4 seater e34 - fixed rear center console

[Red Shirt KRT]

I saw this and didn't really know it was a thing on the e34. I was just looking around everywhere and couldn't find a thread or much info about it.

From my research it appears to be more common on euro cars although it appears it was an option on all m5's. And was standard on all m5's built before(or model year?) 1990.

Anyone know if it was an option on other models or only the m5? Also anyone ever sit in them? I feel like it looks pretty cool since they are bucket seats in the back. And would be way more useful than they were on the 6er.

So anyone know how rare or how cool/lame they are?

- - - Updated - - -

Here is a pic. And anyone know if they fit in a non m5? I would assume so.

[Red Shirt KRT]

Ah realized if you want to find any info on them they are more commonly called "split rear seats" doh!

[CarterH]

As far as I know they were in every M5, or at least they were in all the Euro M5s. They're also compatible with regular E34s as well but I haven't seen it done very often.

The rear seats also seem to have the same bucket kind of feel as regular E34s. My old cloth seats were also sort of bucket style as are my current leather seats, in that somehow even just the regular seats in E34s really give a nice snug and comfortable fit.

[Singing6]

Just installed them into my 525i. They are amazing. To answer some of your questions:
-They are more common on really early M5's but stopped being an option later on in the US.
-They are only available on the M5 in black or grey
-Pretty damn rare as these things go
-Spectacular to sit in and look at.

[The Chauffeur]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E34-M5-...oAAOSwWyRavmZd


https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M5-E34-...YAAOSw1RVal~Ax


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bmw-E34-Led...IAAOSwHAdZrBxq


https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E34-M5-...gAAOSwslRayLvd


U pick!

[Red Shirt KRT]

Hmm, I only though the second ebay listing there was the split seats. The others look like the center console folds up for a third seat in the middle? Although I only see 2 seat belt attachments. Anyone know the difference between these ones or if they are custom?

Looks like the third link might be for a touring?

[The Chauffeur]

Hmm, I only though the second ebay listing there was the split seats. The others look like the center console folds up for a third seat in the middle? Although I only see 2 seat belt attachments. Anyone know the difference between these ones or if they are custom?

Looks like the third link might be for a touring?

You are absolutely right, sir! I only did a quick search (hadn't had coffee back then, either ), and didn't actually notice the bottom seats, so, my apologies... But yeah, looks like only the ones in the second link are the true split seats.

[moroza]

I sat in them once and they felt a lot like front sport seats, a little too snug for my arms to rest comfortably (for a driver that's not an issue), and I'm rather skinny.

[TGreene]

Lots of bad information in this thread.

These seats are referred to as the M-Tech rear seats in some of the BMW promotional material. Colloquially known as the rear breadbox or 2+2 seats.

From what I remember, they came standard on the first 500 or so US E34 M5s. I am not sure about other markets. They came in whatever color the car came in, not just black and grey.

I seem to remember being told by Stefan or somebody else on M5board that they were NOT on option after that first run of about 500 where they were standard. Could be wrong there though.

They add a bit of weight to the car. I should weigh them but I think it is about 20lbs. The top section is very prone to the stitching splitting up by the headrests, the same way the E30 M3s do.

They are very comfortable and will bolt in to any E34. I really enjoy them in my '91 M5.

[Red Shirt KRT]

Thanks for the input! when I was reading about them I thought they came standard on all the early models like pre sept 1990. Then after they were offered as an option that wasn't chosen very often I take it.

Here is from the m registry website

"Also, all E34 M5s built before September, 1990 have a fixed rear center console that effectively makes them four-seaters. This console became optional in most markets starting with September, 1990 production. "

[TGreene]

Here is from the m registry website

"Also, all E34 M5s built before September, 1990 have a fixed rear center console that effectively makes them four-seaters. This console became optional in most markets starting with September, 1990 production. "

M Registry knows 100x more than I do. I would take that as the answer.

[Singing6]

I will consider myself corrected! Sorry for the false info. I will definitely be looking through the M Registry to try to learn more.

Singing6

[WordMan]

And I want a set! Argh....

[BleedsBlue]

Trevor corrected the info...correctly

They will bolt in to any E34. As Trevor just found out I think, there is one bracket that every set I've ever seen for sale, is missing: it replaces the standard E-brake center console bracket, under the rear vents. I can confirm that the set-up is still pretty secure without that bracket, but we're looking into reproducing it.

Which bears mentioning, that all parts of this set-up are long NLA. There are quite a few sets in the US, but as noted it was optional after the first batch, and only in markets other than NA. Buying second-hand (our only option), try and ensure that all of the proprietary brackets are included.

It is definitely heavier, but about the only heavier option I would ever spec for my M5 - it's just flippin' cool and solidifies the sleeper sport sedan vibe. The sliding drawer is also the most practical rear storage option of all the different setups I've encountered (E32, etc).