[Terranova]

Some say that the fixed seats add rigidity, for better handling:

>>>Toyota said its decision was based on priorities for the current-generation Avalon, redesigned for the 2013 model year and refreshed for 2016. “During the initial development, we wanted to improve the ‘fun to drive’ aspects of the vehicle,” said spokesman Corey Proffitt. “To improve body rigidity related to handling, we added a V-brace behind the rear seat. This required a fixed seat structure.”

https://www.cars.com/articles/why-do...1420691642123/

[Jeffcharger]

I love the fold down rear seats and use them weekly. Having had them on my E60, I wouldn’t have purchased the F10 without them!

[wcr3d]

A lot. Besides getting the seats and hardware, the trunk wall doesn't have the holes in them.

[M_Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Terranova

Is it possible to make the standards rear seat to fold down? How much work would this take?

Assume that you get the 5 pieces that make up the split rear seat back cushion and trim, then there are a few items that you will still require:

For the bottom of the rear vertical back cushion
1. Qty 1: 52209162853 Center Mount, Rear ($35.83 ea)
2. Qty 2: 07147124309 M8 x 20 mm Torx Screw for Item 1 ($1.43 ea)
3. Qty 2: 52209162855 Bearing End Washer, 1=left & 1=right ($17.27 ea)
4. Qty 4: 07147116970 M10 x 22 mm Fillister-head screw for Item 3 ($2.99 ea)

For the top of the rear vertical back cushion
5. Qty 1: 52207112863 Lock Left ($36.01 ea)
6. Qty 1: 52207112864 Lock Right $36.01 ea)
7. Qty 8: 07119906018 M8X12-8.8-ZNS3 Qty 4 each for Item 5 & 6 $1.24 ea)
8. Qty 1: 52207114469 Actuation Left, w/ cable ($44.32 ea)
9. Qty 2: 52207114470 Actuation Right, w/ cable (44.32 ea)
10. Qty 8: 07119901299 ST4,8X16-ZNS3 Qty 4 each for Item 8 & 9 ($0.32 ea)

So for $258.33 for the mount, latches, and screws, the cost is minimal.

The cost driver is the cost of the rear split vertical back cushions, side cushion finishers (left and right), and the isofix (trim the covers the car seat latch points)...in the right leather color, leather type, and heating vs no heating. Most should not have to replace the bottom seat cushion and reuse what is currently in your vehicle (back cushion that you sit on)

If you can find the rear back seat pieces on eBay (all 5 pieces) in black Dakota leather, with no heat, for $400 (which I have for sale), then this would be a $700 upgrade. But if you have merino leather with heat, then this may be more like $600 for the 5 pieces, so this would be a $900 upgrade. Buying the cushions piecemeal from the Dealership would make this well over $2000.

The split-down pieces are very, very heavy, so shipping will not be cheap.....

Hope this helps wanting to do this as an upgrade....once you get all your pieces, it is an hour or less install.

Cheers

[M_Bimmer]

You should have the available mounting locations already punched out so that you can insert the nylon receivers...below is a picture of the rear trunk release locations with two nylon inserts installed.....

[jarsdad1]

Originally Posted by wcr3d

A lot. Besides getting the seats and hardware, the trunk wall doesn't have the holes in them.

Curious about this too. I would take my seat back off to check. The rear fixed seat back had a solid wall behind it.

[M_Bimmer]

It's going to be somewhat a pain to remove, and don't forget two of the large torx bolts at the bottom, only accessible after removing the bottom cushion....then removing the rear back seat carrier, which many not reveal all of the access points required for the split rear seat install...

If you can get your rear seat down to bare metal, you should have access for the retrofit...no need to remove the rear shelf parcel.

Once you get it out, If you take a picture in the lower left, and lower right corners of the opening to the trunk, I can point out what feature to look for to install #3 in my post (Bearing End Washer).....I can take a picture of the feature required for #1 in my post upon request.

Cheers

[TZ]

Bench rear seat armrest opening.

[M_Bimmer]

Need pictures of your car with your rear seat back removed....and I'll highlight the area that you should look for the features of the split-fold down.