[gymratmatt]

Hi all,

I'm a happy new owner of an X7, coming from a 2014 X5 with rear-seat entertainment. We have two kids, 6 and 3, who enjoy watching shows on long drives. We knew BMW no longer offered this when we built the car and we liked the car enough to proceed without it. However, we are now struggling with coming up with an alternative and I am curious what others have done. We were told travel/comfort line (the plug into back ones) would be coming out with an ipad holder, but nothing thus far. In general I'm trying to discourage screen time but sometimes you need it in emergencies. Are fellow X7 owners using the headrest version of the mount or just tossing them their ipads for their laps? Curious others' solutions. Thanks!

[Kolianovskyi]

Why don't you buy aftermarket holders for iPads and mount those to front seats?

[rich5741]

I just bought this: https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...IFJlc3VsdHM%3D Note this version does not come with the headrest dongle (although it is compatible with it) - it plugs directly into the port on the back of the front seats.

Technically you are supposed to use them with a "safety case" which is a rubber case for the tablet, but I found 2nd Gen Air, 4th Gen Mini, and 11-in Pro all fit snugly without the safety case.

If you have an older tablet, there are safety cases available for older models: https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...IFJlc3VsdHM%3D

[unfoundnemo]

There's a thread about iPad holders here: https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1601029

I'm guessing you're dealing with some discontinued or back ordered items regarding Travel and Comfort options? You could get the Universal holder case holder from BMW Part Pros (forum sponsor) here:
https://www.bmwpartspros.com/oem-par...kgUGFnZQ%3D%3D

[gymratmatt]

Thanks for the replies!! Couldn't find the part but that is very helpful. I was hoping to use the one that plugs into the back of the chair as intended, but debating with how much higher than the headrest version. Appreciate you all pointing me the right direction.

[jasheaer]

We use the trays...

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...b3J5IFBhZ2U%3D

Kids love being able to put water bottles in the drink holder or use it to hold a book, etc. Its lower then the ipad holders, but has more functionality.

Jay

[gymratmatt]

Good recommendation! Looks like a headrest mount - any issues there? Does the front passenger notice or create any airplane-esque movement when in use since it's higher up on seat?

[rich5741]

Originally Posted by gymratmatt

Thanks for the replies!! Couldn't find the part but that is very helpful. I was hoping to use the one that plugs into the back of the chair as intended, but debating with how much higher than the headrest version. Appreciate you all pointing me the right direction.

Both the one that unfoundnemo and myself recommended plug DIRECTLY into the back of the chair. In fact, the one I bought does NOT even come with the headrest piece.

However, if you get one with the headset piece, my understanding is that it is also compatible with directly plugging into the seat.

[sahajesh]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

There's a thread about iPad holders here: https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1601029

I'm guessing you're dealing with some discontinued or back ordered items regarding Travel and Comfort options? You could get the Universal holder case holder from BMW Part Pros (forum sponsor) here:
https://www.bmwpartspros.com/oem-par...kgUGFnZQ%3D%3D

Is there any way to get the max size that that universal holder will manage? I've got an iPad Pro 12.9 so if it can manage that, it'd be good.

[JaTe]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

Is there any way to get the max size that that universal holder will manage? I've got an iPad Pro 12.9 so if it can manage that, it'd be good.

Happen to have one in front of me since I just ordered it.

Looking at the specs, an iPad Pro 12.9 is roughly 8.5" wide. So technically it "should" fit without a case.

[gymratmatt]

Originally Posted by rich5741

Both the one that unfoundnemo and myself recommended plug DIRECTLY into the back of the chair. In fact, the one I bought does NOT even come with the headrest piece.

However, if you get one with the headset piece, my understanding is that it is also compatible with directly plugging into the seat.

Thanks! Is this the same for the folding table as well? Where it looks like the headrest but will allow for direct plug in as well? I don’t see that on the website so just seeing if anyone knows. Appreciate the help

[rich5741]

Originally Posted by gymratmatt

Thanks! Is this the same for the folding table as well? Where it looks like the headrest but will allow for direct plug in as well? I don’t see that on the website so just seeing if anyone knows. Appreciate the help

Yes, all Travel Comfort accessories to my knowledge are compatible with the built in port. However I saw someone on the forums say that if you put the table in the built in port, then the table is mounted too low (apparently the height adjustment is not large enough a range.

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by rich5741

Yes, all Travel Comfort accessories to my knowledge are compatible with the built in port. However I saw someone on the forums say that if you put the table in the built in port, then the table is mounted too low (apparently the height adjustment is not large enough a range.

This is correct. You can use it like that, but even for a child, the table literally right on their lap, even at the highest setting. The table is best installed using the headrest adapter. I have pictures if people want to see.

[bradythedog12]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

This is correct. You can use it like that, but even for a child, the table literally right on their lap, even at the highest setting. The table is best installed using the headrest adapter. I have pictures if people want to see.

Yes, WB, would love to see pictures. My son primarily just holds his iPad because he’s mostly playing games but there are times where I’d like him to be able to eat and use the cup holder.

John

[jasheaer]

Originally Posted by bradythedog12

Yes, WB, would love to see pictures. My son primarily just holds his iPad because he’s mostly playing games but there are times where I’d like him to be able to eat and use the cup holder.

John

My kids are 7 and 10, the 7 year old is still in a booster and they both used the trays for our 10+ hour spring break road trip. No complaints at all on the height and I use the seat back position, not the head rest attachment.

The seats on the x7 are much sturdier then in a Boeing so no issue with annoyances. My kids weren't shaking it for no reason either though, so your experience may vary.

Jay

[gymratmatt]

All extremely helpful responses- thank you! I too would appreciate the picture if you have it handy.

[andyzzz]

This is my makeshift solution.

[Wild Blue]

I put pics in a separate thread here about all T&C system components:
https://g07.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1821772

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by jasheaer

We use the trays...

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...b3J5IFBhZ2U%3D

Kids love being able to put water bottles in the drink holder or use it to hold a book, etc. Its lower then the ipad holders, but has more functionality.

Jay

What's the quality like?

[bradythedog12]

Originally Posted by Wanderer73

What's the quality like?

From WB’s write-up...

This is also very beefy. Solid and heavy design that can take abuse. The table surface isn't all that big, a little smaller than a tray table would be on the back of an airline seat, so it's not capable of doing a ton of paperwork, or spreading a project out. Perfect for kids (or adults) to have a little snack and drink, though. You can see the fold-down cupholder ring.

The table also folds up when not in use, if the passenger wanted it out of the way, but didn't want to remove the attachment entirely (or couldn't, if they're a kid or elderly person... again, they don't come out easily). It then takes up about as much space as a tablet screen.

For parents with little kids, the ABS plastic looks like it's easily washable/wipeable, if little Johnny spilled some massive gunk on it. Little kids have a huge talent for making sticky, gooey messes on things. If nothing else, take the whole attachment out of the car and hose it down.

[Wanderer73]

Thanks bradythedog12

[CruiseControl]

I use the folding table too and it serves the purpose for eating, drinking and holding electronic devices. My daughter loves it.