This video shows how to unlock a used seat belt removed from a 2002 BMW X5. Most seat belts that are fully retracted after removal become locked and will not pull out. The method shown in this video will work for most BMW seat belts.
is different from my 1992 525i E34 belt system. But found i could pry off the belt roller cover. DO NOT take off either side (round moulding holds springs on each side DO NOT REMOVE is dangerous.) BUT the cover that hold the belt I did pry off so far i can not see a way to release the tension. Will search for exploded view next.
Hey guys (and gals): I followed these steps and it did not work. Let me tell you what did! I unbolted each seat belt from the floor on my 2003 BMW e39. Then I remounted the seat belt spool on the rear shelf tray. Once I did that each seat belt spool completely release!!!! Problem solved, no jimming, no pliers, simple, said and done!
I think what you said was that you replaced it with one that you took from the rear seats ("shelf tray"?). I have an '01 e39. The passenger seat belt locks & is a devil to pull out. I'm thinking of taking one from the rear seat to replace it.
Good how to. This is just another example of BMW being the worst European automaker when it comes to interior design and build. I can't begin to count the number of times I've had to rejigger interior parts to make them work as they should have been designed. Had to come here because I am redesigning how the pillars connect to the body of our 740il e38 but need to drive the car while doing the work. Pulled the seat belt and it locked up. There's our X5 that has had all four windows' regulators replaced at least twice until we built our own. BMW knew they had a faulty design for FIVE YEARS and never fixed it. Decent driving cars with garbage interiors.
These cars need to be used used used to stay working. Be gentle and work old sitting systems, use teflon (silicon) since it will not destroy plastics, nylons. Teflon has no water and will not leave rust as it drys on metal (good for guns also).
