Convertible Car Seat

2SwiFt29 · 06-13-2016, 12:58 PM

Hi,

Currently own a Lexus GS350 but I think I'm leaning towards a BMW next. Options are the 340i, 435i GC and 535i. I wanted to see if anyone had pictures of your Convertible Car Seat in your 3 or 4 GC. I'm thinking the Convertible car seat would be ok in a 5 because it's a bit more spacious and also it doesn't have a curved rear like the GC. I'm about to make my choice this week so if anyone had any inputs and/or pictures of a Convertible car seat in the back, that'd be great!

Test drove the 5 and really liked it. I wanted to test drive the 3 and 4 but the salesperson I'm working with also has a 9 month old and says the 3 and 4 would be too small.

FYI, we have a Britax Convertible. 9 month old girl but soon will need to switch over to a Convertible.

Thank you!

tex2670 · 06-13-2016, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2SwiFt29

Hi,

Currently own a Lexus GS350 but I think I'm leaning towards a BMW next. Options are the 340i, 435i GC and 535i. I wanted to see if anyone had pictures of your Convertible Car Seat in your 3 or 4 GC. I'm thinking the Convertible car seat would be ok in a 5 because it's a bit more spacious and also it doesn't have a curved rear like the GC. I'm about to make my choice this week so if anyone had any inputs and/or pictures of a Convertible car seat in the back, that'd be great!

Test drove the 5 and really liked it. I wanted to test drive the 3 and 4 but the salesperson I'm working with also has a 9 month old and says the 3 and 4 would be too small.

FYI, we have a Britax Convertible. 9 month old girl but soon will need to switch over to a Convertible.

Thank you!

Funny how the sales person is pushing you to buy the 5 because the 3/4 would be too small. Is he going to sell you a 5 for the price of a 3?

I'm past that stage, but I feel like I could fit a convertible seat in the back of my 328 if I need to, and the passenger seat was moved forward a bit. Don't trust the salesman, or even pix on the internet. Bring your car seat into the dealer and put it in the back of each car you are considering so you understand *exactly* how it fits in each car.

daren · 06-13-2016, 02:05 PM

I just checked the "rear leg room" spec on Edmunds for the 3 series and 5 series. Both are 35". Granted, that's not necessarily the whole picture, but I agree with the previous comments.....

hollandog · 06-13-2016, 03:59 PM

This thread will help.
It's M3 but 340i shouldn't be much different.

I'm going to get the Clek Fllo for my 6mo daughter soon.
Currently with the Chicco Keyfit 30 plenty of room.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1255262

Wunsch · 06-13-2016, 04:31 PM

You might also want to take a peek at a 340i GT if your dealer has one around. Similar price point to the 3- and 4-series, but massive back seat room.

AGONXF30 · 06-13-2016, 06:27 PM

The 3 and even the 5 have some weirdly shaped back seats. The five has more rear space, but you can fit some convertible seats in the 3, but not if you or your passenger are tall. Best bet is to take your seats and try them.

The 5 is a land yatch comparable to your GS, but I believe the GS has more rear room. The 3 is a bit sportier, but only if you have adaptive or aggressive fixed suspension.

AGONXF30 · 06-13-2016, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wunsch

You might also want to take a peek at a 340i GT if your dealer has one around. Similar price point to the 3- and 4-series, but massive back seat room.

And massively hideous. Kidding taste is subjective. If anything just get an X5.

2SwiFt29 · 06-14-2016, 03:07 PM

Thank you for all the feedback. I figured the 3 and 4's rear shouldn't be off as much. However, the pricing for the 5 is pretty competitive to the 3 and 4. It's actually 3 with the lowest cost, 5 and then 4.

I will test again with the baby car seat and see which car has better support for a car seat. Either way, don't think I can go wrong with either choice right?

Big Nodge · 06-14-2016, 03:29 PM

I have a Recaro PerformanceRide in the back of my 340i, front facing. Fits fine, I keep it on the passenger side for when I'm cruising with my man (3). It's red and looks great with my coral red interior.

This weekend I loaded up the whole crew for the first time, added a Chicco KeyFit 30 behind the drivers seat for my little girl (1). Fit fine as well, I had to move my seat forward from my normal driving position but was still pretty comfortable.

What I haven't tried yet is a convertible rear-facing, which we'll need to move our girl to soon. Planning on another Recaro because, well because it's a Recaro. I'll test fit the one we have rear-facing at some point.

Reality is the kids don't ride in my car all that much, our Q7 is the main kid-hauler. They fit in the 340i, but it would be a little tight for day-to-day especially with the assorted gear.

