Seat belt guide removal

[e85van]

Before I go disconnecting the battery, taking out seats and removing back covers I thought I’d ask here. Does anyone know how to remove the seat belt guides on an E85? Want to repaint them as they need it.

Thanks!!

[Usel]

The whole leather skin has to be pulled off.

The problem is that there is one screw that is blocked by the metal back frame.

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/bmw ... 52/52_2971

[patriot66]

IIRC, remove the headrest and you then will have access on the inside face of the guide to 1 (or 2 ?) screws (torx ?) which secure the outer trim you're holding in your photo

[Usel]

I'd love to be wrong on this but to remove the bottom screw where the head is internal facing the leather and foam have to be removed off the seat frame. Its a horrible job.

An M-sport seat is easy is comparison.

[e85van]

Thanks for the replies!

You'll notice int he photo that Ive already removed the screw on the top (you can see space between the mount and the trim). Even with that Torx screw removed, something is obviously still holding it in place. As suggested, it seems there's a second screw holding it from the bottom (thanks for the parts diagram). I'm wondering, if I take the seats out, and remove the back panel (item #2 in the parts diagram), can I access that screw? Or is there more dismantling that is needed??

What a PITA!!

Evan

[Usel]

The foam stops you from getting to it.

Which bit are you actually wanting to paint? Just the silver bit?

[Usel]

Hopefully this photo helps you visualise the problem. The screw attaches to the leather only. The foam blocks the path to that screw.

20230526_150507.jpg (100.97 KiB) Viewed 109 times

[e85van]

Yes - just want to paint the silver bit. You'll notice in the photo that Ive already repainted the rollover hoops in Porsche's 'Nordic Gold'. Want to do the same for these trim pieces and (eventually) the door pulls.

It sounds like it may be easier to mask them off carefully and paint them in place!!

Evan

[Usel]

Seriously, I would!

The plastic headrest holders are a pain to get out as well.

[e85van]

OK then... masking off it is!!

Thanks!

Evan

[Usel]

Good luck

I'd still remove the seat from the car though, that's quite easy to do

[e85van]

Agreed - removing be seats helps to minimize the amount of masking. On that - I learned a while ago to disconnect the battery before removing the seat(s). That way I get no error codes popping up.

[Usel]

Yes you do need to disconnect the battery, some say for 20 minutes.

I've left it for only a few minutes before when in a rush with no problems but if you don't have a code reader that can clear the codes then its best to be on the safe side.