Is My Car Big Enough?

[Brent]

We have a 325ci BMW, it's a convertible that seats 4 people. Has anyone tried to fit an infant seat in the back seat? We were able to fit the seat in the back if no one is sitting in the front passenger position. We just want to make sure this is a safe option for our baby. Does anyone have any advice for a safe fit?

[LISmama810]

I'm not familiar with the names of all the different models, but I have installed an infant seat in the back of a BMW convertible, and it's not easy. The only way it works is, like you said, to have the front passenger seat all the way forward, rendering that seat useless. After doing that, the infant seat fit fine, but there was no way anyone else could ride in the car (unless maybe someone squeezed in the other back seat).

If I recall correctly, we tried installing the seat without the base. I don't remember if we got a good install or not (I'm sure eventually we did, though I recall it taking a while for some reason), but the front seat was still unusable.

It's not a safety issue, but it's certainly a convenience issue. If it's just going to be you and the baby, no problem. (That was the case in the scenario I helped with--99% of the time, baby would be with mom and/or dad in the bigger car, and they just wanted to make sure the seat would fit in case dad needed to take the baby anywhere.) If you plan on using the car as a family, it might be time to go shopping...

[Jenifer]

BMWs can be difficult to install. What year? We have checked a number of BMW's w/ car seats can be difficult, esp. rear facing!

I recently worked w/ a dad with a 2001 325 and we got a center install with a snug ride with a lot of work. We just kept at it until we got within 1" side to side. The amount of room between where the buckle is attached to the vehicle and the seat belt is anchored to the vehicle (seat bight) is a bit wide. Add leather seats... In the center, mom and dad has more room in the front.

I haven't tried a safeseat/snugride 32 in the center, but maybe bigger would be bettter. Outboard with seat belts are notoriously bad as the seat belt anchors forward of the seat bight. LATCh in outboard (newer model cars) takes care of this problem, but may interfere with the front seat drivers.

I always try to teach parents that they need to ride safely, too! No child wants to have an injured (or worse) parent if they don't have to!

[sunnyflower417]

I had a Honda like that! Can't think of the name if it right now! PITA!!!!