Concerns about rear seat space in my F83

[F16RCE]

Hi

Does anyone know how much real world extra space there is in the back of the M3 vs an M4 convertible? Is the difference for things like baby seats going to be noticeable or much the same?

Im sure there is more in the sedan but want to know if it's going to make a world of difference before I trade out of the vert.

Thanks

[s0ul]

depends. top down or top up? Big Difference

[F16RCE]

Originally Posted by s0ul

depends. top down or top up? Big Difference

Lol thanks!

To be clear I'm asking about leg room vs head room

[s0ul]

Originally Posted by F16RCE

Lol thanks!

To be clear I'm asking about leg room vs head room

I've driven a 328i and 435 vert long enough to answer. I've been in the rear seats a couple of time. IMO you have leg room in the 328 (M3) while the convertible does have a reasonable amount of space it depends on how the other person is sitting in front of you. It's not to bad, but I can't recall precisely but I know for sure you have enough space in the back (Not enough to recline if that's what you're asking)

As far as head space, idk. Haven't sat in the vert with the top up but the one time I did, there was enough space (I'm 5'11")

This is assuming the F80 and F83 are built in similar fashion to the F30 and F33.

[mkoesel]

The important difference is not the amount of space but the access to that space. Are you expecting a child now, or just second guessing the long term viability of your F83 M4 purchase for when the time does come?

In any case, in warm weather, it's actually easier to get small kids in and out of a convertible than pretty much any other type of car because you can just open the top and lift them out. I did this with both of my kids, and it was incredibly convenient. However, in cold weather, with the top up, it's a challenge, especially with a rear facing child seat. I see you are in Delaware, so I'd expect you are going to have cold weather for half of the year or so. You will probably not enjoy using your car for kid transportation during those months, and will likely want to use your wife or significant other's car for kid hauling in that case.

Now, for older kids and any other passengers a sedan is much more practical. I finally bought a sedan after owning four convertibles prior to that because I grew tired of leaving the M at home for most of our family outings.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

The important difference is not the amount of space but the access to that space. Are you expecting a child now, or just second guessing the long term viability of your F83 M4 purchase for when the time does come?

In any case, in warm weather, it's actually easier to get small kids in and out of a convertible than pretty much any other type of car because you can just open the top and lift them out. I did this with both of my kids, and it was incredibly convenient. However, in cold weather, with the top up, it's a challenge, especially with a rear facing child seat.

You have all this wisdom and yet you save the tip on cloth seats to an I told you so moment?

[Needsdecaf]

You will not fit front facing car seats in the back of the F83.

[F83]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

You will not fit front facing car seats in the back of the F83.

I assume you mean rear facing vs. front facing...

It's hard to describe the room as I don't know what you're comparing it to. Would say this; The seat itself is full sized. Will fit a full sized adult butt. That's a big difference from the 2+2s like Porsche etc.

The headroom is not great but workable. I (at 6 feet tall) can sit in the back and my head is just brushing the top. Wouldn't want to sit back there for too long.

The leg room is not great - but somewhat reasonable. I also have an E90 sedan. It seems a little worse than the E90 but not terribly different. It's workable.

The BIG issue (as has been mentioned) is getting in and out. It is NOT an easy car to get in and out of from the back seat. You kind of have to squeeze forward past the sidewell, and then squeeze behind the seat. Happily there's a convenient little button to push the seat forward on the upper side of the seat. That helps. But make no mistake - getting in and out as a 6 foot adult is a PITA.

So, I would say; if your kids are old enough to get into their own car seats or booster seats - you are probably ok. But if you have really little ones that need to be lifted into their seats and then buckled in by you.... You best look elsewhere.

[Rustang Cobra]

Having owned an E93 and now an F83, I would say the backseats are more than adequate.

I sat in the back of my F83 for several hours after driving back from South Carolina to Boston after doing the performance center delivery and I'm a 6ft 200lbs guy. Similar to what the others have said, head and leg room are adequate. The seating position is a little too vertical to be considered "comfortable" but we made it work.

As for as ingress and egress, I've found that its very easy for passengers to get in and out if the top is down. If the top is up, I typically hit the 4-way window roll down feature as this makes it a lot easier for my passengers to get out.

I would absolutely say these mild compromises are worth the exhilaration of driving a convertible.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by F83

I assume you mean rear facing vs. front facing....

I certainly did.

[F16RCE]

Thanks for all the replies. Basically I have two young kids aged 2 and 4. I knew the car would be a compromise in terms of practicality to some degree but I guess I did t realize just how much so. For me getting the kids in and out can be painful. Also with front facing seats I need to bring my seat forward to give the kids leg room. And then the issue of the boot. With the hood up you can't raise the compartment to improve access.

Part of me thinks shut up and live with these things as once the sun is out and roof down its awesome. But part of me thinks trade in for the sedan where I am maybe going to use it more at weekend with family as it's more practical.

[jeff@autocouture]

Originally Posted by F16RCE

Thanks for all the replies. Basically I have two young kids aged 2 and 4. I knew the car would be a compromise in terms of practicality to some degree but I guess I did t realize just how much so. For me getting the kids in and out can be painful. Also with front facing seats I need to bring my seat forward to give the kids leg room. And then the issue of the boot. With the hood up you can't raise the compartment to improve access.

Part of me thinks shut up and live with these things as once the sun is out and roof down its awesome. But part of me thinks trade in for the sedan where I am maybe going to use it more at weekend with family as it's more practical.

Sounds like the M3 is the better choice,
you can always get the sunroof to enjoy the sunny days!