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RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 12:50 pm
by Timster
That's right... you read that correctly.

Now I'm not saying that my missus is knocked-up and I'm not denying whether I was there at the time, or not.....

But... if "one" wanted an Isofix base that would accept a maxi-cosi seat (because that's what a potential pram-system takes), what would folk suggest ??
Also assuming that the very careful RS4 owner doesn't want to wreck the nice leather on the rear seats.


Cheers
:shock:

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 12:52 pm
by PJC
:?:

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:01 pm
by gilford
I've got a 2 year old and use the RS4 for family outings :bigwave:

All you need is a Recaro baby seat (matches the interior nicely and is one of the best you can buy) and one of these -

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... TECTOR.htm

to protect the leather. Don't bother with the isofix, it just raises the seat position and in my opinion doesn't make it any easier to put in and out, I never take mine out!

Another handy this is this -

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... TECTOR.htm

So they do not scratch the rear of the Recaro's!

One of the cheapest accessories being a parent :lol:

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:07 pm
by P_G
I've never used the Isofix in mine either, whether for the pram system cost or the Recaro Youngsports and the cot / kid seats never seem to sit snuggly into the contours of the actual seat. As for protecting the leather, I have used Sunshine Kids in Car Grip-It Mats from Halfrauds and apart from minor presuure indentations form the seat which can me massaged out of the leather they have kept my leather seat in tip top condition.

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:16 pm
by Timster
Cheers guys.... the seat protectors look good.
I'll probably look at the Recaro child seats when necessary but the "baby seat" needs to be maxi-cosi compatible.
If you see what I mean.

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:18 pm
by gilford
I agree, the seat grip-it mat is a god send!

When I had my E92 M3 when Macy was 6 months old I took the seat out when coming to sell and there was a right mess on the leather underneath, luckily the lad who bought it also had a child seat and could relate to the issue thank god!

I sold that and bought an RRS and got the above mentioned protector, it was perfect!

Of all the cars I have owned I think the RS4 leather seats are by far the worst, luckily mine still look brand new thanks to these couple of cheap accessories! All you need to do is look through some of the classified pics to see how bad these seats can get! Some of the bolsters on the drivers buckets look bloody awful :thumbsdown:

Luckily I have the comfort seats, much better and no issues with marking ;)

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:20 pm
by gilford
Timster wrote:Cheers guys.... the seat protectors look good.
I'll probably look at the Recaro child seats when necessary but the "baby seat" needs to be maxi-cosi compatible.
If you see what I mean.
You can use the maxi cosi travel system seat with the protector mat and just wrap the seatbelt round it. I had an E60 M5 when Macy was born and did it this way, as long as you have 4 doors it is easy peesy :biggrin3:

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 1:31 pm
by Timster
Thanks again. I think the idea was to leave the base fitted (via Isofix) and just unclip the baby seat when leaving.)

Could then have a base in each car without p*ssing about with straps etc.

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 2:30 pm
by P_G
Unless the Maxi-Cosy system is diffent, the instruction was to use belts in conjunction with Iso-fix rather than an alternative.

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 2:39 pm
by Marten
I have the isofix base for maxi-cosi. I use it all the time and like it alot. It's just so hassle free. I've also protected the seats so they won't get ruined. Only if the seats are cleaned, I take the base out.

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 2:59 pm
by Timster
Marten wrote:I have the isofix base for maxi-cosi. I use it all the time and like it alot. It's just so hassle free. I've also protected the seats so they won't get ruined. Only if the seats are cleaned, I take the base out.
Cool... that's what I wanted to hear.
So, the long metal prongs don't f*ck-up the rear seat-backs ?

Don't suppose you remember which model of base, do you?

Last question:
How is insurance effected if a non-Audi authorised seat base is used. Anyone know?

*Audi only suggest their own system (Plus Recaro,iirc)

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:43 pm
by C5ARK_RS4
I also have isofix base for the maxi-cosi and agree with Marten that its completely hassle free and much better that having to strugle with seat belts like I have to do in the other half car!! Will have a look over the weekend to see what model base it is. I havent noticed any problems with the long metal prongs.

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 4:56 pm
by adsgreen
With one child iso fix or non iso fix is pretty much a "meh" argument.
It doesn't take long to do the belts and just as secure. There's no point to doing both iso fix and belts as thats overkill. ISO fix are rated to a minimum of 18kgs so no need.
Sometimes it can be more hassle with isofix trying to line things up without damaging the seat - isofix "prongs" on the seat/base are sharp and will scratch or tear leather if not careful.

When using a group 0 seat with a base, the base is the only bit that held in with the belts so the ease of use comes from using the base rather than the isofix. Group 1 seats are handy to have as isofix.

When you have more than one then isofix comes into it's own as seat belt buckles are not well position for multiple seats. Downside... if you have three then the iso fix positions mean only two seats so you have to bin that and go for belts.

One issue with isofix in the RS4 is that the rear seats are reclined a bit which for a rear facing seat tens to make them sit up too far. Isofix have no adjustment where as you have a lot of wiggle room with belts.

Seat protector is a must - I used these http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001WAO9O/r ... B0001WAO9O
- they are very tough so won't generate indents into the leather.
- allow isofix to be used easily.
- enough "overlap" to catch any... explosions.

But we used a couple old towels and a couple old catalogs for ages. Spare cushion works well for the larger seats.

No you do not need to notify insurance of using a non audi brand car seat.

it gets really complicated and expensive when you get to 4 kids but doable.

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 5:49 pm
by Timster
FCUK... What have I done :shock:


Cheers, for all the tips !

Re: RS4 Baby Seats ?

Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2012 6:14 pm
by C5ARK_RS4
I've got the maxi cosi family fix isofix base. You can tilt the seat once its in place. It was about £130 from mothercare. It works perfect with the maxi cosi pebble seat with clips into out buggy. Very easy to lift out and in and has led sound lights and display confirming the everything is connected. Would definitely recommend.