fox72

Has anybody been able to fix three child seats next to each other in a 5-series? If so, make and type of the seats please? I have three children below the age of five and I was wondering if any of you has ever found himself cursing and hurting his hands and fingers when trying to fit the offspring in the car.

Russ1974

No ... tried without luck, a couple of different brands. The problem is reaching the seat belt sockets. We had to buy a 7 seater - initially a Volvo XC90, which we switched for the new E70 (X5) a few weeks ago. We still have an E60, but we never ever use that for 2 adults and 3 children, it's just not meant for that.

I know your E60 is fairly new but... as the children get older, you will wish more and more than you had a 7 seater. They will start to fight, they will get cramped. The only other option for me (which is what we did before getting the 7 seater) was to put two children in the back with one of the adults, and the third child in the front passenger seat.

Sorry it's not quite the answer you were looking for, but having three young children myself, I was in the same position as you. 7 Seater was the only option.

KeroJet

Yes, but only just. The infant is in the center in a Graco Snugride rear-facing seat. My 4 and 6 year-olds are in Graco Turboboosters without the backs installed (basically booster cushions). I'm not sure how well it will all work once the baby transitions to a forward-facing seat in a few months.

MattAu

Quick question, if you use the LATCH attachment, do you need to use the tether attachment as well? Does it matter whether the seat is forward or rear facing?

And who use both the LATCH attachment and the Seat belt at the same time?

I am using the BRITAX Roundabout.

KeroJet

From what I have read, you should use the top tether in addition to the LATCH/Isofix anchors in the forward-facing configuration to keep the seat from tilting forward in a crash. The tethers are not needed when the seat is installed facing the rear of the vehicle.


I do not believe using the seat belt in addition to the anchors will provide any benefit.

Perhaps the vehicle and/or seat owner's manuals would have some useful information in this regard

fox72

Thanks for the replies. It looks like we will end up using my wife's Ford Galaxy more often than my E61 until I can afford an X5...

Heloha

Check out the car seats made by Sunshine Kids. They have a model (Radian?) which is narrower than most for this specific reason. They also make them so even as a booster seat you use the 5 point harness. We considered this for my wifes Suburban but obviously space isn't an issue in her car so we ended up with the Recaro seats which have huge side bolsters (great for side protection!)