3 Kids in the back of a BMW

[hobo28]

Hi all

I'm currently in the process of choosing a new company car. I currently have a 3 series and I need to fit 3 kids in the back. My eldest is 13 so does not need a car seat. The other two are younger, the middle child needs a booster and the youngest a car seat. The problem is that there's no/little room for my eldest.

Does anyone have similar issues in a 5 series? Am trying to weigh up if its worth it or not.

Thanks

[Cartard]

We used to get 5 in a E21 3 series!

[BliarOut]

E39 5 series will swallow three large adults in the rear with no problems.

[dcb]

BliarOut said:

E39 5 series will swallow three large adults in the rear with no problems.

Certainly no problems with two kids
and a large adult in the back of the E39.

Parkers' website has it that a recent 3 series has
140 cm of width door to door in the back.

Recent 5 series numbers not available.

Suggest take a tape measure downto your local BMW
dealer.

You never know, you might be able to blag a ride
in a couple of cars.

[MattGTA]

I had a this issue with BMW.

The E90 and E60 both have isofix and the anchors are quite central compared with other cars. This moves the children away from the doors and closer to the middle, which is all well and good in a event of a side impact, but if you want to fit a 3rd person in the back, you're in trouble.

With two full child seats in the back of an E60 5 series, there wasn't even room for my size 8 wife in the middle.

Your situation is slightly different - you only need one full seat and one booster, so that will helps a bit... but the full child seat may still push your eldest slightly off centre. Not very comfy and awkward as they will have to straddle to driveshaft too.

We wanted to stay with BMW, but this is exactly the problem that ultimately led us away from the 5 and into an X5.

[MattGTA]

PS - the seatbelts are similarly offset away from the doors, so using a non isofix seat doesn't help that much I'm afraid.

[hobo28]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Unfortunately the X5 is out of my price range from the company scheme especially after the tax clobbering. Luckily the old car is due a service today so will take a tape measure down with me.

Thanks

[BMWJim]

I got an E39 530d se..great car loads of room for my three kids, 2 of which are teenagers!! the only down side? it can be a bit thirsty round town..but as a family car its great!!

[richterswil]

BMWJim said:

I got an E39 530d se..great car loads of room for my three kids, 2 of which are teenagers!! the only down side? it can be a bit thirsty round town..but as a family car its great!!

The issue is related to the size of (compulsory) child seats - my E60 has room for 3 adults in the back (just) but by the time the kids seats are put in there is no room left - 3 adults or 2 toddlers basically - the E39 would be the same.

[BMWJim]

That's me told then