Seat Belt Arm Finally Died

SS32 · 02-07-2010, 08:08 PM

After nearly 2 years of ownership, my driver's side seat belt arm has quit serving its purpose. It still actuates, but the little silver part on the end doesn't flip up to grab the belt. I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Anyone else experience this?

MMMorish · 02-07-2010, 08:09 PM

I'm sure it's going to be covered under warranty, but I wonder how much it will be if the car wasn't under warranty?

Donghai · 02-07-2010, 09:11 PM

i just got that replaced few days ago

aajami · 02-07-2010, 09:23 PM

For the record, I hate those little things. I know the seatbelt in its resting state is just a bit out of reach for most people, but I have no trouble stretching to get to it. Besides, all of my passengers grab the belt before that arm has actuated.

One of many things I wish BMW would have removed in exchange for weight savings...

Gladius · 02-07-2010, 09:56 PM

This is the main reason I went with the sedan.
Not really, but I do think those things are ridiculous.

duk · 02-07-2010, 10:05 PM

totally useless and just makes car heavier

Jdebitjr · 02-07-2010, 10:35 PM

I agree. Useless and bound to break. I would imagine it's quite costly to repair...like everything thing else these days.

MrHarris · 02-07-2010, 10:38 PM

I'm not sure how much it weighs but for cost cutting and to improve reliability they shouldn't have the stupid arm.

JayeJaymes · 02-07-2010, 10:58 PM

poor little guy, all he wanted to do is hand you your seat belt ahah

JCtx · 02-07-2010, 11:01 PM

I'm with everybody else. That stupid arm was the first thing I questioned when I got the car: it makes the car more expensive, heavier, less reliable, and it's going to fail sooner or later. Plus you need to remove many parts to get to that panel, potentially adding even more rattles (if that's even possible

) when fixed.

And yes, they have a mind of their own. It either does not like my wife, or her timing has always been off, but she always have to reach for the belt.

If one of mine fail under warranty, I MIGHT get it fixed. But if I keep the car after warranty and they fail, definitely won't fix it. Hope they just have a fuse to kill them altogether. In fact, if they have a fuse I might kill them now so they're still operational on resale

. Not a bad idea, huh? Later gang.

shiggy · 02-07-2010, 11:26 PM

I had mine modified...instead of passing me the seat belt...it passes me a beer!.
when i had my 335I, it crapped out on me and the dealership replaced it under warranty....no probs....

lopealle · 02-07-2010, 11:33 PM

i have never seen it before but i heard that its very cheap looking also

VanM3Lover · 02-08-2010, 12:13 AM

I find it very convenient. Is it because I am only 5.8 feet and sit so close to the wheel that when I extend my arm the whist still touches the top of the wheel? Had the car for 1.5 years and love the feature.

PortoM3 · 02-08-2010, 01:36 AM

I know it's a matter of time before these things break, so I put my belt on before shutting the car door, that preventing the arm from doing it's job and maybe making them last longer.

Crydaddy · 02-08-2010, 05:52 AM

You guys would appreciate this feature if u have a busted back.

xsilvor · 02-08-2010, 08:08 AM

I'm rather agile, so its not that I have difficulty reaching the seat belt, I just love the damn thing. I admit that when I saw it, my first thought was "wow, that is so going to break". I know its coming. I like to pretend its a little, silver, elongated person. It really brings personality to the car.

gr8000 · 02-08-2010, 08:55 AM

I like this feature, comes in handy, but I will def not repalce it outside warranty. If it fails then I will most likely remove the entire thing - not just the fuse. Why carry the mechanism arround if it does not operate? Either fix it or get rid of it all together.

JCtx · 02-08-2010, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortoM3

I know it's a matter of time before these things break, so I put my belt on before shutting the car door, that preventing the arm from doing it's job and maybe making them last longer.

