how to install infant car seat on a 03 325i?!?!? HELP

[Martin 03 325i]

I don't have my manual so I can see what BMW recommends for the most safety location. I need to ease my mind and need to see real proof of how to install my infant car seat and where. I know the middle back seat is the most safety location for most cars. But i would like if somebody had a link to where i could probably download my car manual or a link of a tech installing in a car like mine. THANK YOU!!!

[danewilson77]

I can get you the manual on line? Let me see

Wagon or sedan...your choice

http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/bmw/3manuals

It looks like you just strap it in the back with the harness/chest belt?

[nathancarter]

Really depends on the seat.

If it's a LATCH-compatible child seat, there are LATCH anchors on the rear deck lid and under plastic covers in the crease between the seat bench and the seat back.

If it's not a LATCH-compatible seat, then refer to the manual that came with the child seat. In general, you'll put your knee in the seat, put some weight into it, then tighten the belt as tight as you can while it's weighted down. Some infant seats have a base that you can leave buckled in the car, and a removable kid-carrier that locks into the base.. very convenient, as you only have to do the belt once, then just leave the base there till the kid outgrows the seat.

If you have a shoulder belt, pull it out all the way, then as it retracts, it will ratchet back down so it can't be pulled out again until it has retracted the whole way (try it, you'll see what I mean, and you'll hear it ratchet as it retracts). So if you use a shoulder belt to secure the car seat, pull it out all the way , then buckle it, then let it retract. That'll keep the seat nice and secure. (my 330i does not have a shoulder belt in the rear center seat)

[mudds71]

behind the passenger seat is where it will fit,, not in the middle,,unless you are 4'10"

[apisani1]

That's where I put mine, behind the rear passenger seat. The latch system is good, but our local fire department had a baby seat day and they said the safest way is to use the seat belt method. Just jam the base down into the seat as much as possible and keep the seat belt tight. There should be NO MOVEMENT of the base at all. I'm sure the local paramedics or FD would check it for you.

[sonspot]

Really depends on the seat.

If it's a LATCH-compatible child seat, there are LATCH anchors on the rear deck lid and under plastic covers in the crease between the seat bench and the seat back.

If it's not a LATCH-compatible seat, then refer to the manual that came with the child seat. In general, you'll put your knee in the seat, put some weight into it, then tighten the belt as tight as you can while it's weighted down. Some infant seats have a base that you can leave buckled in the car, and a removable kid-carrier that locks into the base.. very convenient, as you only have to do the belt once, then just leave the base there till the kid outgrows the seat.

If you have a shoulder belt, pull it out all the way, then as it retracts, it will ratchet back down so it can't be pulled out again until it has retracted the whole way (try it, you'll see what I mean, and you'll hear it ratchet as it retracts). So if you use a shoulder belt to secure the car seat, pull it out all the way , then buckle it, then let it retract. That'll keep the seat nice and secure. (my 330i does not have a shoulder belt in the rear center seat)

what this guy said, i use the middle seat belt but hook it up different, i adjust the belt before latching it then i'll use the belt spot, so if i have to move the seat to another car i wont have to readjust anything, this way its a lot tighter..

after looking at the manual you should call or visit your local police to find out when they're having the next child seat safety day.

[nathancarter]

after looking at the manual you should call or visit your local police to find out when they're having the next child seat safety day.

Ahh, good tip.

Your auto insurance company and AAA may also have additional information, as well as discount prices on quality, safe, no-frills child seats.