E90 M3 Baby Friendly

IzzyGray · 03-03-2015, 08:02 PM

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Second car is an Audi Q5 and primary is e92 M3(some background). To be honest, I think the trunk space on the M3 is pretty spacious. I am able to fit a stroller, play pen, 3-4 bags of luggage in the trunk while still having 2 car seats, baby bag in the back and two adults. Id argue that there's more leg room(for car seats) in the M3 than my Q5. Only drawback is rear facing car seats are a pain in the e92 m3 but you won't have that issue with the e90. And I have no idea where the comfort issue is coming from but neither of my kids ever complained about being uncomfortable and they even sway to sleep faster in the M3 than Q5(the vibrations actually help according to the pediatrician or so they hypothesized).

cbm3 · 03-03-2015, 08:13 PM

I have a 2 and 4 year old. E90 m3 fits two car seats no problem. Definitely not as easy to get both kids in the car as the wife's Honda Pilot. Pretty much take hers most of the time.

Got the m3 last year. Had an Acura TL and Jetta with the kids before that. Don't see the m3 as much different space wise but the trunk is a bit in the small side.

As long as it isn't the primary kid hauler I say go for the m3! Had a 944 turbo before the kids, so glad to be back in a performance car.

nks_bb · 03-03-2015, 08:38 PM

I got the E90 M3 because I wanted the 4 doors for easy access to child seats in the back, whilst having a car I can more than enjoy on the weekends/track/every time I drive. I don't regret it. The only thing is.. my baby is now 2 years old and takes trash and toys into the car and leaves it there,,, and with the snow she takes her boots and kicks the back of the passenger seats... She thinks its hilarious that it drives me nuts when she does it.

Ra_ · 03-03-2015, 09:07 PM

#3. I've fitted rear facing and now forward facing recaro convertible, and a big stroller in the trunk without any issues. My 2 year old son loves riding in my car. For long hauls we have my wife's Pilot.

SpacegrayMe90 · 03-03-2015, 09:41 PM

I too have a baby on the way and when buying my M3 last year the e90 M3 was my go to variant for it's practicality. However, after having the car for over year, I would not put my infant child in the M3 on a regular basis due to the negative attention the car gets from other drivers. The tailgating and the stupid boy racer constanly doing whatever it takes to get your attention, including cutting you off is something I rather not expose my kid to.

looking to buy a Nissian Rogue for baby duties.

As far as ride comfort even with the edc on the softest setting, depending on the conditions of the roads in your area it can be a little rough for an infant. After the baby gets older the ride comfort should be fine.

FogCityM3 · 03-03-2015, 11:06 PM

Had the exact same set up (SUV and M3) and worked great though my kids were a little older when I got the M3. Babies actually like noise, bouncy rides so wouldn't worry about noise/ride quality from their perspective. In terms of utility, no difference between an E90 M3 and 4 door 335i, a 4 door is much much better with kids vs an E92. In terms of feel, actually due to low torque combined with earlier shifting, the M3 will feel smooth like an old BMW N/A inline 6.....that's the dual personality I love about the car. Keep revs below 3000 rpm and it's an N/A inline 6, above 6000 and it's a Ferrari!

For forward facing seats, definitely get the Recaros...fit a lot better than Britax for this car. For rear facing, get the Graco snap in seat and car adapter with stroller..it's like $50 and is great for convenience and keep for baby #2. Get the larger stroller later after baby is 9+ months old.

Tracyis300 · 03-03-2015, 11:08 PM

I say you get rid of your car, get a suv, keep the wife's car for your daily, and put the extra cash towards the kid.... Or save up and get Porsche! Hahaha

exVtekGuy · 03-04-2015, 10:02 AM

here's what I use to protect the back of the front seat from kicking kids.

http://www.amazon.com/BRICA-Kick-Bla..._2237473011_25

works fine.

Properstyle · 03-04-2015, 10:31 AM

I am married the wife and I don't have any kids but we took care our nieces for about 1 and half at the the time i had a E46m3 and the wife drove a C350 benz sedan. I didn't mind using the coupe with them but after I moved to florida in thought of us having a baby in the future I did get rid of y E46m3 for a E90m and thw wife now drives a C63 sedan, both of which are large enough for our needs and desire while also maintaining the fun factor. I guess it all comes down to preference but I would rather have a E90m then have another car added to the house for a total of 4.

