Install RHD front seat in LHD C3 Picasso?

[redrubberball909]

I'm on the continent and have a left-hand drive 2012 C3 Picasso Exclusive (without Voyage Package that includes folding front passenger seat).

I would like to install two folding front seats because my idea is to be able to put a camping mattress in the car and lie down flat. Obviously the front folding passenger seat I can obtain from a local scrapyard, but I'm wondering about ordering a RHD folding passenger seat from the UK and installing it in my LHD car as a driver's seat.

Will this create any problems from the standpoints of safety or electrical wiring? Can it be done with basic household tools and modest technical experience? I imagine there might be clearance issues with the steering wheel, but I would hope that be taking out the headrest, the seat would fold and clear the steering wheel. I'm not sure how to measure this to be sure though, so any insight into this peculiar idea would be much appreciated!

[GiveMeABreak]

I highly advise against this on safety reasons alone - 1) the seat adjustments on RHD vehicles will be on the wrong side and may hinder seat movement and 2) more importantly, the airbag modules fitted in the seats will be incorrectly facing, so on deployment in an accident could cause serious injury to driver / passenger if these fire off into a person as they are supposed to protect from side impact.

So no, cannot advise on doing this at all, as it's dangerous.

[redrubberball909]

I highly advise against this on safety reasons alone - 1) the seat adjustments on RHD vehicles will be on the wrong side and may hinder seat movement and 2) more importantly, the airbag modules fitted in the seats will be incorrectly facing, so on deployment in an accident could cause serious injury to driver / passenger if these fire off into a person as they are supposed to protect from side impact.

So no, cannot advise on doing this at all, as it's dangerous.

Thanks so much for the reply, especially since safety has to be first in any modification of this kind.

However, I'm not sure I've understood -- aren't the seat controls and airbag position of a RHD passenger seat the same as a LHD driver seat? Both would be on the left (when seated and facing forward). Apologies if I wasn't clear about which seats I was talking about.

I know in some cars the driver's seat and passenger's seat are different, for example, when the driver's seat has additional electronics or features. But I don't think this is the case on these Picassos.

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so I understand a little more from your description, but even so the electronics may still be an issue concerning activation sequence / triggering from the central control unit - but I cannot confirm or advise on this for obvious reasons of safety.

You may need to seek official advice from a dealership on the implications (if any) for this intended operation, just to be sure (but don't be surprised if they decline this, again on safety reasons).

[wheeler]

Dont really see that big of an issue with this, at the end of the day that seat is designed to go on that side of the car so airbags & controls should be the same.
Check if your current wiring on both seats are the same currently, if not you may need to make some wiring mods.
I have never seen this particular system so no idea how it folds etc but as you say possible issues with clearance of the steering wheel.

[steveclv]

I'm in the same situation with my C5 X7 - one of the issues is that my drivers seat (LHD) is wearing poorly (like most drivers seats as they get more use) and as I am heading to the UK next month, I thought I might be able to pick up a RHD passenger seat and just swap it over.
Personally I can't see an issue but I understand that the forum cannot give advice as there are safety items involved eg airbag and seat security.

[wheeler]

I dont see any issue with this either, just check the electrical connections on your current seats, if they are the same connection at each side id say it should be fine.