Back on the forum – Need advice on safely transporting a baby in a Z4 E85

[zriha]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been away from the forum for a while, but I’m now back – and with some big life changes ahead. My partner and I are expecting a baby soon, and I’d really appreciate some advice from fellow Z4 owners on how to safely transport a newborn in an E85.

As you all know, space is tight in these cars, and I’m aware that not every car seat fits well. I’d like to hear your recommendations on:

• Which infant car seats actually fit and are practical in the Z4 E85
• Whether it’s better to mount the seat in the passenger side or somehow in the rear (if possible at all)
• Tips on disabling the passenger airbag (my model doesn’t have the manual switch)
• Any personal experiences from owners who have done this

Of course, safety is my number one concern. I know the Z4 isn’t the most family-friendly car, but I’d like to make it work, at least occasionally.

Thanks in advance for any insights or experiences you can share!

 

[Zedebee]

Firstly, congratulations on the impending arrival. It’s a very exciting time.

Sadly, for many, it heralds the end of Z4 ownership due to a change in priorities. You cannot travel safely (or legally in the UK) in the Z4 as a family of three. Also, travelling anywhere with small children requires a ridiculous amount of paraphernalia - potties, changing bags, pushchairs, carrycots etc., the Z4 boot is not exactly spacious.

There is no way to secure a child seat in the rear of a Z4 - really, I’m not sure what you had in mind. In the boot?

If your car is fitted with the ISOfix system, then any ISOfix seat should fit. If you don’t have the passenger airbag disable feature, then you don’t have ISOfix, but it can be retrofitted.

The system consists of a securing bar fitted to the seat base, the disable switch (in panel at the end of the dash visible when the passenger door is open) and the on/off indicator light opposite the sport button.

Another option is simply to disable the passenger airbag, without fitting the ISOfix. I have not researched this, so can give no advice; but proceed with caution as you will be compromising the car’s safety system.

Enjoy your new baby, it’s a special time in life. I hope you can continue to enjoy your Z4 too.

 

[zriha]

Thanks so much mate. Well, we are having a "family" car - Mercedes B class, and we want to keep Z4 as a backup car that is capable if I am alone with the baby or my partner, we can use the car.

I was thinking about something like this in the picture. Sadly, I don't have a disable switch or ISOfix, but I saw child seats for fitting without ISOfix.

Basically I want to give experience to our new baby that I hadn't have had, and that is going to the nursery in a cabrio.

On to long term, I am considering switching from Z4 to 996, but here in Croatia, they are bloody expensive, so only option is to import from Germany.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Congratulations to you and your partner.

I know nothing about fitting a Z4 with a child seat but I hope you find a solution!

 

[Melman]

At a minimum you must disable the airbag on the passenger side or you could kill your child in an accident. But honestly, don’t use the Z4 for transporting a baby. As someone earlier it’s a really special time - always get the right machine for the job!

 

[paddy wright]

As others have a said without the airbag disabled this will not be safe. It can be retrofitted but needs coding in.

 

[zriha]

Thank you, gents, yeah, I will not transport baby without airbag disabled, no way, but that is why I asked if someone have done it. Disable it. Or I will need to take bimmer code (I can't do it with Carly).