72 11 030 Removing and installing/replacing front seat belt (convertible)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 24 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328xi, 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328xi, 2012 BMW 328i, and 2011 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT:

Read and comply with safety regulations for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.

Incorrect handling can trigger the airbag or belt pretensioner and cause injury.

If a seat belt which is damaged due to an accident is exchanged, always check the affected seat for damage.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

IMPORTANT:

Do not detach coupling gear from flex shaft.

If a new belt system is fitted, always use a new coupling gear.

If a new coupling gear is fitted, always replace the top belt.

Remove inertia reel with flex shaft and coupling gear:

Release screw.

Installation note:

Replace microencapsulated screw.

Tightening torque: see 2AZ in 72 11 SEAT BELTS .

Remove end fitting.

Fig 1: Identifying Screw

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Installation note:

Plastic washer on end fitting must be fitted!

End fitting is encoded to prevent incorrect assembly.

Fig 2: Identifying End Fitting

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Unclip all cables from guides.

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque: see 9AZ in 72 11 SEAT BELTS .

Release stud (2).

Tightening torque: see 8AZ in 72 11 SEAT BELTS .

Fig 3: Identifying Stud And Screw

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NOTE: Replace driver (1) after removal with a new component as damage cannot be excluded.

When removing driver (1), ensure guide (3) and lever (2) of coupling gear are not damaged.

Remove driver (1) from backrest shaft.

Fig 4: Identifying Driver, Lever, And Guide

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Installation note:

Do not fit new driver (1) on backrest shaft yet.

Backrest must be in as vertical a position as possible.

Driver (1) and lug are positioned at an angle towards top in direction of travel (arrow).

Fig 5: Identifying Driver And Lug Positioning

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Installation note:

Feed driver (1) into slot (3) in lever (2) of the coupling gear.

Align lever (2) on coupling gear so that slot (3) is correctly positioned with respect to driver (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Driver, Lever, And Slot

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Installation note:

Pin on coupling gear must reach into hole in seat.

Fig 7: Identifying Hole In Seat

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Installation note:

Make sure groove and pin are correctly positioned.

Clip flexible shaft (1) into place with coupling gear (2).

Ensure complete engagement by pulling gently on flex shaft.

Flexible shaft must not clip out here!

Fig 8: Clipping Flexible Shaft Into Place With Coupling Gear

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Unclip flexible shaft (3) from cable strap (2).

Unclip cable strap (1) from backrest.

Fig 9: Identifying Flexible Shaft And Cable Strap

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NOTE:

Inertia reels with tensioners will be used from 08/10.

In the case of inertia reel with tensioner, unlock and disconnect the plug connection.

Release nut and remove inertia reel with flex shaft and coupling gear.

Replace nut.

Tightening torque: see 1AZ in 72 11 SEAT BELTS .

Installation note:

Inertia reel is coded to prevent incorrect installation.

Fig 10: Identifying Nut

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Removing belt guide, version up to 09/08:

Unclip cover (1) with plastic wedge.

Fig 11: Identifying Cover

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Release screw (1).

Tightening torque: see 3AZ in 72 11 SEAT BELTS .

Remove seat belt guide.

Fig 12: Identifying Finisher Screw

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Removing belt guide, version from 09/08 on:

NOTE:

Protect belt guide against damage (scratches)!

Front and rear cover of belt guide (1) are destroyed during removal!

Installation note:

Pay particular attention to the separation point between the two covers.

If the covers are not clipped in correctly, there is a grinding noise when the belt runs.

Fig 13: Identifying Belt Guide Covers

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Release screw from belt guide.

Fig 14: Identifying Screw

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Tightening torque: see 3AZ in 72 11 SEAT BELTS .

Release further screw from belt guide and pull belt guide off.

Remove entire seat belt with belt guide, inertia reel with flex shaft and coupling gear.

Do not bend the flex shaft and do not transport the inertia reel by the flex shaft!

Fig 15: Releasing Screw And Pulling Off Belt Guide

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