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Seat belt guide removal

2003 - 2009, roadster, coupe, facelift
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e85van
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by e85van » Thu May 25, 2023 11:08 pm

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!!
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2003 e85
3.0i M54
Sterling Grey 472
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Usel
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by Usel » Fri May 26, 2023 6:47 am

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

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patriot66
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by patriot66 » Fri May 26, 2023 8:32 am

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 :thumbsup:
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !

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Usel
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by Usel » Fri May 26, 2023 9:28 am

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
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by e85van » Fri May 26, 2023 2:59 pm

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
2003 e85
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Usel
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by Usel » Fri May 26, 2023 3:03 pm

The foam stops you from getting to it.

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

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Seat belt guide removal

Post by Usel » Fri May 26, 2023 3:07 pm

Hopefully this photo helps you visualise the problem. The screw attaches to the leather only. The foam blocks the path to that screw.
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e85van
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by e85van » Fri May 26, 2023 3:09 pm

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!!

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Usel
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by Usel » Fri May 26, 2023 3:16 pm

Seriously, I would!

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

e85van
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by e85van » Fri May 26, 2023 3:31 pm

OK then... masking off it is!!

Thanks!

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Seat belt guide removal

Post by Usel » Fri May 26, 2023 3:36 pm

Good luck :thumbsup:

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

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Seat belt guide removal

Post by e85van » Fri May 26, 2023 3:39 pm

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.
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Usel
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Seat belt guide removal

Post by Usel » Fri May 26, 2023 3:44 pm

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.

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