This is the first repair job I have had to do on the car. Well I didn't have to do it but the seatbelt handover mechanism on the Coupe was getting on my nerves.

It was a common case of the seatbelt slipping off the end. I tried the tape on the seatbelt and ironing starch into it (to the delight of my neighbours who were watching me).

In the end it was obvious the spring wasn't working correctly on the extension arm so I replaced it with a new one from Coopers BMW.

For those of you that are thinking of doing this it is really easy and you don't have to take the whole unit out. There is a video on Youtube in Spanish that shows you how to remove the end piece but the whole arm has been removed. It is however worth watching the video first:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNEBd5xZ3SY

1. All you have to do is grab the arm, turn the ignition off and stop the arm from retracting. It pulls quite hard so a firm grip is required.
2. Get out of the car and pull the extension arm as far as it goes. It releases for a few inches and then hits a stop.
3. Look for the little piece of plastic on the extension arm that acts as a stop and remove this with a Stanley knife. The extension arm should pull out of the sleeve.
4. Push the new extension arm into the sleeve.
5. Get in the car close the door and turn the ignition on.
6. Open and close the door a few times to check it is working correctly and your done.

Good advice for a common fault.

Stephen

great repair job'

Very useful to others. Very considerate

Daz

Sharing knowledge and learning from others is what makes a great site. When it comes to BMW's I have a lot of learning to do.

Thanks for this mate, I have literally been googling this issue on my newly bought 320D, belt is so far back!

No problem. You need to disclocate your shoulder to get at the belt without the mechanism working.