I'll try to get some pics of the current setup posted.

2SwiFt29 · 06-14-2016, 05:09 PM

Thank you! Looking forward to pictures.

That's what I figured since my wife recently got an SUV. For even a long trip, probably would end up taking her SUV instead of mine.

hollandog · 06-14-2016, 09:27 PM

You should go test drive them all. I felt the 5 is bigger more luxurious less sporty less nimble of a car compared to the 3/4.
Depends on your priority, as long as the car seat will fit, I would go for the more sporty 3/4. Some might want more room and comfort.

Ender_ · 06-14-2016, 10:03 PM

I always find it funny with all of our neighbors with 1 or 2 kids and they all have SUV's or Vans - we have my 1M right now and my wifes' A3 - both 'small' cars but work just fine with our 2.5 y/o. Its really not a big deal. Growing up with 2 other kids in the family the biggest car we had for the five of use was a Volvo 850 sedan, no one seemed to worry about space.

My partner has a 5'er and I really don't find it that much bigger then the 3er inside and it drives too much like a boat for me.

Not having rear doors is a pain so I am getting a 340i in a month, which I found huge, took it for a day with my kid seat in it and was still huge, felt kind of odd because I really couldn't reach back and touch him. For up to two kids the 3'er is big enough. I would have gotten an S3 if it came in a stick...

Emilim · 06-14-2016, 10:41 PM

Here's our (fairly large) convertible car seat in my F31. Obviously tons of headroom. Compared to your average SUV it's a bit more work needing to bend over to put the little one in and pluck out but once in she's happy as peaches.

AlwaysTrading · 06-15-2016, 11:37 AM

Just traded my 2013 Lexus GS350 for a 2015 BMW 335i and was still able to fit my Britax Marathon Convertible 70 and Britax Frontier ClickTight. The convertible is rear facing on the driver side. I probably lost about a couple inches in the rear seats compared to the GS350 but it's worth it. GS350 was like driving a boat while 335 is like driving on rails.

06-13-2016, 12:58 PM	#1
2SwiFt29 2GR-FSE 210 Rep 16,790 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X5 M Sport Join Date: May 2007 Location: El Monte, CA iTrader: (1)	Convertible Car Seat - 3 Series and 4 Series GC Hi, Currently own a Lexus GS350 but I think I'm leaning towards a BMW next. Options are the 340i, 435i GC and 535i. I wanted to see if anyone had pictures of your Convertible Car Seat in your 3 or 4 GC. I'm thinking the Convertible car seat would be ok in a 5 because it's a bit more spacious and also it doesn't have a curved rear like the GC. I'm about to make my choice this week so if anyone had any inputs and/or pictures of a Convertible car seat in the back, that'd be great! Test drove the 5 and really liked it. I wanted to test drive the 3 and 4 but the salesperson I'm working with also has a 9 month old and says the 3 and 4 would be too small. FYI, we have a Britax Convertible. 9 month old girl but soon will need to switch over to a Convertible. Thank you! __________________ 2014 Lexus GS350 F-Sport Ultra White w/ Cabernet Interior - Vinyl Wrapped Front and Roof
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06-13-2016, 02:05 PM	#3
daren Private 14 Rep 65 Posts Drives: EBII F30 340i M sport Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I just checked the "rear leg room" spec on Edmunds for the 3 series and 5 series. Both are 35". Granted, that's not necessarily the whole picture, but I agree with the previous comments.....
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06-13-2016, 03:59 PM	#4
hollandog Major 448 Rep 1,056 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nyc iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i [9.00]	This thread will help. It's M3 but 340i shouldn't be much different. I'm going to get the Clek Fllo for my 6mo daughter soon. Currently with the Chicco Keyfit 30 plenty of room. http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1255262 __________________ 2016 340i \| Estoril Blue \| Coral Red \| M Sport
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06-13-2016, 04:31 PM	#5
Wunsch Private 24 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Regina, SK, Canada iTrader: (0)	You might also want to take a peek at a 340i GT if your dealer has one around. Similar price point to the 3- and 4-series, but massive back seat room.
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06-13-2016, 06:27 PM	#6
AGONXF30 Captain 271 Rep 740 Posts Drives: 2012 335i S-Line/Melbourne Red Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Upstate iTrader: (0)	The 3 and even the 5 have some weirdly shaped back seats. The five has more rear space, but you can fit some convertible seats in the 3, but not if you or your passenger are tall. Best bet is to take your seats and try them. The 5 is a land yatch comparable to your GS, but I believe the GS has more rear room. The 3 is a bit sportier, but only if you have adaptive or aggressive fixed suspension.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-14-2016, 03:07 PM	#8
2SwiFt29 2GR-FSE 210 Rep 16,790 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X5 M Sport Join Date: May 2007 Location: El Monte, CA iTrader: (1)	Thank you for all the feedback. I figured the 3 and 4's rear shouldn't be off as much. However, the pricing for the 5 is pretty competitive to the 3 and 4. It's actually 3 with the lowest cost, 5 and then 4. I will test again with the baby car seat and see which car has better support for a car seat. Either way, don't think I can go wrong with either choice right? __________________ 2014 Lexus GS350 F-Sport Ultra White w/ Cabernet Interior - Vinyl Wrapped Front and Roof
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-14-2016, 03:29 PM	#9
Big Nodge Lieutenant 383 Rep 584 Posts Drives: 340xi 6MT Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	I have a Recaro PerformanceRide in the back of my 340i, front facing. Fits fine, I keep it on the passenger side for when I'm cruising with my man (3). It's red and looks great with my coral red interior. This weekend I loaded up the whole crew for the first time, added a Chicco KeyFit 30 behind the drivers seat for my little girl (1). Fit fine as well, I had to move my seat forward from my normal driving position but was still pretty comfortable. What I haven't tried yet is a convertible rear-facing, which we'll need to move our girl to soon. Planning on another Recaro because, well because it's a Recaro. I'll test fit the one we have rear-facing at some point. Reality is the kids don't ride in my car all that much, our Q7 is the main kid-hauler. They fit in the 340i, but it would be a little tight for day-to-day especially with the assorted gear. I'll try to get some pics of the current setup posted.
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06-14-2016, 05:09 PM	#10
2SwiFt29 2GR-FSE 210 Rep 16,790 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X5 M Sport Join Date: May 2007 Location: El Monte, CA iTrader: (1)	Thank you! Looking forward to pictures. That's what I figured since my wife recently got an SUV. For even a long trip, probably would end up taking her SUV instead of mine. __________________ 2014 Lexus GS350 F-Sport Ultra White w/ Cabernet Interior - Vinyl Wrapped Front and Roof
	Appreciate 1 Quote

