128i Rear-Seat After-Market Conversion?

[WxBimmerMan]

Hi Guys,

I've searched high and low, and don't believe this has been widely discussed - but hoping you guys can help.

I happily own a 2013 128i. (22,000mi) I love it and hope to keep it for 20+ years, like I did my old 2002 from the early 70s....

Only problem is that with my growing family, the car has only a four-passenger capacity, and I need five-seater capacity. Basically I just need a way to "use" the rear-middle position of the rear seats, so my dog can sit between my kids. Of course, that spot in the back seat is currently occupied by a big, [very-German] mostly useless, plastic cup-holder/storage thing. (I guess I'd need to install a seat belt too.) I once tried to sit on it and realized that one bump and I'd lose my tail bone -- or worse!

I'd pay a few thousand dollars for a nice aftermarket solution (bench seating?), to not have to trade my 1-series for a 3-series; as it would be cheaper than buying a new car.

Thanks!

[Ric in RVA]

I am sure for a "few thousand" any upholstery shop could build a platform that leaves access to the belt receivers and maybe elevates the dog and provides a dog friendly surface.

Hell for a few thou I'll build one for you....

[WxBimmerMan]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

I am sure for a "few thousand" any upholstery shop could build a platform that leaves access to the belt receivers and maybe elevates the dog and provides a dog friendly surface.

Hell for a few thou I'll build one for you....

Hi Ric!
Ha! I'm sincerely not trying to throw around "da G's" in describing what I'd pay, but I'm just looking for a professional/viable solution to getting rid of that plastic tray thing in the backseat to allow for an extra [small] passenger (K9). Someone has got to have formulated a solution after the last 12 years since the 1-series has been around.

[RoundelM3]

Interesting about your rear seat...the rear seat in my wife's 2011 E88 (convertible) has just a bolster in the middle - no tray. Thing is, the convertible has a somewhat narrower rear seat due to the top mechanism areas on both sides. Might be worth looking at, though.

Still - in a car that small, you might find an upholstery shop that could reshape the rear seat and eliminate the tray, but it's still gonna be a REALLY tight fit for 2 adults, 2 kids, and a dog. Maybe the new 2-series would be a little bigger without going to a 3-series?

[WxBimmerMan]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Interesting about your rear seat...the rear seat in my wife's 2011 E88 (convertible) has just a bolster in the middle - no tray. Thing is, the convertible has a somewhat narrower rear seat due to the top mechanism areas on both sides. Might be worth looking at, though.

Still - in a car that small, you might find an upholstery shop that could reshape the rear seat and eliminate the tray, but it's still gonna be a REALLY tight fit for 2 adults, 2 kids, and a dog. Maybe the new 2-series would be a little bigger without going to a 3-series?

That's a good suggestion. Yes, that 1-series is tiny-tiny (the backseat of my 2008 MINI seemed almost as spacious). This 128i really reminds me of the interior of my parent's old 1980s 320i in that the backseat dimensions are similar. The old 320i had bench seating in the back, so plenty of room for us kids.

My love/hate relationship for the 128's backseat plastic center console becomes mostly 'hate' because I also sliced my knuckle on the plastic tray when vacuuming. I was pushing between the seat cushion and the tray and my hand jammed into what felt like a knife-like edge.

I should contact a local shop and see if they could customize a solution for me.

My other "main" kid car is a 4Runner, so I have plenty of room for real trips, but in those times it's getting serviced, or whatever -- I need the capacity to run around town or whatever. (The 128 is mostly my commuter car... 4WD reserved for rain/snow days.)

I'm trying to avoid buying a new car ... saving those G's for college.

[iminhell1]

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=706875

[WxBimmerMan]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=706875

Wow! Thank you. Great resource. Looks like I could "convert" my backseat to become a quasi three seater. It wouldn't have seat belts but my dog could sit in the middle in an "closer to OEM" looking solution -- than just throwing a big, sloppy blanket back there.

Looks like I'd have to get this from Germany, as the US versions are four seaters.

FOUND PART # 52209131880
SEAT COVER LEATHER FOR FIVE SEATER 1-SERIES
ALASKAGRAU

[Bimmer-Bob]

I still can't believe there are people driving around with two passengers and a dog in the back of a 1er. Yuck!

[iminhell1]

groupon discount on hookers.
3 for the price of one.

[jonwilli]

You could try to get hold of an E81 (3 door Euro hatch) back seat from a UK breakers. I understand that these fit without modification. Quarry motors are really good to get parts from, not sure how much it'd cost to ship though...
http://www.quarrymotors.co.uk

[WxBimmerMan]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I still can't believe there are people driving around with two passengers and a dog in the back of a 1er. Yuck!

Usually that's reserved for my Gen 5 4Runner.... but sometimes if the wife has it and I have to drive everyone around, I'm stuck in the 128i.

[WxBimmerMan]

Originally Posted by jonwilli

You could try to get hold of an E81 (3 door Euro hatch) back seat from a UK breakers. I understand that these fit without modification. Quarry motors are really good to get parts from, not sure how much it'd cost to ship though...
http://www.quarrymotors.co.uk

WOW!! Thank you!! This is exactly what I'd need. You rock.