Flying Ace · 03-04-2015, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exVtekGuy

here's what I use to protect the back of the front seat from kicking kids.

http://www.amazon.com/BRICA-Kick-Bla..._2237473011_25

works fine.

also don't forget one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Lionhea...seat+protector

JStang · 03-04-2015, 01:44 PM

Thanks guys. A lot of good input given. Now if I can just talk some sense into my wife as to why I need / want a fun car and not a boring SUV. Just because I am having a kid doesn't mean my life is over. Or is it?

Yugo · 03-04-2015, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JStang

Thanks guys. A lot of good input given. Now if I can just talk some sense into my wife as to why I need / want a fun car and not a boring SUV. Just because I am having a kid doesn't mean my life is over. Or is it?

Correct, go for it! I did the switch from an E46 M3 to an E90 M3 for essentially the same reason. Although I have yet to put car seats in the M as we have been using my wife's SUV for family drives. Plenty of room in the back of the E90 to fit two baby seats.

On a side note, folks in Europe reading this thread will have a good laugh, as it's normal over there to even haul a family of 5 in a Golf, lol...

apecush · 03-04-2015, 03:06 PM

No problems with mine. Had to move the passenger seat up a bit to fit the rear facing seat if you want to install on one side - no issues if you install the seat in the center. No issues with front facing at the side of the car though. Only issue is that it can be hard on the back bending down to strap my little girl into her seat. One bonus is that the exhaust noise helps infants sleep if you're ever stuck with a sleepless child.

apecush · 03-04-2015, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JStang

Thanks guys. A lot of good input given. Now if I can just talk some sense into my wife as to why I need / want a fun car and not a boring SUV. Just because I am having a kid doesn't mean my life is over. Or is it?

4 doors = family car. end of arguement.

JStang · 03-04-2015, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apecush

4 doors = family car. end of arguement.

Well, I told her that her 328i isn't a practical child car yet I am trying to convince her that an E90 M3 is. I told her that when we go somewhere together we will take her car which will be a small SUV.

I figured she'd be more understanding since her brother has a new M4, an Acadia Denali and a truck and they have 2 kids.

spiderspider · 03-04-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JStang

Thanks guys. A lot of good input given. Now if I can just talk some sense into my wife as to why I need / want a fun car and not a boring SUV. Just because I am having a kid doesn't mean my life is over. Or is it?

Don't let anyone ever tell you that you 'need' an SUV

X5-User · 03-04-2015, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiderspider

Don't let anyone ever tell you that you 'need' an SUV

This

Flying Ace · 03-04-2015, 06:52 PM

while you don't NEED an SUV, you have to admit the extra interior room is much needed when you have a car seat in the back. In our X5 my wife at times will sit in the back with the car seat and have a second bag in there and tons of other stuff. Not to say it can't be done in a E90, but you'll just have much less room

chuckthis · 03-05-2015, 03:51 AM

I have two kids, one still in a rear facing car seat and will be selling our X1 to use an E90 M3 as the family hauler. My wife missed driving a manual and with the rear-facing seat there was MORE room for the front passenger than in the X1. Strollers, baby gear all fit fine in the E90. If I need more space, a roof box is an easy fix. For that matter in around town driving my E46 coupe does just fine with two car seats.

But, I'm crazy and live in Europe. Bigger is not necessary, trust me. It's amazing the amount of useless crap people think they need when it comes to simple task of driving kids around.

JStang · 03-05-2015, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiderspider

Don't let anyone ever tell you that you 'need' an SUV

I guess that word was used a little loosely.

Lorde · 03-05-2015, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

while you don't NEED an SUV, you have to admit the extra interior room is much needed when you have a car seat in the back. In our X5 my wife at times will sit in the back with the car seat and have a second bag in there and tons of other stuff. Not to say it can't be done in a E90, but you'll just have much less room

I can echo this as I have the same cars as Flying Ace in my Garage. The E90 works with one kid. With more, you'll be feeling the pinch if you want to carry cargo for a long trip. If your wife needs to sit in the back to attend to one kid where there are more than one, you're kind of screwed.

This is why I am moving out of the E90 M3.

gimmethemuumuu · 03-05-2015, 08:38 AM

Some bad advice in here. Most have it right though. There is nothing about the E90 M3 making it unsuitable for use with a baby. I had an E46 M3. That worked OK when we had just one child. With the second, I made a move to the E90 M3. I've had it for over two years now. No regrets! Our girls are five years and two-and-a half. The older child is forward-facing now and the younger is rear-facing still. Plenty of room still upfront. Sunshades are a good option too when the child is a baby. Good luck!