06-14-2016, 09:27 PM	#11
hollandog Major 448 Rep 1,056 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nyc iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i [9.00]	You should go test drive them all. I felt the 5 is bigger more luxurious less sporty less nimble of a car compared to the 3/4. Depends on your priority, as long as the car seat will fit, I would go for the more sporty 3/4. Some might want more room and comfort. __________________ 2016 340i \| Estoril Blue \| Coral Red \| M Sport
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06-14-2016, 10:03 PM	#12
Ender_ Lieutenant 54 Rep 509 Posts Drives: BMW 1M VO, V60 Polestar '24 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	I always find it funny with all of our neighbors with 1 or 2 kids and they all have SUV's or Vans - we have my 1M right now and my wifes' A3 - both 'small' cars but work just fine with our 2.5 y/o. Its really not a big deal. Growing up with 2 other kids in the family the biggest car we had for the five of use was a Volvo 850 sedan, no one seemed to worry about space. My partner has a 5'er and I really don't find it that much bigger then the 3er inside and it drives too much like a boat for me. Not having rear doors is a pain so I am getting a 340i in a month, which I found huge, took it for a day with my kid seat in it and was still huge, felt kind of odd because I really couldn't reach back and touch him. For up to two kids the 3'er is big enough. I would have gotten an S3 if it came in a stick...
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06-14-2016, 10:41 PM	#13
Emilim Dust Bunny 98 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 2016 F31 328i xDrive M Sport Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Here's our (fairly large) convertible car seat in my F31. Obviously tons of headroom. Compared to your average SUV it's a bit more work needing to bend over to put the little one in and pluck out but once in she's happy as peaches. Attached Images __________________ 2016 328i XDrive Touring M Sport EBII
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06-15-2016, 11:37 AM	#14
AlwaysTrading Registered 2 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2015 335i xDrive Msport Join Date: May 2016 Location: Kansas iTrader: (0)	Just traded my 2013 Lexus GS350 for a 2015 BMW 335i and was still able to fit my Britax Marathon Convertible 70 and Britax Frontier ClickTight. The convertible is rear facing on the driver side. I probably lost about a couple inches in the rear seats compared to the GS350 but it's worth it. GS350 was like driving a boat while 335 is like driving on rails.
	Appreciate 1 Quote