employs three systems to remove its seats: the clip system, the folding system with bolts, and the bolt system. Each has its own set of instructions.

There are lots of reasons why you might need extra room in your BMW’s backseat. You could need some space for two or more hockey bags, or maybe you found a few too many sales on your shopping trip, or maybe you like to spend your summers camping. Whatever the reason, the good news is BMW X3 second row seat removal is likely easier than you think.

Use this step-by-step guide to learn how to remove the second row seats from a BMW X3.

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Can you remove the second row seats from a BMW X3?

Yes—a BMW X3’s middle seats are removable. They aren’t meant to be removed and reinstalled regularly though, so it takes a bit of work.

Before removing the second row of seats, make sure you’re familiar with these safety tips:

Check your airbags. With no second row seats and a passenger seated in the backseat, your car’s side airbags might not operate as intended. Everyone in the backseat should use a seat belt,and you need to refer to the

BMW X3 owner’s manual

to confirm that all the car’s airbags will still be effective after a row is removed.

Should you cover the floor? Taking out a row of seats in your BMW X3 will expose some metal brackets on the floor. You can use a tarp, rug, or floor cover to hide the eyesore and prevent injuries.

Keep an eye on the bolts. You’ll need the same equipment to reinstall the row, so make sure to place all the bolts and plastic covers somewhere safe, where they won’t get lost.

Keep in mind that if you only require a bit of extra space, you can just fold down your rear seats (more on that later). First, though, let’s dive into the second row seat removal process.

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How to remove the second row seats from a BMW X3

There are three ways to take out your second row seats.

Removing the second row of seats with the bolt system

Follow these steps if the rear seat of your BMW X3 is held in by four bolts:

Unscrew the two nuts behind the seat with a Torx bit. These nuts are accessible from the trunk.

Unscrew the two nuts at the front of the seat. They are located under the seat at the level of the passenger footwell.

This will cause the seat to completely release from its fasteners.

Remove the seat.

Removing the second row of seats with the clip system

Follow these steps to remove seats held in place by a clip system:

Locate the clips (usually under the seat and visible when you lift the seat of the bench).

Release them by pressing on the plastic part with a screwdriver while pulling the metal part.

If this way doesn’t work, sometimes just pulling on it will be enough to get them out.

Removing the second row of seats with bolts only at the front

This process is for folding seats that are not fixed on the rear part. Here are the steps:

Tilt the seat to the front.

Access the Torx nuts that fasten to the vehicle’s chassis.

Once the Torx nuts are unscrewed, remove the rear seat.

Now, you should have all you need to remove a rear seat without any issues!

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How do you put the backseats down in a BMW X3?

There are also three ways to fold the backseat of a BMW X3. Simply pick a method and follow the corresponding steps.

BMW X3 model with string or straps

Start by looking between the seats (either on the seat part or on the backrest part accessible from the trunk) and find the colored strings or straps. At the same time, pull on them while pushing the seat back, and it should fold down.

BMW X3 model with knobs or buttons near headrest

First, locate the buttons (there are usually two, one at each end of the seat) close to the upper seat belt clip. Then, you need to depress them and push the seat back so that it flips forward and folds down.

BMW X3 model with buttons or levers near seat

If your BMW X3 has buttons or levers, you can most likely use them to lower the seats. Once you’ve found the buttons/levers, operate them to release the backrests of your rear seat.

You need to press on the backrests and apply pressure on the lever simultaneously.

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How to find affordable BMW insurance

Saving money on car insurance for your BMW X3 is way easier than removing a row of seats. With

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