03-03-2015, 08:02 PM	#23
IzzyGray Lieutenant 27 Rep 472 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (3)	I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Second car is an Audi Q5 and primary is e92 M3(some background). To be honest, I think the trunk space on the M3 is pretty spacious. I am able to fit a stroller, play pen, 3-4 bags of luggage in the trunk while still having 2 car seats, baby bag in the back and two adults. Id argue that there's more leg room(for car seats) in the M3 than my Q5. Only drawback is rear facing car seats are a pain in the e92 m3 but you won't have that issue with the e90. And I have no idea where the comfort issue is coming from but neither of my kids ever complained about being uncomfortable and they even sway to sleep faster in the M3 than Q5(the vibrations actually help according to the pediatrician or so they hypothesized).
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03-03-2015, 08:13 PM	#24
cbm3 New Member 1 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 09 e90 m3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	I have a 2 and 4 year old. E90 m3 fits two car seats no problem. Definitely not as easy to get both kids in the car as the wife's Honda Pilot. Pretty much take hers most of the time. Got the m3 last year. Had an Acura TL and Jetta with the kids before that. Don't see the m3 as much different space wise but the trunk is a bit in the small side. As long as it isn't the primary kid hauler I say go for the m3! Had a 944 turbo before the kids, so glad to be back in a performance car.
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03-03-2015, 08:38 PM	#25
nks_bb First Lieutenant 61 Rep 324 Posts Drives: 2011 e90M ZCP Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I got the E90 M3 because I wanted the 4 doors for easy access to child seats in the back, whilst having a car I can more than enjoy on the weekends/track/every time I drive. I don't regret it. The only thing is.. my baby is now 2 years old and takes trash and toys into the car and leaves it there,,, and with the snow she takes her boots and kicks the back of the passenger seats... She thinks its hilarious that it drives me nuts when she does it.
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03-03-2015, 09:07 PM	#26
Ra_ EuroCar Noob 49 Rep 306 Posts Drives: MY08 E90 M3 JB Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio iTrader: (5)	#3. I've fitted rear facing and now forward facing recaro convertible, and a big stroller in the trunk without any issues. My 2 year old son loves riding in my car. For long hauls we have my wife's Pilot. __________________ MY08 E90 JB 6MT . brembo gt 380 . bbs lm-r . meistershaft gt . swift . active autowerke . lux
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03-03-2015, 09:41 PM	#27
SpacegrayMe90 First Lieutenant 135 Rep 372 Posts Drives: 2010 e90M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I too have a baby on the way and when buying my M3 last year the e90 M3 was my go to variant for it's practicality. However, after having the car for over year, I would not put my infant child in the M3 on a regular basis due to the negative attention the car gets from other drivers. The tailgating and the stupid boy racer constanly doing whatever it takes to get your attention, including cutting you off is something I rather not expose my kid to. looking to buy a Nissian Rogue for baby duties. As far as ride comfort even with the edc on the softest setting, depending on the conditions of the roads in your area it can be a little rough for an infant. After the baby gets older the ride comfort should be fine.
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03-03-2015, 11:06 PM	#28
FogCityM3 Colonel 500 Rep 2,400 Posts Drives: M3 (E90) & Porsche GT3 RS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Had the exact same set up (SUV and M3) and worked great though my kids were a little older when I got the M3. Babies actually like noise, bouncy rides so wouldn't worry about noise/ride quality from their perspective. In terms of utility, no difference between an E90 M3 and 4 door 335i, a 4 door is much much better with kids vs an E92. In terms of feel, actually due to low torque combined with earlier shifting, the M3 will feel smooth like an old BMW N/A inline 6.....that's the dual personality I love about the car. Keep revs below 3000 rpm and it's an N/A inline 6, above 6000 and it's a Ferrari! For forward facing seats, definitely get the Recaros...fit a lot better than Britax for this car. For rear facing, get the Graco snap in seat and car adapter with stroller..it's like $50 and is great for convenience and keep for baby #2. Get the larger stroller later after baby is 9+ months old.
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03-03-2015, 11:08 PM	#29
Tracyis300 Lieutenant 108 Rep 536 Posts Drives: 09 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Los angeles iTrader: (0)	I say you get rid of your car, get a suv, keep the wife's car for your daily, and put the extra cash towards the kid.... Or save up and get Porsche! Hahaha
