[Skibum]

I have a 2011 F10 with the fixed rear seat back, and I hate it. The car loses a ton of utility without this feature. BMW finally did the right thing by making it standard on all 2014LCIs. Wondering if anyone knows what all would be involved with retrofitting the 60/40 fold-down rear seat backs?

I know it's all mechanical, however have no idea if such a retrofit would be a relatively easy "snap out/in" operation, or wind up being a total PITA requiring drilling and/or punching out holes and/or slots in the inner structure, and also if the upper trunk lip (the panel at the base of the rear window) is pre-drilled to accept the left and right rear seat levers.

Anybody have any knowledge about, or experience with such a swap? Thanks!

[mko9]

I didn't realize my car didn't have it until I looked after it was delivered. My e46 has the fold down seat, I kind of figured they were standard. Dumbest option ever, should have been standard all along.

Go check out the underside of the shelf in your trunk. I would think the holes would already be there. I doubt they are tapping new holes in the car at the factory during assembly.

[martin mustang]

I agree, I got the surprise with my ex e60, talking about making every dam thing an option! it will all be down to the frame setup, i.e. on the basis the option was around, does this mean the frame behind the seats has the support mounted on with all cars, and BMW fit or not the folding seat depending on orders!

[Skibum]

Well... there are mounting holes for the "actuators"... BMW speak for the left and right seat release levers and cables, so that's a good thing, however after looking up the parts diagram http://bmwofmtlaurelpartsgiant.com/p...iagram=1913590, I would need a new package tray (the rear shelf) and all the components would come to about $2500. That's too steep for a 4 year old car with 48K on the clock. This was a $475 stand alone option for 2011/12, and was included in the Cold WX Pkg for 2012.

This is really only feasible if I could find a 2011 - 2013 (don't know if the same parts would work from an LCI) in a junk yard that didn't have damage in the rear seat area, and if I could cannibalize it for a reasonable price, then have an upholstery shop match my oyster nappa leather for the rear seat backs, unless I got REALLY lucky and found one in oyster.

[martin mustang]

Originally Posted by Skibum

Well... there are mounting holes for the "actuators"... BMW speak for the left and right seat release levers and cables, so that's a good thing, however after looking up the parts diagram http://bmwofmtlaurelpartsgiant.com/p...iagram=1913590, I would need a new package tray (the rear shelf) and all the components would come to about $2500. That's too steep for a 4 year old car with 48K on the clock. This was a $475 stand alone option for 2011/12, and was included in the Cold WX Pkg for 2012.

This is really only feasible if I could find a 2011 - 2013 (don't know if the same parts would work from an LCI) in a junk yard that didn't have damage in the rear seat area, and if I could cannibalize it for a reasonable price, then have an upholstery shop match my oyster nappa leather for the rear seat backs, unless I got REALLY lucky and found one in oyster.

At this price, you better off renting a van when needed!

[spyroz]

BMW make everything OPTIONAL! lucky my 550i have the folding rear seat option

[Skibum]

Very true spyroz, though the 5-series is getting better in that regard. The split/folding rear seats became standard for 2013. Now only if they'd bring the F11 here! It won't happen as they'd never spend the dosh needed to get it crash tested/approved by the Feds, etc, with only 2 more model years left.

Meanwhile, I've got a local body shop on the lookout for an undamaged split-folding rear seatback and related hardware from a salvaged F10, so we'll see.

Originally Posted by spyroz

BMW make everything OPTIONAL! lucky my 550i have the folding rear seat option

[493263]

That folding rear seat was very useful when I was moving and my IKEA trips. However, I know people that bought the 2011 models when it first came out in 2010 where the cold weather package was not an option. I can tell you it drives them nuts but the steep costs to convert just doesn't make sense.

I made sure to buy my car with a build date past March 2011 with the knowledge of early adopters. My blacked out dash, folding rear seats, HUD with extended LCD dash, 4 zone climate made it much better. The only thing I wanted that I didn't get was the multicontour seats with side bolsters which wasn't available until 2013.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Skibum

Meanwhile, I've got a local body shop on the lookout for an undamaged split-folding rear seatback and related hardware from a salvaged F10, so we'll see.

Good luck, it'll be interesting if one ever shows up.

As for making this an option on a car in this price range, that's just plain stupid. I mean how much can it possibly cost to produce and offer this as a standard option to the buyer who is already spending some serious money on this model (yes I know BMW changed this in later models, and luckily my car came with it) but still, no excuse for this being an option. I remember (briefly) checking some 528 models and lack of pass-through even was a deal breaker for me personally (besides other things).

[martin mustang]

Originally Posted by Skibum

Very true spyroz, though the 5-series is getting better in that regard. The split/folding rear seats became standard for 2013. Now only if they'd bring the F11 here! It won't happen as they'd never spend the dosh needed to get it crash tested/approved by the Feds, etc, with only 2 more model years left.

Meanwhile, I've got a local body shop on the lookout for an undamaged split-folding rear seatback and related hardware from a salvaged F10, so we'll see.

I thought the F11 missing for the you folks was down to market and demand for it, sure the F11 should match the F10 in crash tests and all! just like the M5 manual gear box only available in the US.

[jakartakid]

Split/folding rear seats still an extra cost option here in UK, as of June 2014 (lci) when I ordered mine!

[The X Men]

I wonder if there are any difference in the unibody frame or bracing in the folding rear seats.

[Grover432]

It is almost never worth it to retrofit a missing option to a car. I think your research proves that. I think you'd be better off to look for a newer car with more warranty that has the options you want and trade.

[Gabirex]

Hi,

Does anyone know, if the roof rack of the 5GT fits the F10?
Same problem here, no folding backseat

Thanks,

G.

[mhatz]

So Skibum, I've been researching the same thing, please tell me more, you say that the "new package tray (the rear shelf) " has to be replaced, I cannot find that part on the break-out you referenced in your post? I found a seat that happens to match my car for $1k, so am trying to determine if I've missed anything...

I've got an F10, a 535IX with the M-sport, but not friggin folding seat. I race bikes and started racing in the evenings and I need to keep my expensive bike in the trunk and the damn thing is 2 inches too big for the trunk..

Michael