Aftermarket Middle Seat Replacement

Road Runner · 10-30-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnny1019

I recall seeing something about the driveshaft runs directly underneath the middle portion of the rear seat, which is why there is no middle seat. Unfortunately I can't remember where I heard this.

I read that somewhere too, and yeah, thats exactly why there isn't a middle seat. Thats the case for several lower to the ground RWD vehicles.

Drillslinger · 10-30-2007, 12:06 PM

You mean like in the tii? It's not a "seat" but at least it's padded :smile:

kaleb · 10-30-2007, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotgemini2000

What's ridiculous about having BMW offer 3 seats in the back instead of 2 seats and a worthless plastic tray? Give me a reason why this is ridiculous.

Because there is not enough room in this chassis. They have bigger cars for that sort of thing. You could even assume the initial drafts had no plastic tray... then during development they noticed there's really not much room for anyone to sit -- let's just put a plastic tray there so someone can store some Crayons. I want you to see the light, that's the only reason I continue to reply. I want you to understand.

There is no room for a person to safely sit there.

kaleb · 10-30-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

You mean like in the tii? :smile:

That added hump makes a nice side bolster... for those 4 person Sunday drives

gotgemini2000 · 10-30-2007, 12:13 PM

The E30 M3 had 3 rear seats. The 1 series hatchbacks all have 3 rear seats. The driveshaft may be in the middle of the car, but I see no reason why people couldn't straddle the transmission/driveshaft tunnel in the rear. Just because it is a small coupe does not mean it has to be impractical. That was the beauty of the 2002, it was practical for everyday use while offering great performance. If the 135i is in any way a 2002 successor it should at the very least have 3 rear seats.

Look at it this way. BMW 2002, around 2300 pounds, smaller than the 135i, 5 seats. BMW 135i, around 3300-3400 pounds, larger than the 2002, 4 seats. So, I'm going to be getting a car today that is 1000 pounds heavier and significantly bigger yet carries less people?

And don't give me any of this driver's car bogus, being able to carry 5 people as opposed to 4 does not compromise the drivers nature of a car.

blitzed310 · 10-30-2007, 12:17 PM

Even the E21 had 3 seats, but there is no way you could actually fit 3 regular sized adults in there comfortably and safely. I believe the 02 had 3 belts in the rear, but its been awhile since I have been in the back of an 02.

There is simply no room for it back there, if there was, they might have thrown one in just for kicks. But then again, most of the people buying this car have no need for it.

I know I will most likely never have anyone in the back of mine, I have 3 oldskool bimmers and I can count how many times on 1 hand I had people in the back in the many years I have owned them.

Faba · 10-30-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotgemini2000

I love the 135i and the small size, but every once in a while it might be useful to be able to squeeze a small person in the middle in the back. Does anyone think there will be an aftermarket middle tray seat replacement offered?

Grab a pillow bud. Problem solved.

gotgemini2000 · 10-30-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faba

Grab a pillow bud. Problem solved.

A seatbelt would still be a problem. I just think that a seatbelt and a continuation of the seat would be a far more practical configuration. Yeah, maybe I'll only need it 5 times a year, but that's still 5 times.

I'm a college student and every once in a while it would be great to fit 3 of my friends in the back of my 135i.

blacknbean · 10-30-2007, 12:43 PM

ive sat in the middle plastic tray on my friends element..it sucked but sometime you gotta man up and do it...also i dont see 3 'american' sized adults fitting it the back seat anyways so that wouldnt even be an option for me

gotgemini2000 · 10-30-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacknbean

...also i dont see 3 'american' sized adults fitting it the back seat anyways so that wouldnt even be an option for me

very true, but I've got younger siblings I drive around occasionally, and occasionally I drive around some smaller attractive girls. On these occasions, a 3rd seat in the back would be very valuable.

kaleb · 10-30-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotgemini2000

very true, but I've got younger siblings I drive around occasionally, and occasionally I drive around some smaller attractive girls. On these occasions, a 3rd seat in the back would be very valuable.

No. The attractive girls go up front.

*35i · 10-30-2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaleb

No. The attractive girls go up front.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

No one important enough to need their own seat should crammed into the back of such a small car. If it is a friend you are giving a lift to, they need to man up. If it is a hot chick, you should never put her in the back in the first place.

