X3 (or X5) and Big Breed Dogs??

PeterNYC · #1 05-07-2006, 02:51 PM

hello all....

I just placed on order for an x3 (will arrive in June...yippie!!) and we have a chocolate lab puppy (who will soon grown into a big dog)

Just curious if there are other X owners with dogs who have recommendations for where their dogs ride when in the X.....the back cargo area seems good, but I guess some may use the back seat with a 'dog seat belt' (if there such is available for Xs)

Any big dog owners have advice or experience in this matter? Are there any recommended after market products?

We were thinking of getting the non-skid mat (or some form of cover) for the back cargo area for when she gets older (as a pup she rides in her crate or in a lap)

Thanks in advance

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Etubom · #2 05-07-2006, 03:31 PM

a Golden Retriever and a Lab/Border Collie. They ride quite comfortably in the cargo area of our X3 with the pullout cover removed. It is stored in our garage for possible future use.

I cut a piece of hardboard to fit the cargo floor and glued carpet onto it. It stays in place and is easily removed for access to the battery, etc.

x5GuyInLA · #3 05-07-2006, 04:11 PM

I have a rottweiler that's about 110lbs and I use one of these in the back seat when we travel or take him to get groomed. It protects the rear seats pretty well, although the headrests on the front seat might get some slobber. We know how dogs love to stick their heads out the windows, so we give him the option to do that or lay down and relax. EDIT: Another good thing to have is a ramp or stairs; dogs have to jump about 30 inches (at least in the X5) to get to the seats. Sometimes their judgement isn't very good and their hind legs miss the seat and can injure themselves. A ramp is good because it can be easily transported, but the rear doors don't open wide enough for them, so you have to put the ramp on a crate outside the door. It's still a small jump, but at least it's not a 30 inch jump. The ramp would be good if you plan to keep the dogs in the cargo area. Stairs are better for the rear seat, but they're bulky, so if you're planning on taking your dog on a trip, make sure you have enough room to fit the stairs.

r6girl · #4 05-07-2006, 04:47 PM

i have a great dane - he's a bit on the small side, only 120 lbs (full-grown males should weigh around 150lbs). having easy access and enough room for him was a key factor for me in looking at suv's. we looked at both the X5 and X3, and saw that he would have a hard time getting in and out of the X5 with the high split tailgate (we do have a ramp, but don't always have the room to lug it around). i was actually leaning toward the X5 until that point. i confirmed that my dog would fit in the X3 by bringing him with me to (after checking with an SA at a local dealership first) have him jump in the back and make sure he had enough room. he can't turn around 3 times before he lies down all that easily, but he can easily sit up and look out the window, and has plenty of room to lie down and stretch out a little.

although he has short fur, it gets everywhere! i have the rubber cargo mat down, and i bought a cheap full-sized black comforter and a bungie cord from target and jury-rigged it to cover the rear headrests and the entire cargo area. that stays on during the week when i'm carting the dog around, and then i just throw it in the washer on my way in the door on friday evenings. i vacuum out the X3 regularly, and am doing my best to avoid any doggie-like smells and excessive slobber! so far, so good!

there is a bmw accessory cargo area cover that totally covers the cargo area up to the windows. if i find the link, i'll post it here. i think i may go ahead and get that someday as an extra precaution against dog fur and slobber...

r6girl · #5 05-07-2006, 07:16 PM

here it is - check out this thread on the bimmerfest forums for pics and details on the cargo area cover i mentioned: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=125850

PeterNYC · #6 05-07-2006, 11:03 PM

thanks R6....looks like a good piece of equipment
I think this will be a matter of trial and error

JamesB · #7 05-08-2006, 08:37 AM

My X3 is due in next week and I purchased the cover r6girl mentioned. We'll see how it works. I have a 125 pound Great Pyranees and a 166 pound Great Dane. They had better fit. :-)

I'm actually not that worried though. I have an Explorer Sport Trac right now with a very small rear area and they fit for short trips. They're gonna love the extra space when the seats are folded down!

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