3rd row comments from those who got it?

[hyde]

We've gotten a lot of new X5 owners, we had a discussion on 3rd row in a thread I cannot find know. If you don't mind, can you guys chime in with your comments/feedback on 3rd row on X5. I know it's like a bleachers back there but I'd love to know if any of you guys use it routinely.

Thanks!

[Kewl X5]

Once in a blue moon for small kids. Used it 5 times...Really only good for short trip and 2nd row seat needs to compromise by moving 2nd row seats forward and reduce some leg room for 2nd row passengers.

[hyde]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

Once in a blue moon for small kids. Used it 5 times...Really only good for short trip and 2nd row seat needs to compromise by moving 2nd row seats forward and reduce some leg room for 2nd row passengers.

2nd row moves only 2/3 and 1/3 configuration, right? If I recall correctly the driver side is linked with center, so you cannot fold or slide each seat individually for some reason? I am asking because if I keep my son's child seat on passenger side, I could move that forward as much as possible to make room on 3rd row passenger side.

[Geddy]

We ordered it on my wife's X5 which is coming in soon. It won't be used regularly, just in a pinch maybe 5-10 times per year.

Before ordering I sat in the third row in an X5 on the dealers lot and for me it wasn't as bad as I expected based on what I've read about it. I'm only 5'10 155lbs but felt ok back there with the second row moved up a reasonable amount. Certainly wouldn't want to be there for a very long time but not horrible.

[Nuckle]

After testing at the dealer it was a deal killer for me. The second row gets moved up which makes it too tight. The third row seating is about as bad as any other mid sized vehicle in its class. I passed up an amazing deal on an X5 50i because it had the third row option. I am so glad I did and really happy with the X5M.

If you need a large SUV with a good 3rd row get an Armada or QX80. Thank me later.

[midlifecrisis]

It's OK for young kids but you have to watch their legs and feet when returning the second row to the seating position. We've used it for a 5 year old in a booster seat and he seemed to enjoy it. He likes having his own climate controls! On a couple of occasions we've asked adults to sit back there for short trips. I suggest you ask the most athletic and smallest adults to do this!

[alphaod]

Yes, I have them. No I wouldn't get them ever again. Too small except for kids and/or smaller adults. And as another member mentions, it compromises the second row comfort when you use the third row.

[qocerhuang]

Yeah, not for adult. The third row seats for kids under 10, maybe.

[madmax2k1]

I love the 3rd seat option, we use it occasionally and it works great for short distances regardless of height.

[JBorbits]

I've gotten the option and its has always come in handy. I'm 5'9 and and fit somewhat comfortably back there after adjustments. And by that I mean moving the second row all the way forward and to a more upright position, and which leaves more leg room in the back. You sacrifice a bit of comfort for the second row but since there is good headroom in this car it works.

[FamilyMan]

We have the 3rd row and use it a few times a month. Our kids are 11, 9, and 6... so kids being kids they will fight and bicker on longer trips so someone will end up in the 3rd row.

So, for us it works out well. When the kids get older/bigger then this setup won't work.

By that time I'd consider getting a 3rd vehicle just for family hauling (like a Tahoe) and get myself an M4!

[coolmex200]

Originally Posted by hyde

We've gotten a lot of new X5 owners, we had a discussion on 3rd row in a thread I cannot find know. If you don't mind, can you guys chime in with your comments/feedback on 3rd row on X5. I know it's like a bleachers back there but I'd love to know if any of you guys use it routinely.

Thanks!

We have four kids and use them almost everyday. We keep two in the 2nd row and two (3, 6) in the third row. We tend to fold the middle portion down so the can see forward and talk without shouting over the headrest. Plus makes it a little less claustrophobic and allows extra air moving back there. Plus the older kids can pass them drinks and snacks that way.
We will probably continue with our current setup until they outgrow the third row. Maybe by then we will be moving back to the states and get a large family hauler.

[X5M50D]

I have them but never been used so far in the 5 months of ownership.
I was told by the stealers that these would add value to the car when I come to sell it but now realise this was a ploy to get more money out of me
The worst thing that was never mentioned to me by BMW was the fact they are in black Dakota leather finish but my first and second rows seats are Smoke white merino leather - no match!
Would not go for this option again

[Kewl X5]

Originally Posted by X5M50D

I have them but never been used so far in the 5 months of ownership.
I was told by the stealers that these would add value to the car when I come to sell it but now realise this was a ploy to get more money out of me
The worst thing that was never mentioned to me by BMW was the fact they are in black Dakota leather finish but my first and second rows seats are Smoke white merino leather - no match!
Would not go for this option again

Wow, talk about cost cutting for 2017 models...have 2015 with Mocha Nappa leather and 3rd row is Mocha Nappa leather still...

Also, off topic, noticed 2017 X5 loaner did not have passenger outside dimming mirror anymore...cost cutting?

[Gilly1964]

Originally Posted by coolmex200

We have four kids and use them almost everyday.

Brilliant!!

[Kewl X5]

Originally Posted by hyde

2nd row moves only 2/3 and 1/3 configuration, right? If I recall correctly the driver side is linked with center, so you cannot fold or slide each seat individually for some reason? I am asking because if I keep my son's child seat on passenger side, I could move that forward as much as possible to make room on 3rd row passenger side.

Hyde,

Correct...you can put child seat on the right most 2nd row seat and it can move that seat independently far forward to make the most leg room for the right 3rd row seat.

[coolmex200]

Originally Posted by X5M50D

I have them but never been used so far in the 5 months of ownership.
I was told by the stealers that these would add value to the car when I come to sell it but now realise this was a ploy to get more money out of me
The worst thing that was never mentioned to me by BMW was the fact they are in black Dakota leather finish but my first and second rows seats are Smoke white merino leather - no match!
Would not go for this option again

Weird...my 2015 and 2016 both have the same color leather as the rest of the car...

[hyde]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

Hyde,

Correct...you can put child seat on the right most 2nd row seat and it can move that seat independently far forward to make the most leg room for the right 3rd row seat.

Thanks Kewl.

[chumbedi]

To me it does not make any sense to pay for a 3rd row which is OK for small Kids for short distance travel.
Well my Kids found it great when the car was new, but after 2nd or 3rd trip they did not want to sit with practically no leg space.

Besides, watch out feet of Kids (3rd row) when sliding 2nd row seat back in place

[LocksmithNick]

The X7 is long overdue. BMW just simply needs a full size.

However, I’m not sure why the world needs an X1, X2, X3, X5, and X7 (I’m leaving out the 4 and 6 because those are basically sport versions of the 3 and 5).

I’ve owned an X3 and really, it was just a poor mans X5. But who wants an X2? What is the difference in an X1 and an X2?

[Frank_NJ]

Looked at it in the past and way too tight in the back. If you really need the third row wait for the X7 which will be here in about 7-8 months.

[sward]

Originally Posted by coolmex200

Weird...my 2015 and 2016 both have the same color leather as the rest of the car...

If you order it with individual leather it is shipped with black Dakota leather in the 3rd row.