather than formed during manufacture, I was considering whether to ask a reputable garage to weld a pair for use on both rear seats.
Honest thoughts and advice much appreciated,
GG
I know they were an (apparently only £35!) option on our '04 211 estate. I thought they were standard fit by 2009, but maybe not...
I'll have a closer look at them when I get home to see if they are bolted or welded in (I suspect the former if they were only £35). If they are bolted, I would presume you could get the parts from Mercedes (probably for more than £35!), and fit them.
I'll have a closer look at them when I get home to see if they are bolted or welded in (I suspect the former if they were only £35). If they are bolted, I would presume you could get the parts from Mercedes (probably for more than £35!), and fit them.
I know this is the W but the principle should be the same? http://www.saunalahti.fi/tuomeer/auto/diy/211isofi...
I bolted some into my ancient Peugeot, very easy and parts sourced from a scrappy.
But to be honest I found the whole system a bit overkill. A vast majority of second-stage seats are fixed with seatbelt strap only, making the Isofix upgrade redundant after the first 9 months of use. And a second-stage seat with Isofix is typically bulkier and vastly more expensive to buy too...
But to be honest I found the whole system a bit overkill. A vast majority of second-stage seats are fixed with seatbelt strap only, making the Isofix upgrade redundant after the first 9 months of use. And a second-stage seat with Isofix is typically bulkier and vastly more expensive to buy too...
As above, some manufacturers offer a bolt-in option (such as Ford on the old Focus etc) whilst some such as the VAG cars I've had offer them as standard.
In no way would I every consider knocking something together myself or asking a garage to weld something in to hold the mini-mes into the car. It'd be a million times better to just use a seat belt seat which in tests is proven to be just as effective as ISOFIX, if fitted properly, anyway. I think ISOFIX was originally invented to minimise the risk of incorrectly fitting a belt held child seat, not for the increased security.
In no way would I every consider knocking something together myself or asking a garage to weld something in to hold the mini-mes into the car. It'd be a million times better to just use a seat belt seat which in tests is proven to be just as effective as ISOFIX, if fitted properly, anyway. I think ISOFIX was originally invented to minimise the risk of incorrectly fitting a belt held child seat, not for the increased security.
DaveyBoyWonder said:
As above, some manufacturers offer a bolt-in option (such as Ford on the old Focus etc) whilst some such as the VAG cars I've had offer them as standard.
In no way would I every consider knocking something together myself or asking a garage to weld something in to hold the mini-mes into the car. It'd be a million times better to just use a seat belt seat which in tests is proven to be just as effective as ISOFIX, if fitted properly, anyway. I think ISOFIX was originally invented to minimise the risk of incorrectly fitting a belt held child seat, not for the increased security.
Are you seriously suggesting that you would not trust yourself to bolt something together ? Or am I misreading this ? In no way would I every consider knocking something together myself or asking a garage to weld something in to hold the mini-mes into the car. It'd be a million times better to just use a seat belt seat which in tests is proven to be just as effective as ISOFIX, if fitted properly, anyway. I think ISOFIX was originally invented to minimise the risk of incorrectly fitting a belt held child seat, not for the increased security.
In the car's I've owned with ISOfix, it's always just been two hoops welded to the chassis.
To be honest though, I wouldn't bother. Fair enough if the car had it already, but just get a non ISOfix seat if your car doesn't accept ISOfix. Not worth the effort getting someone to weld in the hoops unless you can weld yourself and have a spare afternoon to do it properly.
To be honest though, I wouldn't bother. Fair enough if the car had it already, but just get a non ISOfix seat if your car doesn't accept ISOfix. Not worth the effort getting someone to weld in the hoops unless you can weld yourself and have a spare afternoon to do it properly.
DaveyBoyWonder said:
As above, some manufacturers offer a bolt-in option (such as Ford on the old Focus etc) whilst some such as the VAG cars I've had offer them as standard.
In no way would I every consider knocking something together myself or asking a garage to weld something in to hold the mini-mes into the car. It'd be a million times better to just use a seat belt seat which in tests is proven to be just as effective as ISOFIX, if fitted properly, anyway. I think ISOFIX was originally invented to minimise the risk of incorrectly fitting a belt held child seat, not for the increased security.
Would love to un-bolt them from my A3, the front ones look untidy, presume if they can be retro fitted they can be retro removed (!).In no way would I every consider knocking something together myself or asking a garage to weld something in to hold the mini-mes into the car. It'd be a million times better to just use a seat belt seat which in tests is proven to be just as effective as ISOFIX, if fitted properly, anyway. I think ISOFIX was originally invented to minimise the risk of incorrectly fitting a belt held child seat, not for the increased security.
