135i with two kids

[meen]

Does anyone know what is is like to own a 1 series coupe with two kids in car seats. I have two kids: 4 yr old and a 2 year old son.

Just wanted to get some feedback on space in the rear and what it is like taking them in/out of the car.

Thanks

[pk]

i Just test drove a 135 over the weekend and I would not do it if my kids were still in car seats. There's just no way to really gracefully be reaching back there and doing things. the room is very similar to an e36 coupe, only slightly smaller.

[flpnout]

Yeah, I would at least move into a 3 series 335 sedan if I were in your situation. Still got the same power and very similar fun. I test drove it too.<p>
2008 BMW 135I Alpine White Coupe: Black Leatherette, dark birch wood trim, Sport Package, Automatic w/ paddle shifters, Navigation, Heated Seats, and USB iPod adapter.
2008 BMW 650I Alpine White Cabrio: Saddle Brown Pearl Leather, Maple Wood Trim, Sport, Cold, Premium Sound Package, HUD, Night Vision, Active Cruise Control, Active Stearing, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist.

[z3bum]

I am 6'2" tall and fit in the back of a 135i. Not sure why so many folks in the US believe you need fours doors and a big car to carry around kids (I grew up in the sixties, riding around in the back seat of a two door Ford Mustang) I think the 1 series coupe would make a very nice family car, and the trunk has lots of grocery space. The only question would be how well car seats fit. I think BMW makes car seats that allow two small children in back... not sure though.<font color="#000000">2002 Racing Dynamics <font color="#00008B">Bluetooth</font> MINI Cooper</font>
<img src="http://members.roadfly.com/z3bum/MINI-small.jpg"><br>
<font color="#000000">2001</font> <font color="#0000FF">BMW</font> <font color="#C0C0C0">Z3</font> <font color="#000000">Coupe</font> <font color="#C0C0C0">3.0i</font><BR>
<img src="http://members.roadfly.com/z3bum/z3coupe2.jpg"><br>

[FloydR]

I only saw one 1-series coupe while in Europe. (My guess it was a Euro-delivery 135i.) It had 4 people in it - the two ladies were in the back. It was tough for them to get in and out, but it appeared that there was room.

I traded in my Porsche 924 for an E12 530i when we had our kids; I have to admit that a 4-door sedan is quite a lot easier to get the kids into and out of their car seats. But given that (and the LATCH system in US-spec BMWs), it's doable in a 1-series.

Too bad BMW won't send us the 5-door hatches.

[Dave8993]

I am from the E30,34 & currently E46 forum, but I had the opportunity to ride in a 120 the last few days in Mexico city traffic.

What a nice car-lots of attention to detail & plenty of room in this 2Door for 4 adults. in this 2D & my e46 2D I would find it difficult to connect & disconnect the child seats.

Great car-neat hatch latch is built into a pivoting rear roundel.

[Tom K.]

That's interesting - it sounds like the hatchback (not available in the U.S.) has more rear seat room than the coupe or convertible that we get.

Tom

[Dave8993]

[aaron]

I have a 135i and my 4mos that sits behind the pass seat. He sits rear facing. I am 5'7 and it's almost like sitting in a coach seat. It feels ok for only 30 mins and is good for short drives. If you have a kids from 1-16 yrs old then it may be ok if you are less than 6ft tall...maybe. Then again we drive the BMW from Friday- Sunday and the 08 Hybrid Civic Monday- Thursday.

[FloydR]

I just read an article about the Honda Fit (see url); they expect to sell 85,000 of them this year. If BMW were to sell even 25,000 1-series hatches in the US, it would raise their total sales in the US by 1/12th or so (monthly US sales of BMW cars is around 25,000-30,000 IIRC). Sometimes BMWNA really pisses me off.

[lezonebay]

perfectly. I used a 128 Convertible no trouble either. kids loved it.
I had a 5 and 4 y/o in a baby seat. we drove some 400miles a day for 3 days straight. no complain. also 4 of us luggage and stuff fit into the 128 conv trunk. 10 day trip with the kids !
yes I can pack very well but still that was awesome in my book.