Car seat seen from outside
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Can a BMW 3 Series Fit 3 Car Seats? (And Which Are Best?)

So you’re looking to buy a new car, and one of the models that caught your eye is the BMW 3 Series.

Does it have enough space to fit three child seats, or do you need something bigger like a BMW X5 instead?

Generally, the BMW 3 Series is big enough to fit three car seats. However, it depends on the width of your car seats, so make sure at least two of your child seats are relatively narrow models.

Our Pick For A Space-Saving Car Seat:
Graco SlimFit3 LX
4.9
$279.98
Pros:
  • Fits 3 car seats across
  • 3-in-1 car seat grows with your child (you won't have to buy a different one later)
  • Graco ProtectPlus Engineered
  • 10-position Harness System
Cons:
  • Relatively pricey
Buy Now On Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/28/2023 06:03 pm GMT

Continue reading to learn about the best 3 Series model for fitting three car seats, the best child seats for the 3 Series, and more!

Is the BMW 3 Series big enough to fit 3 car seats in the back?

As a parent, one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a car is whether or not it will be able to accommodate all of your children.

With that in mind, many parents wonder whether the BMW 3 Series has enough space to fit three child car seats in the back.

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as saying, ‘Yes, it fits!’ or ‘No, it doesn’t fit!’

The answer primarily depends on which kind of car seats you’re trying to fit into the back of your BMW 3 Series.

Here are some general guidelines for fitting car seats in a BMW 3 Series:

Child car seat configurationDoes it fit in the 3 Series?
3 Booster seatsYes
2 Booster seats + 1 full seatYes
1 Booster seat + 2 full seatsYes
3 ‘space-saving’ full seatsYes
2 ‘space-saving’ full seats + 1 ‘bulky’ full seatYes, but it could be snug
1 ‘space-saving’ full seat + 2 ‘bulky’ full seatProbably, but very snug
3 ‘Bulky’ full seatsNo

Here is an example of three car seats fitted in a BMW 3 Series:

Three child car seats fitted in a BMW 3 Series G20

So, while the BMW 3 Series may not be the largest vehicle on the road, it’s still a great option for families with multiple children.

What about fitting 2 child car seats?

Do you need your BMW 3 Series to fit two child car seats?

If so, you won’t have any problems at all.

The BMW 3 Series is roomy enough to fit two car seats, no matter which exact car seats you have or the model year of your 3 Series.

If you have two children, that’s a great thing to know, right?

The 4 best car seats for a BMW 3 Series

Here are four excellent options for a 3-seat configuration in a BMW 3 Series:

  1. Graco SlimFit3 LX
    4.9
    $279.98
    Pros:
    • Fits 3 car seats across
    • 3-in-1 car seat grows with your child (you won't have to buy a different one later)
    • Graco ProtectPlus Engineered
    • 10-position Harness System
    Cons:
    • Relatively pricey
    Buy Now On Amazon.com

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    11/28/2023 06:03 pm GMT
  2. Diono Radian 3R
    4.7
    $148.03
    Pros:
    • 3-in-1 Car Seat
    • Rear- & Forward Facing
    • Slim Fit 3 Across
    • Steel Core
    Cons:
    • Less comfortable than Graco seat
    Buy Now On Amazon.com
    11/28/2023 06:13 pm GMT
  3. Graco Tranzitions
    4.8
    $83.99
    Pros:
    • 3-in-1 harness booster helps protect your child
    • Grows with your child
    • Lightweight and portable
    Cons:
    • Fewer advanced features
    • More difficult to fit 3 across
    Buy Now On Amazon.com
    11/28/2023 06:23 pm GMT
  4. Diono Solana
    4.7
    $49.99
    Pros:
    • No Latch
    • Pack of 2 Backless Booster Car Seats
    • Machine Washable Covers
    • Cup Holders
    Cons:
    • No back support
    • Only functions as a booster seat (for 40 lbs and higher)
    Buy Now On Amazon.com
    11/28/2023 06:29 pm GMT

With a little ingenuity, the 3 Series can easily accommodate three child car seats as long as you buy the right ones!

