Who's using a Child Seat in their e30?

[Exodus_2pt0]

I specifically remember the belts in my sedan didn't lock either. Odd.

That said, I can't speak for other seats, but our Recaros actually clamp the shoulder strap to keep things from loosening up, negating the ratchet effect.

[nando]

both of mine definitely lock.

[MatRacer]

One tip - when using the rear shoulder belts to secure a car seat, pull the belt ALL THE WAY then feed it back it out when installing the seat. This will make it so the belt doesn't move freely but 'locks' into position when it retracts - making for a secure seat and not one that moves around.

I usually put in the car seat, thread the belt as needed, then pull the belt all the way out, then let it retract, then put my knee into the seat so get as much of the belt to feed back into the mechanism which makes for a very secure seat. I do release the tension on the seat by unlatching it if the seat isn't going to be used for a day or two.

Been trying to fit child seat in my E30 for joy ride with my kids but my rear seat belts don't lock when fullet extended, no ratchet effect... Had a spair set, checked it and they don't lock either. CHeck the classified, found a couple of guy parting out E30s... They all don't lock. I'm now at 6 sets of rear seat belts that don't lock... WTF!?!

And yeah, mine is a 1989 325i US model and all the five others were canadian models, with 2 1989 and one 1991. The others I don't know...

Where can I find rear seat belts that lock?

[QUKBMER]

I bought an rear shelf anchor for a 2000 ford focus 4 door and mounted it in the rear shelf and a small brace under the bottom and used the child seat anchor belt with that anchor and the seat belt in my 91 325is. Worked just fine for me and laid down a towel from top to bottom where the seat would sit to protect it.

[markseven]

yes, having your kid properly strapped in a car seat in an E30 is totally the same as having 5 kids in the back of an open pickup bed. :roll:

My comment was directed at M-Technik-3, acknowledging the the way things used to be. Where is the comparison between riding in the back of a truck and car seats?

[pilotskillse30]

I used the vert for nap time..two laps around the subdivision and they were out like a light, motorsport version of children's Dimetapp. afterwards , grab handle gently and into the house.

[Todd Black 88]

Would much appreciate seeing how you mounted that through the rear shelf. Having an original sunshade rear shelf I am not too excited to cut into it, so I want to have a reference first. :)

Yeah, sorry for forgetting. Truth is, I pulled the M3 from my storage locker and put a two day permit on it..................and...........I haven't stopped driving it.:)

I will post a pic tonight of where it's located.

[Van Westervelt]

I got one of the convertible seats, to keep him rear facing as long as possible.

Some pics in the e30, then in the newer e34. From reading, even in the touring there is a spot for that same top tether somewhere... Hmm.

[nando]

I grew up in the seventies with a similar lack of safety precautions.

In the eighties, four or five of us would ride in the open bed of a pickup truck, going back and forth to keg parties and such.

It seems that the number of cars on the road has doubled, easements have disappeared, drivers have far less training than in the past, and the average mass of vehicles the seems to have tripled.

In the E30 it feels like passenger's heads are at bumper level of SUVs and full-size pickups.

If there is a reasonable option for a safer experience, I will select it ;)

yes, having your kid properly strapped in a car seat in an E30 is totally the same as having 5 kids in the back of an open pickup bed. :roll:

[e30trooper]

My son in his recaro.

[Van Westervelt]

I may have some from my install on my old computer, but I will take a pic of the position on the rear deck tomorrow.

Would much appreciate seeing how you mounted that through the rear shelf. Having an original sunshade rear shelf I am not too excited to cut into it, so I want to have a reference first. :)

[markseven]

Funny I survived being a killed from the 60's...no seat belts nor kid seats. Use to ride in the third row of the Vista Cruiser. Dad would let me drive when I was about 7 in the Ford Galaxy 500 4 speed, stupid fun in a big parking lot.

I grew up in the seventies with a similar lack of safety precautions.

In the eighties, four or five of us would ride in the open bed of a pickup truck, going back and forth to keg parties and such.

It seems that the number of cars on the road has doubled, easements have disappeared, drivers have far less training than in the past, and the average mass of vehicles the seems to have tripled.

In the E30 it feels like passenger's heads are at bumper level of SUVs and full-size pickups.

If there is a reasonable option for a safer experience, I will select it ;)

[M-technik-3]

Funny I survived being a killed from the 60's...no seat belts nor kid seats. Use to ride in the third row of the Vista Cruiser. Dad would let me drive when I was about 7 in the Ford Galaxy 500 4 speed, stupid fun in a big parking lot.

[markseven]

I ran with the respective sized recaro seats. Their materials have outlasted the three other brands, and the side impact protection is a huge benefit that nearly all other manufacturers dont address. Recaro kids seats are huge on side impact and protection.

+1 for the belts being better than the flimsy latch system that is typically loose even when you think its not.

Any more pics on that info for the rear shelf Todd?

My daughter has been in a Recaro since she was old enough for a front-facing. The side-impact panels are a great support for her head when she falls asleep, too.

[estoguy]

My son is 3.5. I have a seat which will be good until he no longer needs one (at 80lbs). It just secures with the seat belt, don't have to use the built in straps anymore. I put him in the front seat unless I have a passenger, because getting him in an out of a coupe is a bit of a pain. And he likes being up front with daddy anyway! :)