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03-04-2015, 10:02 AM	#30
exVtekGuy Second Lieutenant 115 Rep 288 Posts Drives: none yet Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	here's what I use to protect the back of the front seat from kicking kids. http://www.amazon.com/BRICA-Kick-Bla..._2237473011_25 works fine.
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03-04-2015, 10:31 AM	#31
Properstyle Major 506 Rep 1,385 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 ZCP m3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Killeen, TX iTrader: (0)	I am married the wife and I don't have any kids but we took care our nieces for about 1 and half at the the time i had a E46m3 and the wife drove a C350 benz sedan. I didn't mind using the coupe with them but after I moved to florida in thought of us having a baby in the future I did get rid of y E46m3 for a E90m and thw wife now drives a C63 sedan, both of which are large enough for our needs and desire while also maintaining the fun factor. I guess it all comes down to preference but I would rather have a E90m then have another car added to the house for a total of 4. __________________ 2011 E90m3 ESS G2, active auto x pipe, RK FULL E85, DD 2015 X5M Bootmod3, Downpipes, Mineral white-The wifes DD 1994 300zx 2jz Swapped slicktop- The toy/track car Last edited by Properstyle; 03-04-2015 at 11:49 AM..
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03-04-2015, 01:44 PM	#33
JStang Brigadier General 563 Rep 3,625 Posts Drives: FDB M3 CS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: St. Petersburg, FL iTrader: (9)	Thanks guys. A lot of good input given. Now if I can just talk some sense into my wife as to why I need / want a fun car and not a boring SUV. Just because I am having a kid doesn't mean my life is over. Or is it?
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03-04-2015, 03:06 PM	#35
apecush Lieutenant 30 Rep 521 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Edmonton iTrader: (2)	No problems with mine. Had to move the passenger seat up a bit to fit the rear facing seat if you want to install on one side - no issues if you install the seat in the center. No issues with front facing at the side of the car though. Only issue is that it can be hard on the back bending down to strap my little girl into her seat. One bonus is that the exhaust noise helps infants sleep if you're ever stuck with a sleepless child.
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03-04-2015, 06:52 PM	#40
Flying Ace Lieutenant General 4987 Rep 11,891 Posts Drives: G05 45e, 997.1 & 991.1 GT3s Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (5)	while you don't NEED an SUV, you have to admit the extra interior room is much needed when you have a car seat in the back. In our X5 my wife at times will sit in the back with the car seat and have a second bag in there and tons of other stuff. Not to say it can't be done in a E90, but you'll just have much less room __________________ 22 Phytonic/Coffee X5 45e (CoVID-free) 08 Speed Yellow 911 GT3 Sharkwerks 12 AW/Cinnamon X5d Sports Pkg (retired) 14 AW/Beige M6GC ZCP, MPE, V2 steering wheel, vorsteiner (retired) 08 SSII/Black E90 M3 (retired)
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03-05-2015, 03:51 AM	#41
chuckthis Toomany///Ms 371 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 1M & M2CS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NorCal iTrader: (2)	I have two kids, one still in a rear facing car seat and will be selling our X1 to use an E90 M3 as the family hauler. My wife missed driving a manual and with the rear-facing seat there was MORE room for the front passenger than in the X1. Strollers, baby gear all fit fine in the E90. If I need more space, a roof box is an easy fix. For that matter in around town driving my E46 coupe does just fine with two car seats. But, I'm crazy and live in Europe. Bigger is not necessary, trust me. It's amazing the amount of useless crap people think they need when it comes to simple task of driving kids around. __________________ Current: 1M & M2CS Previous: Many E46 M3s, a few E9x M3s, '15 F82 M4, '16 F80 M3, F87 M2
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03-05-2015, 08:38 AM	#44
gimmethemuumuu Captain 80 Rep 945 Posts Drives: '17 F80 M3, SO/Bk Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN iTrader: (15)	Some bad advice in here. Most have it right though. There is nothing about the E90 M3 making it unsuitable for use with a baby. I had an E46 M3. That worked OK when we had just one child. With the second, I made a move to the E90 M3. I've had it for over two years now. No regrets! Our girls are five years and two-and-a half. The older child is forward-facing now and the younger is rear-facing still. Plenty of room still upfront. Sunshades are a good option too when the child is a baby. Good luck!
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