08-17-2011, 01:07 PM | #1 |
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Recommendations for child seats in x3 (3 yr old)
Anyone have recommendations on child seats to use for the x3, specifically to maximize space for other people that may need to sit in the rear?
For example, is it possible to use a front-facing car seat for a 3-4 yr old in the middle of the back seats? Are there other narrow kid seats that people recommend? (I tried searching for this info on the x3 forum, but didn't come up with anything relevant) |
08-17-2011, 01:57 PM | #2 |
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I believe you can't use the middle seat in the X3 for a car seat using the ISOFIX/LATCH (the anchors beneath the seats.) You could still use the belt but that is not as safe and more of a hassle.
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08-17-2011, 05:31 PM | #3 |
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wait, what? can someone confirm that you cant use a latch carseat in the middle seat? (I'm expecting my X3 in a few weeks and plan on installing a Britax in the front-facing direction. )
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08-17-2011, 05:41 PM | #4 |
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never tried the britax in the middle with latch. it looks like the latch points are only intended for seats placed on either side. at worst, you could use the car seat on one side and fit 2 more folks in the back seat. middle person might not be happy, but there's not a ton of room back there.
to the OP, sunshine (sp?) carseats are designed to be narrow to fit 3 across, so you may want to look at those. |
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08-17-2011, 09:49 PM | #5 | |
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It appears that there are three possible LATCH positions, including one for the middle seat position. It's worth a call to your CA to confirm. From the manual: "There are three mounting points for the upper retaining strap of LATCH child restraint fixing systems." |
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08-17-2011, 09:56 PM | #6 | |
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08-17-2011, 11:11 PM | #7 |
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On the X3 (F25) only the two outer positions are safe to use with LATCH tether anchors. BMW specifically prohibits using the lower latch anchors in the center position. The two side locations use the industry standard 11.02-inch center-to-center spacing. In the center seating position, the LATCH anchors are spaced at 16 inches which will let the child seat slide laterally in a crash and could be very dangerous. The center, over the seat upper LATCH tether can be used, but only with the center seat-belt securing the child seat.
Please see attached PDF for details. Last edited by Lotus7; 08-17-2011 at 11:27 PM.. |
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08-17-2011, 11:17 PM | #8 | ||
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Actually, you're referring to the top latch points which are behind the seats and there are 3. The bottom latch points are the main achors and the top keeps the seat more stable.
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08-17-2011, 11:30 PM | #9 |
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You can use it but ONLY with a center seat belt for the lower anchor. NOT the center lower LATCH anchors. Please read the PDF attached to my previous post (No. 7).
Last edited by Lotus7; 08-17-2011 at 11:38 PM.. |
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08-18-2011, 12:02 AM | #10 |
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Wow. Didn't know about that center seat no-no. I better move the seat to one side.
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08-18-2011, 12:16 AM | #11 |
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Lots of good info.
In practice is it really less safe to use the center seat belt with the top anchors vs. the left/right LATCH anchors + top anchor? I'm guessing the best solution is to attach the child seat to the left / right rear, and occasionally move it to the center using the center seat belt when 2 adults need to sit in the back. |
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08-18-2011, 12:58 AM | #12 | |
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For me the main benefit is ease of use as we move the seat in and out frequently. If you install and then leave it in the middle position it should work for you. |
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08-18-2011, 08:10 AM | #13 | |
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