Robert · 10-30-2007, 01:26 PM

What are you going to do for seat belt?

str8line · 10-30-2007, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotgemini2000

The E30 M3 had 3 rear seats. The 1 series hatchbacks all have 3 rear seats. The driveshaft may be in the middle of the car, but I see no reason why people couldn't straddle the transmission/driveshaft tunnel in the rear. Just because it is a small coupe does not mean it has to be impractical. That was the beauty of the 2002, it was practical for everyday use while offering great performance. If the 135i is in any way a 2002 successor it should at the very least have 3 rear seats.

Look at it this way. BMW 2002, around 2300 pounds, smaller than the 135i, 5 seats. BMW 135i, around 3300-3400 pounds, larger than the 2002, 4 seats. So, I'm going to be getting a car today that is 1000 pounds heavier and significantly bigger yet carries less people?

And don't give me any of this driver's car bogus, being able to carry 5 people as opposed to 4 does not compromise the drivers nature of a car.

Well said. I'm backing you.

Em_What? · 10-30-2007, 04:00 PM

would insurance cover this type of modding?

icedragon · 10-30-2007, 06:21 PM

The reason the 1er coupe has only 2 rear seats is because of BMW's is trying to
1) market an image of youthfulness and sportiness
2) take design elements from high-end coupes
3) maintain design integrity across all its coupes

The concept of only 2 rear seats is supposed to portray this image by implying that you cannot have 5 passengers, like in a family sedan. This is supposed to make the coupe appear more impractical for families and more suitable for younger people without children.

Many high-end coupes, such as the Aston Martin DB9 only have 2 rear seats, so this may be a reason.

The 6er only has two rear seats, the new 3er coupe only has 2 rear seats, so to maintain design integrity, the 1er coupe must also have only 2 rear seats.

However, I do agree with everyone's points. A middle seat is a nice idea, but not completely necessary. But if you really want one, then you should certainly try to retrofit one if that is what will make you happy. However, if you only need one for rare occasions, you could consider just buying a small cushion or a piece of foam from Home Depot to cover the plastic tray. Just remember to apply dark tint to your windows so the cops don't see that your car is lacking a middle seat belt.

mikey · 10-30-2007, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotgemini2000

The E30 M3 had 3 rear seats.

Nope.

FWIW, three people in the back of my E30 was rediculous; it is prohibitively cramped with that many bodies back there, and anything longer than a 10 minute drive is unimaginable. I would imagine that it's the same reason there are only two rear seats in the E82 (and the reason I've swapped the M3 seat into my E30).

bradford · 10-30-2007, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotgemini2000

What's ridiculous about having BMW offer 3 seats in the back instead of 2 seats and a worthless plastic tray? Give me a reason why this is ridiculous.

Because it's a properly sculpted rear seat for a SPORTY coupe, so people don't go sliding all over the place. If you want a people hauler, buy an Accord.

Better yet, ghetto engineer your own insert with two pieces of plywood, some foam, and some vinyl. Simply cut one piece of plywood the size of the inner rectangle of the storage bin, and the other piece a little bit larger. The smaller piece will fit inside the bin to keep it from moving around, and the larger one will keep it from falling in. Then put the foam on top and upholster it. Voila! Now you can give joyrides to the whole frathouse! You'll be the talk of the town...

icedragon · 10-30-2007, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradford

Because it's a properly sculpted rear seat for a SPORTY coupe, so people don't go sliding all over the place. If you want a people hauler, buy an Accord.

Gotgemini2000, Don't take everyone's comments too seriously. I think it's nice that you're considering a middle seat for you sibling passengers.

He's just trying to be nice people! Leave the poor guy alone.

gotgemini2000 · 10-30-2007, 07:06 PM

I stand corrected on the E30 M3, it did only have 2 seats in the rear from what I understand, and not three. Bradford, thanks for the condescending comments. I gather that you realize that I am a college student and thus assume that I'm an idiot and do not have your understanding of cars. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

By your classification, any car without a sculpted rear seat is on par with an accord. Thus, the BMW M3 (e36 and later) is on par with an accord, any non M E30 is on par with an accord, the entire BMW M5 range, on par with an accord. Give it a rest and stop thinking you are some amazing driving purist. BMWs are performance cars for the masses. They are everyday drivers cars. They should be as practical as possible, with a large amount of attention given to performance. A 3rd seat in the rear by no means compromises this objective and would only make the 135i a better car.

