Installing Competition Seat belts

[Sassicaia]

Does anyone have any advice or info on how to switch out the standard seat belts for the competition ones on an F80? I ordered them from IND, but they don't have a video or instructions.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

[Sassicaia]

So im guessing the only option to get these installed would be to have the dealer do it?

[EALm4]

I believe it's a pretty straight forward process of removing the trim panels and uninstalling the existing belt. I do know you will need a T50 Torx with a tamper resistant head. The bolt holding the actual seat belt is special/modified with a round bump in the center of it to prevent tampering.

Not to familiar with the BMW safety system mounting points but if it's like any other car, there will be two anchors on the B pillar side that need to be removed w/ the torx bit. I'm sure you'll have no problem identifying how to remove it once you have the panel off.

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by EALm4

I believe it's a pretty straight forward process of removing the trim panels and uninstalling the existing belt. I do know you will need a T50 Torx with a tamper resistant head. The bolt holding the actual seat belt is special/modified with a round bump in the center of it to prevent tampering.

Not to familiar with the BMW safety system mounting points but if it's like any other car, there will be two anchors on the B pillar side that need to be removed w/ the torx bit. I'm sure you'll have no problem identifying how to remove it once you have the panel off.

Thanks for your reply.

The trim panel at the seat is easy to remove, and it looks like removing the bolt is very straight forward. (picture i took today). It doesnt look like it needs a special torx bit?


Right now im most stuck on how to properly remove the pannel covering the seatbelt mech to see what i have to work with. My guess is once that trim piece is off removing/replacing should be fairly obvious.


My dealer quoted me 2.5 hours of work to do the belts which is almost $500, so im going to attempt this myself.

[EALm4]

that's definitely a T50torx bolt. I'm not too sure about how the upper pannels removes but most likely it just snaps in place.

keep in mind there is an airbag in that area so disconnect your battery when working around it.

[Sassicaia]

Thanks. I have tried you tube for a video that shows steps to remove that trim piece for any reason, but cant find it.

Thanks for the heads up about disconnecting the battery!

[SROC3]

and DO NOT close your trunk after disconnecting the battery!!!

[Sassicaia]

Thanks

Any general rules I should follow when trying to remove that trim piece? Do I just try and force it off, or do all trim pieces follow a similar procedure to remove?

[Sassicaia]

At closer look it seems 3-4 pieces of trip need to be removed. I played with a couple of the smaller ones and it seems most "snap" in and out.

My seatbels should arrive in a week, so ill try and get myself ready to embark on this as a DIY.

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

At closer look it seems 3-4 pieces of trip need to be removed. I played with a couple of the smaller ones and it seems most "snap" in and out.

My seatbels should arrive in a week, so ill try and get myself ready to embark on this as a DIY.

very nice deff take a lot of pics and post up!

If a cheap ass trim removal kit may help if you dont already have one.

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by EALm4

very nice deff take a lot of pics and post up!

If a cheap ass trim removal kit may help if you dont already have one.

Ugh. I was so wanting not to be the first because I pretty much have zero experience.

Ill give it my best and post pictures.

[WOLF-PACK]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

Ugh. I was so wanting not to be the first because I pretty much have zero experience.

Ill give it my best and post pictures.

I did mine a couple months ago... Panels all snap off and it's already been said but disconnect your battery.

l'm local and would be happy to walk u through it... Pm me if u need help

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by WOLF-PACK

I did mine a couple months ago... Panels all snap off and it's already been said but disconnect your battery.

l'm local and would be happy to walk u through it... Pm me if u need help

wow! this is exactly the kind of post I was hoping for

Where did you get your trim removal kit, or what did you use to snap the panels on an off? Im assuming the I need to remove the top and bottom panel as the mech of the belt connects near the floor?

How long did the whole thing take?

Im going to post some photos of the process for the next person who attempts this.

[bmwtrix]

Looking forward to the Pics....

[jpics80]

Subscribed!

[Sassicaia]

They should be arriving tomorrow and I'll be attempting the install this Saturday.

[Jockey]

Good luck, we're all counting on you

[Sassicaia]

Im about to start this project. I havent looked at the battery yet, but is there a preferred way to disconnect it?

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

Im about to start this project. I havent looked at the battery yet, but is there a preferred way to disconnect it?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/861ao5dskj...0lead.pdf?dl=0
PS: highly recommend you get Rheingold, it lists all repair instructions in details along with torque values that are important for such a safety item as the seat belts.

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by aboulfad

https://www.dropbox.com/s/861ao5dskj...0lead.pdf?dl=0
PS: highly recommend you get Rheingold, it lists all repair instructions in details along with torque values that are important for such a safety item as the seat belts.

Thanks. Ill admit Im not sure what Rheingold is, nor did I do this mod following torque values. I just tightened everything as much as I could

I was successful today with the mod, and ill post some photos and instructions. Long and shot is its simple and IMO anyone can do this. No need to pay someone to do it. This comes from someone who has only gone as far as remove airbag stickers, and changing exterior decals.

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by Sassicaia

Thanks. Ill admit Im not sure what Rheingold is, nor did I do this mod following torque values. I just tightened everything as much as I could

I was successful today with the mod, and ill post some photos and instructions. Long and shot is its simple and IMO anyone can do this. No need to pay someone to do it. This comes from someone who has only gone as far as remove airbag stickers, and changing exterior decals.

Rheingold (ISTA/D) is the BMW diagnostic, repair, ... tool. Here's the seat belt torque values for future DIY'ers and the top level repair/install document. We could have a thread about tightening by hand screws, bolts, ... Generally not recommended as you may stretch the screw/bolt and weaken its fastening "power" but many mechanics do it...

Note, it says to renew those screws, I guess because they don't want to take any chances, I don't think those are stretch bolts or anything special.

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by aboulfad

Rheingold (ISTA/D) is the BMW diagnostic, repair, ... tool. Here's the seat belt torque values for future DIY'ers and the top level repair/install document. We could have a thread about tightening by hand screws, bolts, ... Generally not recommended as you may stretch the screw/bolt and weaken its fastening "power" but many mechanics do it...

Note, it says to renew those screws, I guess because they don't want to take any chances, I don't think those are stretch bolts or anything special.

The seatbelt comes with a new screw.