My parents have a picture of me as a young kid, in a wooden seat made by my dad, hooked over the front seats of his mini van between mum & dad - I didn't die but then again he didn't crash!!!
Thanks for the responses, after my usual MB main dealer explained they categorically were not available, however they were doing some cracking deals on new E Classes which have ISOFIX as standard....... 
, I spoke to another MB main dealer (Coventry) who were exceptionally helpful and the parts can be bought for £65 inc VAT and fitting £420 
.
I think I may
just buy the parts and get an independant garage to fit as I would like someone with a little more 'ability' than me to fit them, bearing in mind the preciousness of what they will be retaining.
I agree we all have stories of 'how things used to be' but surely taking best modern practice is advisable should anything happen.
Any recommendations for a good local garage in Warwickshire?
The reason I like ISOFIX is the ability to fit a base unit and then just click in and out the baby seat and at the appropriate age/ weight a larger seat clicks in permanently.
Thanks again!
, I spoke to another MB main dealer (Coventry) who were exceptionally helpful and the parts can be bought for £65 inc VAT and fitting £420 .I think I may
just buy the parts and get an independant garage to fit as I would like someone with a little more 'ability' than me to fit them, bearing in mind the preciousness of what they will be retaining.I agree we all have stories of 'how things used to be' but surely taking best modern practice is advisable should anything happen.
Any recommendations for a good local garage in Warwickshire?
The reason I like ISOFIX is the ability to fit a base unit and then just click in and out the baby seat and at the appropriate age/ weight a larger seat clicks in permanently.
Thanks again!
My Peugeot has ISOFIX retro fitted but it's welded in. Did a seat and base fit while at a mama's and papas store. Had a major headache getting it locked in (and removed too). Also the seat was sitting at the wrong angle to be classed within their safety guidelines. Closer inspection showed my ISOFIX 'loops' were incorrectly positioned by whoever had installed them.
The shop bloke showed me how stable and safe the seatbelt security was and I'm happy not have have the base in mine. The missus' s car has the base in it and if anything it easier for more convenient just for simply 'plug in and go'.
The shop bloke showed me how stable and safe the seatbelt security was and I'm happy not have have the base in mine. The missus' s car has the base in it and if anything it easier for more convenient just for simply 'plug in and go'.
Isofix is not really any safer than a belted in seat or base, it's just more convenient with less chance of fitting it incorrectly.
Most maxi cosi bases can be fitted with belts so you can still click the seat in & out.
Having said that I retro fitted isofix in a Focus, it's a doddle with just four bolts to fix into existing holes.
Most maxi cosi bases can be fitted with belts so you can still click the seat in & out.
Having said that I retro fitted isofix in a Focus, it's a doddle with just four bolts to fix into existing holes.
DJFish said:
Isofix is not really any safer than a belted in seat or base, it's just more convenient with less chance of fitting it incorrectly.
Most maxi cosi bases can be fitted with belts.
Having said that I retro fitted isofix in a Focus, it's a doddle with just four bolts to fix into existing holes.
This.Most maxi cosi bases can be fitted with belts.
Having said that I retro fitted isofix in a Focus, it's a doddle with just four bolts to fix into existing holes.
ISOFIX is no safer folks. Just significantly reduces chances for user error and offers some convenience over belts.
GrandGinge said:
...and the parts can be bought for £65 inc VAT and fitting £420 ....
The fook!! ....I also had a Volvo V70 and the kit could be bought a couple of years ago for circa £25.
All you do is lift up the rear bench, bolt it in using the "be reet" torque value and that's it!
What the chuff are MB doing that costs that much!!!!
DaveyBoyWonder said:
It'd be a million times better to just use a seat belt seat which in tests is proven to be just as effective as ISOFIX, if fitted properly
This.Our little one is just over a year old now and we've had to move on to a bigger car seat which has the ISOFIX base. The seat we've been using up to now was only secured with a seatbelt (takes seconds once you've done it a few times). I certainly wouldn't of gone to the bother of getting an ISOFIX connector added to the car. It doesn't sound exceptionally rare, etc so why not buy a different car?
GrandGinge said:
I think I may just buy the parts and get an independant garage to fit as I would like someone with a little more 'ability' than me to fit them, bearing in mind the preciousness of what they will be retaining.
Whilst i would normally agree fully with this approach just bear in mind it's pretty unlikely most garage techs have fitted these as not a common request. just buy the parts and get an independant garage to fit as I would like someone with a little more 'ability' than me to fit them, bearing in mind the preciousness of what they will be retaining.So, he'll be following the instructions as you would. But he might not care as much.
One of those jobs i'd actually rather do myself!
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