Is it possible to convert over to folding rear seat? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

tstaples · 18th February 2008, 01:25

Just curious. Has anyone ever swapped their E39 over from a fixed rear seat to a folding rear seat. I'm having a hard time finding a suitable M5 with a folding rear seat. I have something I regularly have to carry that is too long to fit in the trunk. If only they had made E39 M5 wagons! (I know M made at least 2 S62 powered wagon specials, but they weren't sold to the public and are generally unobtanium!)

I looked at a really nice M5 yesterday that I am considering for purchase. It doesn't have the folding rear seat. One solution would be to buy the folding rear seat hardware via salvage and swap over, if possible. Anyone ever done this? It's a long shot, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

rtomlinson · 28th August 2008, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstaples

Just curious. Has anyone ever swapped their E39 over from a fixed rear seat to a folding rear seat. I'm having a hard time finding a suitable M5 with a folding rear seat. I have something I regularly have to carry that is too long to fit in the trunk. If only they had made E39 M5 wagons! (I know M made at least 2 S62 powered wagon specials, but they weren't sold to the public and are generally unobtanium!)

I looked at a really nice M5 yesterday that I am considering for purchase. It doesn't have the folding rear seat. One solution would be to buy the folding rear seat hardware via salvage and swap over, if possible. Anyone ever done this? It's a long shot, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Tony - any private replies to your thread? I am in the same boat. Thanks. Ray

tstaples · 29th August 2008, 03:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtomlinson

Tony - any private replies to your thread? I am in the same boat. Thanks. Ray

No dice. I never heard from anyone. I ultimately waited until I found the right car WITH the folding rear seats. I use mine ALL the time. My wife's 530i has them too, and she is constantly using them to carry something or other.

Keep searching! Good luck!

E55AMG2 · 29th August 2008, 04:33

You'd have to cut the firewall in the back, which is probably doable, then go about retrofitting new seats with new upholstery with the tilt/lock mechanism installed. I'd say keep looking for another if you really need the folding rear seats.

TMcNasty · 29th August 2008, 05:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by E55AMG2

I'd say keep looking for another if you really need the folding rear seats.

x2. I made it a point to buy an M that had it all so I'd never say "I sure with I had..."
After living with the car for almost a month now I can tell you:

The M Audio was worth it.
Power sunshades worth it.
Folding seats...haven't used yet, but one day I'll need 'em.
Park distance control...not really helpful...and actually too sensitive and annoying.

If I was you I'd get one with all options, or all - PDC.

With a used car you'll have enough to do w/o dealing with a conversion like that.

rtomlinson · 29th August 2008, 06:15

Sometimes, fate has it that the perfect car comes without the folding rear seat.

When shopping, my seller responded that the car had "every option" except the vibrating seats, and an explicit "yes" to the question re: "folding rear seat." Too bad the seller did not appreciate fully that a folding armrest was not the same as a thru-loading folding rear seat until AFTER I had wired the purchase price, hopped a plane, and 4 hours later was demonstrating the use of the armrest. In hindsight, I needed to pay more close attention to the photos, and if I need to fold the rear seat, I'm likely on my way to Home Depot, the home of 15mph steel shopping carts. Given the fuel economy of the M5, I'll reserve those trips for a $45 "Zip Car." Door dings and gas included.

So, we negotiated off a few $$$, which I promptly spent in multiples at Turner Motorsport upon returning home. But, I also received (2) thumbs up from Turner, all service records, and a comprehensive extended warranty until 2009.

My garage is 105-years of concrete and only 1.5' wider/2' longer than the car. Welcome to Boston. Overly-sensitive PDC is actually quite helpful in the dark.

I have the M-Audio. Sure, it sucks less than the "premium" sound, but it sounds about as good as the cupholders "hold". My neighbor's Hyundai Elantra offers better sound.

Nice to meet you all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMcNasty

x2. I made it a point to buy an M that had it all so I'd never say "I sure with I had..."
After living with the car for almost a month now I can tell you:

The M Audio was worth it.
Power sunshades worth it.
Folding seats...haven't used yet, but one day I'll need 'em.
Park distance control...not really helpful...and actually too sensitive and annoying.

If I was you I'd get one with all options, or all - PDC.

With a used car you'll have enough to do w/o dealing with a conversion like that.

agentZERO · 29th August 2008, 07:30

A BIG advantage for you fold down seat guys is if an aftermarket subwoofer set-up in the truck is in the offing you guys are good. The metal wall in the trunk of the non-folding seats is a huge acoustic downer. Ask me how i know.

Nabio · 29th August 2008, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstaples

I have something I regularly have to carry that is too long to fit in the trunk. If only they had made E39 M5 wagons! (I know M made at least 2 S62 powered wagon specials, but they weren't sold to the public and are generally unobtanium!)

I just have to ask... what is it that you carry? Bodies?

MGZ · 29th August 2008, 08:46

I use the fold down rear-seats when going to the lumber yard. Plays havoc with the alcantara in the Boot (no - just kidding. Use a blanket to avoid destroying anything).
Could be handy though when/if carrying bodies...

FitForFives · 29th August 2008, 09:03

Were the folding rear seats an option that you had to pay for? Were they available for every MY? I don't understand why they weren't standard on all M5s.