72 11 030 Removing and installing or replacing front seat belt (Convertible)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. 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 pretensioners. Inexpert handling can trigger off the airbag or the belt pretensioner and thereby cause injuries. If a seat belt which is damaged due to an accident is exchanged, always check the affected seat for damage.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front seat. See SEATS - REPAIR (CONVERTIBLE/COUPE) .
Remove and install rear panel on front seat. See SEATS - REPAIR (CONVERTIBLE/COUPE) .
Remove trim cover for outer fitting. See 52 14 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TRIM COVER FOR OUTER FITTING ON FRONT SEAT .
Remove inner cover on front seat. See 52 14 041 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING INNER COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT .
Partially detach seat cover. See 52 14 400 REPLACING COVER FOR LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT .
Partially detach backrest cover. See 52 14 405 REPLACING BACKREST COVER FOR LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT .

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.

Removing inertia reel with flex shaft and coupling gear: Release screw. Installation: Replace microencapsulated screw. Tightening torque 72 11 02 AZ, see 72 11 SEAT BELTS . Remove end fitting.

Fig 1: Identifying Screw

G00487187

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: Plastic washer on end fitting must be fitted! End fitting is coded to prevent incorrect installation.

Fig 2: End Fitting Is Coded To Prevent Incorrect Installation

G00487188

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip all cables from guides. Release screw (1). Tightening torque: 72 11 09AZ, see 72 11 SEAT BELTS . Release stud (2). Tightening torque: 72 11 08AZ, see 72 11 SEAT BELTS .

Fig 3: Release Screw (1) And Stud (2)

G00487189

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: When Removing Driver (1), Ensure Guide (3) And Lever (2) Of Coupling Gear Are Not Damaged

G00487190

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 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: Driver (1) And Lug Are Positioned At An Angle Towards Top In Direction Of Travel (Arrow)

G00487191

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: Feed driver (1) into slot (3) in lever (2) of coupling gear. Align lever (2) on coupling gear so that slot (3) is correctly positioned with respect to driver (1).

Fig 6: Align Lever (2) On Coupling Gear So That Slot (3) Is Correctly Positioned With Respect To Driver (1)

G00487192

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: Pin on coupling gear must reach into hole in seat.

Fig 7: Pin On Coupling Gear Must Reach Into Hole In Seat

G00487193

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 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: Clip Flexible Shaft (1) Into Place With Coupling Gear (2)

G00487194

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip flexible shaft (3) from cable tie (2). Unclip cable tie (1) from backrest.

Fig 9: Unclip Cable Tie (1) From Backrest

G00487195

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nut and remove inertia reel with flexible shaft and coupling gear. Replace nut. Tightening torque 72 11 01AZ, see 72 11 SEAT BELTS . Installation: Inertia reel is coded to prevent incorrect installation.

Fig 10: Inertia Reel Is Coded To Prevent Incorrect Installation

G00487196

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove belt guide - build date (version) up to 09/08: Unclip cover (1) with plastic wedge.

Fig 11: Unclip Cover (1) With Plastic Wedge

G00487197

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1). Tightening torque 72 11 03AZ, see 72 11 SEAT BELTS . Remove seat belt guide.

Fig 12: Release Screw (1) And Remove Seat Belt Guide

G00487198

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove belt guide - build date (version) from 09/08:

NOTE: Protect belt guide against damage (scratches). Trims of belt guide at front and rear (1) are destroyed when removed!

Fig 13: Trims Of Belt Guide At Front And Rear (1) Are Destroyed When Removed

G00487199

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: Pay particular attention to cutting line between both trims. If the trims are not fully clipped into place, this will result in grinding noises when the belt is pulled.

Release screw on belt guide. Tightening torque 72 11 03AZ, see 72 11 SEAT BELTS .

Fig 14: Release Screw On Belt Guide

G00487200

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release further screw on belt guide and detach belt guide. Remove complete seat belt with belt guide, inertia reel with flex shaft and coupling gear. Do not kink flex shaft and do not transport inertia reel by flex shaft.

Fig 15: Remove Complete Seat Belt With Belt Guide, Inertia Reel With Flex Shaft And Coupling Gear

G00487201

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.