[Sonny520]

Can you flip down the back seats to make the trunk bigger, or is it just one seat or can't you do anything?

[kscarrol]

Here in the US, the fold down rear-seat is a separate option you have to order otherwise they do nothing... Not sure if Belgium is the same.

[Sonny520]

Just looked at the option list, it seems that the fold down rear seats is a standard option. Beside the VS, does anyone else also has this standard?

[joy5]

In the UK they are called "Split Folding Rear seats" - comes as an option at a cost of £340.00

[Lukeswarm]

Originally Posted by joy5

In the UK they are called "Split Folding Rear seats" - comes as an option at a cost of £340.00

Which is just mental, what a ripoff!

[ibimmer954]

Yeah, it's a little silly to charge for this. But that's the BMW way. I ordered mine with the fold down seats and have actually used this feature once so far. It's not something I use often, but it's nice to have.

[JAGD]

I did not order the fold down rear seats this time. Had them on my E39 and used the function maybe twice in a decade.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by Lukeswarm

Which is just mental, what a ripoff!

Agreed, but it's something I use quite often and BMW are doubtless aware of the requirement, hence the significant price hike for a hinge and a couple of quick-release latches.
I love the brand, but BMW's policy of overcharging for items that should be standard is pushing the bounds of credibility.

[gatoman39]

Although it is mental to charge for this, a lot of cars that are even more expensive don't even give you the option, and car's that cost half as much this is standard. I really don't get it, but either way, when you do need it, it's a big deal.
My friend was moving out of his apartment and wanted to know if I wanted an expensive bit of furniture. I said hell yes, the only caveat was that I would have to pick it up that day after work. So I hopped in the F10 with the split seats and got the piece. It barely fit in the back with the split seats, but I got it in there. Then I thought, hey, that stupid option that didn't want, but came with the car and irritated me that I had to pay for it, just paid for itself. Sweet! The universe is very good at evening everything out.

[rsyed]

Try transporting 4 tyres in your car and you will use the option. Try transporting a bike and you will you this option. Even if you use it once in a decade, you used it once and you spared the stress of getting a different car to transport something this one time. I would never ever buy a car without this option!

[wardawg26]

yes you can order fold down seats; a $500 option; and the seat release is in the trunk of the car. I order this option with my 535i space gray also with the convience package.

[Lukeswarm]

It may suprise you as you read on but i am actually being serious... i NEARLY went and brought myself a VW before going for the F10. The main reason my head was turned was it was cheaper but was fully and i mean fully kitted out all in a standard price. I know BMW are a different class of car but little things like the ability to fold down the seats or i would even argue that these days folding mirrors, sat nav etc should be standard. My dad is going from a 5 to a Jag because with the Jag what you see is what you get... they extras list fitted on 1 page and they were mostly cosmetic

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Lukeswarm

It may suprise you as you read on but i am actually being serious... i NEARLY went and brought myself a VW before going for the F10. The main reason my head was turned was it was cheaper but was fully and i mean fully kitted out all in a standard price. I know BMW are a different class of car but little things like the ability to fold down the seats or i would even argue that these days folding mirrors, sat nav etc should be standard. My dad is going from a 5 to a Jag because with the Jag what you see is what you get... they extras list fitted on 1 page and they were mostly cosmetic

We all have choices... no one forces any of us into the BMW price structure. I nearly went and bought a Merc as the ride quality is better and they don't have run-flats...

Seriously, if BMW specced the 'standard' cars with all the options we would like, or compare to some 'white goods' family cars, many folks would not be driving them, simply because of the cost factor. A decent spec' F10/11 comes to about £50k, from where I stand. So starting at around £30k and adding a few options, as desired and needed, gives a bit of price flexibility for different budgets, IMO.

Personally I don't see the seat option as a rip off either, folding seats athough we may think are just hinges and catches, is too simplistic a viewpoint when you closely look at the engineering and production differences required. OK, if every F10 had them, then the cost of scale would be better pricing for the customer. But you can argue not every one wants or needs them, so why have to pay for them, if not required.

If I was going for the saloon I'd opt for the folding seats, as it would be a high priority, then I pay a premium for a touring, as I want 'total' flexibility.

HighlandPete

[delvek]

I have a Mercedes Wagon that I kick everyday because I dont care for Mercedes except to haul any furniture, trash, etc around. As a Mercedes it does exactly what its meant to do and is a faithful sled.

[nosnoop]

Originally Posted by Lukeswarm

I know BMW are a different class of car but little things like the ability to fold down the seats or i would even argue that these days folding mirrors, sat nav etc should be standard.

Actually, it depends on which country you are buying the BMW from. Each region can order and package the BMW differently. For example, the split folding rear seats are standard equipment for all F10 in Canada.

Other than the split folding rear seats, we also get these as standard equipment for the 535i sold here as opposed to optional extra in UK:

18" Alloy (style 237)
adaptive headlights
xenon headlights
comfort access
heated steering wheel
sun roof
sun protection glass
climate comfort windscreen
individual reading light rear
auto dimming ext mirror
headlight washer
automatic transmission
interior trim like ash wood is no charge option

Our base price is a bit higher C$62,300 (£38,900 vs £37,300).
OTOH, you have less choice if you don't need the options above.

[luigimaster24]

Can you add the rear fold down seat option after your purchased without the option?? I am pretty sure BMW would charge an arm and a leg if you wanted to get it installed at the dealer, that's if they would even do it in the first place.

[rsyed]

Originally Posted by luigimaster24

Can you add the rear fold down seat option after your purchased without the option?? I am pretty sure BMW would charge an arm and a leg if you wanted to get it installed at the dealer, that's if they would even do it in the first place.

Yes you can but you need completely new rear seats and that is going to set you back by about 2-2500 eur... Plus it is a retrofit where you are messing around with a lot of moveable parts which may cause problems (sound like not rattle-free) if not done correctly...

[pharding]

I am a cyclist so I use the split folding rear seats frequently. What a great option.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by pharding

I am a cyclist so I use the split folding rear seats frequently. What a great option.

I bike too -- in my case I use the fold, but not so much the split. Still it's a must-have for me.

I really don't understand the complaints about options and pricing. Why not just build out the car the way you want/need it, and compare it on that basis with your alternatives. It's the bottom line that counts.

[kaishang]

I've wondered about this regional spec too.

For example in Australia, all F10s come with a head-up display. Seems like something I could do without given in the UK it is an option north of £900.

Especially since you can factory order a car from Australia, why do you have to have a bunch of regional options that you may not want but still get lumped into the total price?

I do like split fold seats, btw.

Originally Posted by nosnoop

Actually, it depends on which country you are buying the BMW from. Each region can order and package the BMW differently. For example, the split folding rear seats are standard equipment for all F10 in Canada.

[luigimaster24]

Originally Posted by rsyed

Yes you can but you need completely new rear seats and that is going to set you back by about 2-2500 eur... Plus it is a retrofit where you are messing around with a lot of moveable parts which may cause problems (sound like not rattle-free) if not done correctly...

Should have paid the $400 dollars for the option when I ordered. well. next time.

[Terranova]

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