How to Fix a Slowly Retracting Seatbelt- BMW Z3! 

A little late on this one but I did the silicone treatment. Washing the belt to remove all the grime will make the belt more supple and easier to retract. The purpose of the silicone treatment was to lube the mechanism that retracts the belt, which is really difficult to access. I noticed the rust on the last several inches of your belt and suspect the retracting mechanism could use a lube. Pull out the belt all the way and liberally treat the last several inches with silicone spray (really soak it). Now work the belt several times in the hope of transferring the lube to the mechanism. You should repeat the process a few times. I wouldn't use WD40, the silicone spray is readily available at your typical discount superstore. Note: I really enjoy seeing the Zed of the week videos with the different wheel combinations available for the Z3. The style 42 and 68 are two of the favorites. There are lots of used BMW wheels to try and a few that work on the Z3. Hint: focus on the series 3 BMWs before 2007.

Hey! I just got my Z3, please please keep making these wonderful videos! I love every one. You have an exquisite skill mark!

Hello Mark! I just got my 1998 BMW Z3 1.9L engine and I wish I had few years back! I’m so in love with this car! I appreciate your time , enthusiasm and love for these machines! I’ll be definitely be sending you picks to hopefully we can be feature on your channel! Please keep coming up with these great videos! Cheers from Los Angeles, California!

Annnd - yes same problem for me! Hi Mark, did mine about 3 weeks ago. Pulled out the belt as far as poss and soapy watered it in a sink bucket for 10 minutes of very hot water. Then 10 mins in a clean water soak. Very dirty water and after drying, a good fast retractable belt. One point - I managed to unpop the belt clip stopper. The little round black plastic clip that passes through the belt and stops the clip from dropping to the floor when undoing the belt. Found it in two halves eventually and then the old superglue job. Keep them coming! Love our Zeds mate. All best Craig the Pistachiowner 👍

Had my z3 for around a year and just noticed this problem in the last few weeks, brilliant timing great video

I have the same problem on my Z3. Great solution Mark. Thank's from Switzerland

Wd 40 down the shoulder hole bro. Half a can down both holes. They zip back in so quick they’ll take your eye out. Minus the bucket and water etc 😆

Mark, Hello again from California on Wednesday, Aug 31st. Me -- "Happy People" -- well, not sure. 😳 This additional communication is to pretty much close out my 1997 1.9 Z3 coolant system problem, as related in earlier communications below. This is a bit convoluted. As I had mentioned, I finally determined that the problem was an improperly fitting cap on my radiator expansion tank (it would not thread properly on the tank). I ordered a new cap, and it too did not properly fit the expansion tank, not threading properly or firmly (a sloppy fit). So, I ordered and received a new expansion tank, including a new cap that came with it. Today I took the Z to my German car shop to replace the tank with the new tank. That should resolve the issue. BUT, Not Yet! After considerable effort, the shop techs could not get the new tank (which looked like the old tank) to work, as it would not insert into its receiver section at the bottom. The bottom of the tank was very slightly too large to fit . It just would not slide in like it is supposed to. So, I was getting pretty frustrated. Chatting with the shop team, we decided that the already existing expansion tank would have to be reinstalled. As they were doing that, I suggested using the new cap from the new tank and place it on the old tank. Unbelievably, the new cap from the new tank fit very well on my old tank. Drove it for about 45 minutes with no problem. Therefore, I believe that issue has been finally resolved, taking great care in the future whenever removing the expansion tank cap to add water to the coolant system. This was a rather expensive trial and error process (including initially replacing the thermostat, which apparently now I have a good old spare thermostat for possible future use). At this point, my next maintenance effort will be having the brake rotors and pads replaced with ceramic pads, which will be performed in two weeks. So, continuing to have "fun" keeping up with Z3 issues. And "enjoying" 100 degree temps (at least it is dry heat, with no humidity). Looking forward to your future posts.

Glass cleaners with ammonia should be avoided since they are harsher than needed. Put some of your soapy water solution in a spray bottle for the portion of the belt that can’t reach the bucket. Thanks for the videos.

32 yr technician here, this works. Ed 40 is best but it will get on ur clothing , but for me I already got stains on me .

Great channel, perfect after I just bought a MY2000 here in Australia :) Will give this a go soon!

Of course, I have the same problem. Thanks for adding to the long list of things to do 😅

Cleaning the belt will not fix the spring mechanism though, clean it as much as you want but physics is physics… may be it’ll retract a little better, but problem is spring mechanism is uneasy to open or putting back together let’s say 😅. Spring becomes weak, that’s the problem, not the dirt. Uber cars have 200k+ miles dirty seatbelts but since the car is 3-4 years old they retract nice and quick. 😊 how would you explain that??? 60kmls e93 none of the belts retract any good, clean as whistle… just a thought….

I did this a while back on all of my cars, and then I applied some silicone spray. It fixed all of them except the passenger side on the Z3. It's better but still not good.

great job. keep it up

Mark, Hello again from California. I am still pursuing my coolant system overheating problem on my July 1997 BMW Z3 1.9. I will be replacing the expansion tank, which I just received, which I think is the problem, having a very poor connection with the screw-on cap. But, I could use your help, if possible, if you might find a little time. I do not use Facebook, Instagram, etc. I am attempting to determine exactly which coolant radiator fan control switch to order, but I come across quite a number of different similar parts on-line, making it confusing. Do you have anyone you communicate with and rely on for parts information that you could possibly contact for me to determine which switch I should have? I am toying with removing the switch to see if that could help determine the part number, but maybe not. Due to the switch being high on the radiator, I believe that removing the switch will not result in much loss of coolant water, if any, but not sure. Any advice you may be able to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. 😃

What do I do if the seatbelt got jammed in the door?

Looks like a side badge is still missing. Hmmmm