Find more amazing options here: The 6 Best Car Seats For BMW (+ How To Pick The Right One)

Which BMW 3 Series is best for fitting 3 car seats?

The BMW 3 Series has been in production since 1975, which means that during this time, BMW released many models of it.

There have been sedans, wagons/estates, convertibles, and even liftbacks (‘Gran Turismo’). And don’t forget about all the different generations, like the E9X, F3X, and G2X!

So, which one is the best for fitting three car seats?

The best BMW 3 Series to fit three car seats is the G20 or G21, which is the sedan or wagon version of the BMW 3 Series produced from 2019 onwards. This model is 16 mm (0.6 in) wider than its predecessor, meaning it has the most room in the back.

Tip: Make sure to be aware of the BMW 3 Series’ most common problems before getting one!

BMW 3 Series G20 front black
Source

Another great shoutout is the F34 BMW 3 Series GT (Gran Turismo), produced between 2013 and 2019.

BMW 3 Series GT F34 335i Silver rear

The BMW 3 Series GT is based on the 3 Series sedan but made longer, taller, and wider for added passenger space in the back and increased boot room. Therefore, it’s an outstanding BMW 3 Series for families!

In the end, we can conclude that with a spacious interior and plenty of room in the back seat, the 3 Series is generally a great car to accommodate three child car seats.

Tip: Having three kids can be quite costly. If you’re looking to save some money and get the cheapest BMW 3 Series to insure, you can learn more about how the insurance costs of various BMW 3 Series compare in this article!

Is a BMW 3 Series big enough for a family?

The BMW 3 Series has long been one of the most popular luxury cars on the market. Thanks to its mix of style, performance, and features, it has something to appeal to just about everyone.

But is it big enough for a family?

For most people, the answer is a resounding yes.

The 3 Series offers plenty of space for two adults and three kids, with plenty of legroom and headroom in both the front and back seats.

In addition, the trunk is large enough to hold all your gear, whether you’re headed out on a road trip or running errands around town.

So, if you’re looking for a luxury car that can accommodate your whole family, the BMW 3 Series is worth considering!

Other options: which BMWs can hold three child seats?

If you have three young children, you know how important it is to have a reliable and spacious car that can fit your little ones comfortably.

However, with three full-sized car seats, the BMW 3 Series may not be accommodating enough for you.

So, what other options do you have?

If you want a sedan (or wagon): BMW 5 Series (Touring)

BMW 5 Series Sedan Dark blue front view
Source

The BMW 5 Series is the big brother of the 3 Series. It’s a size up from the 3 Series, meaning it has a roomier interior and more cargo room.

The 5 Series is about 57 mm (2.2 in) wider than the 3 Series, so fitting it with three car seats will be much easier!

If you are considering getting a BMW 5 Series, check out our guide here on finding the best value for a used 5 Series!

If you want an SUV: BMW X5

BMW X5 black front view
Source

If you want a BMW with which you can be absolutely sure that your three child seats will fit, the BMW X5 is a fantastic choice.

The BMW X5 is 137 mm (5.4 in) wider and 275 mm (10.8 in) taller than the BMW 5 Series, which means it really has a lot of interior space!

If you want a 7-seater: BMW X7

BMW X7 black front view
Source

Looking to go all out? The BMW X7 will have loads of room and seat up to six of your children.

It’s BMW’s biggest SUV, with seven seats laid out in three rows!

Conclusion

All in all, it is possible to fit three car seats in the backseat of a BMW 3 series.

The only challenge you may have is fitting three full-sized car seats, which may take patience and creativity.

However, with a little effort and maybe swapping one out for a narrower variant, you can get all three car seats installed safely and securely, giving your family the peace of mind they need when hitting the road.

And while you’re at it, don’t miss out on some amazing features the 3 Series offers.

Happy travels!

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