10-30-2007, 12:06 PM	#24
Drillslinger Captain 22 Rep 908 Posts Drives: BSM 1M / R53 / E91 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: No. VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [9.00] 2006 MINI Cooper S [9.60] 2010 328i Wagon [9.60]	You mean like in the tii? It's not a "seat" but at least it's padded :smile: __________________ *Vorsprung durch Gas Geben!!* 172 of 740
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10-30-2007, 12:13 PM	#27
gotgemini2000 Private First Class 23 Rep 158 Posts Drives: G80 & E46 M3, 6 speed manuals Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	The E30 M3 had 3 rear seats. The 1 series hatchbacks all have 3 rear seats. The driveshaft may be in the middle of the car, but I see no reason why people couldn't straddle the transmission/driveshaft tunnel in the rear. Just because it is a small coupe does not mean it has to be impractical. That was the beauty of the 2002, it was practical for everyday use while offering great performance. If the 135i is in any way a 2002 successor it should at the very least have 3 rear seats. Look at it this way. BMW 2002, around 2300 pounds, smaller than the 135i, 5 seats. BMW 135i, around 3300-3400 pounds, larger than the 2002, 4 seats. So, I'm going to be getting a car today that is 1000 pounds heavier and significantly bigger yet carries less people? And don't give me any of this driver's car bogus, being able to carry 5 people as opposed to 4 does not compromise the drivers nature of a car.
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10-30-2007, 12:17 PM	#28
blitzed310 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 31 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2007 iTrader: (0)	Even the E21 had 3 seats, but there is no way you could actually fit 3 regular sized adults in there comfortably and safely. I believe the 02 had 3 belts in the rear, but its been awhile since I have been in the back of an 02. There is simply no room for it back there, if there was, they might have thrown one in just for kicks. But then again, most of the people buying this car have no need for it. I know I will most likely never have anyone in the back of mine, I have 3 oldskool bimmers and I can count how many times on 1 hand I had people in the back in the many years I have owned them.
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10-30-2007, 12:43 PM	#31
blacknbean Major 14 Rep 1,044 Posts Drives: e92 335i 6MT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: LA iTrader: (2)	ive sat in the middle plastic tray on my friends element..it sucked but sometime you gotta man up and do it...also i dont see 3 'american' sized adults fitting it the back seat anyways so that wouldnt even be an option for me
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10-30-2007, 01:26 PM	#35
Robert Major General 417 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	What are you going to do for seat belt? __________________ - There's nothing in my pocket other than knives and lint
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10-30-2007, 04:00 PM	#37
Em_What? Enlisted Member 1 Rep 46 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	would insurance cover this type of modding?
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10-30-2007, 06:21 PM	#38
icedragon guardian of ice and snow 67 Rep 424 Posts Drives: 128i, 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 325xi [0.00]	The reason the 1er coupe has only 2 rear seats is because of BMW's is trying to 1) market an image of youthfulness and sportiness 2) take design elements from high-end coupes 3) maintain design integrity across all its coupes The concept of only 2 rear seats is supposed to portray this image by implying that you cannot have 5 passengers, like in a family sedan. This is supposed to make the coupe appear more impractical for families and more suitable for younger people without children. Many high-end coupes, such as the Aston Martin DB9 only have 2 rear seats, so this may be a reason. The 6er only has two rear seats, the new 3er coupe only has 2 rear seats, so to maintain design integrity, the 1er coupe must also have only 2 rear seats. However, I do agree with everyone's points. A middle seat is a nice idea, but not completely necessary. But if you really want one, then you should certainly try to retrofit one if that is what will make you happy. However, if you only need one for rare occasions, you could consider just buying a small cushion or a piece of foam from Home Depot to cover the plastic tray. Just remember to apply dark tint to your windows so the cops don't see that your car is lacking a middle seat belt.
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10-30-2007, 07:06 PM	#42
gotgemini2000 Private First Class 23 Rep 158 Posts Drives: G80 & E46 M3, 6 speed manuals Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	I stand corrected on the E30 M3, it did only have 2 seats in the rear from what I understand, and not three. Bradford, thanks for the condescending comments. I gather that you realize that I am a college student and thus assume that I'm an idiot and do not have your understanding of cars. Thanks for the vote of confidence. By your classification, any car without a sculpted rear seat is on par with an accord. Thus, the BMW M3 (e36 and later) is on par with an accord, any non M E30 is on par with an accord, the entire BMW M5 range, on par with an accord. Give it a rest and stop thinking you are some amazing driving purist. BMWs are performance cars for the masses. They are everyday drivers cars. They should be as practical as possible, with a large amount of attention given to performance. A 3rd seat in the rear by no means compromises this objective and would only make the 135i a better car.
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