Great suggestion

. Didn't occur to me it wouldn't extend with a clipped seatbelt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8000

I like this feature, comes in handy, but I will def not repalce it outside warranty. If it fails then I will most likely remove the entire thing - not just the fuse. Why carry the mechanism arround if it does not operate? Either fix it or get rid of it all together.

The whole idea is not having to remove all those panels. Plus if you remove the mechanism, the hole would look like crap IMO. The extra weight is negligible. I'm going to try the above suggestion instead

.

Dascamel · 02-08-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crydaddy

You guys would appreciate this feature if u have a busted back.

Neck and back issues also. Not major, but the device does help prevent more issues. Although, I'm sure mine will break soon enough.

URBAN LEGEND · 02-08-2010, 04:44 PM

The problem is that you guys don't respect the device. I have the utmost respect for mine. We get along great.

mrkbbd · 02-08-2010, 08:31 PM

the issue is that mercedes has had it in their coupes and convertibles since the 80s (the old E320 for example) and this is the first BMW with it

Poppin Fresh · 02-08-2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

The problem is that you guys don't respect the device. I have the utmost respect for mine. We get along great.

So true Urban. It has become part of my daily routine to anticipate my car handing me my seatbelt that it feels weird when I switch to my X5 (winter beater) and wait for it but get nothing.

02-07-2010, 08:08 PM	#1
SS32 Major 156 Rep 1,429 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Seat Belt Arm Finally Died After nearly 2 years of ownership, my driver's side seat belt arm has quit serving its purpose. It still actuates, but the little silver part on the end doesn't flip up to grab the belt. I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Anyone else experience this? __________________ V1 DIY - Blinder M45 DIY - Exhaust Cutouts - Removed Clutch Pedal Spring DIY - Fiamm Air Horns
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02-07-2010, 08:09 PM	#2
MMMorish Just call me J.J. McClure 156 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & C4 Corvette Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	I'm sure it's going to be covered under warranty, but I wonder how much it will be if the car wasn't under warranty? __________________ MODS: Meisterschaft GT Racing Exhaust / BMC Air Filter / UUC SSK & DSSR (Modded)/ RPI Scoops / Passport SRX Hardwired / Custom Wrap 3M Clearbra / 20% Tint / 50% Windshield Tint / Key Hole Delete / Matted Out Accessories / VRS Type II Diffuser / Smoked Reflectors / Euphoria 6K LED Interior Lights / Rear Fog Light Mod / 6000K HID's / 6500K LUX H8 Angel Eyes / RDash License Plate LED Kit / LED Xenon Reverse Lights "M3 drivers have no friends"
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02-07-2010, 09:11 PM	#3
Donghai Private 10 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	i just got that replaced few days ago
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02-07-2010, 09:23 PM	#4
aajami Brigadier General 432 Rep 4,567 Posts Drives: Space Gray '09 E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Manhattan Beach, CA iTrader: (4)	For the record, I hate those little things. I know the seatbelt in its resting state is just a bit out of reach for most people, but I have no trouble stretching to get to it. Besides, all of my passengers grab the belt before that arm has actuated. One of many things I wish BMW would have removed in exchange for weight savings... __________________ '09 E92 M3: Space Gray, Black, Carbon Leather \| ZTP 2MK ZPP 2MT 6FL \| link 1 / link 2 Mods: M Performance exhaust \| ZCP retrofit \| Euro airbox \| GTS DCT flash \| JPN 240 ECU flash \| Euro LCI taillights \| CRT lip \| OEM alarm retrofit \| Space Gray bumper plugs \| BMW Performance: Mk. II spoiler / Mk. II non-electronic steering wheel / mirror caps / front grilles / side gills / intake louvers / emblem
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02-07-2010, 09:56 PM	#5
Gladius Two Wheels or Four? 93 Rep 655 Posts Drives: '18 Perf Edition m240i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1)	This is the main reason I went with the sedan. Not really, but I do think those things are ridiculous. __________________ Current: '18 AW Performance Edition m240i Gone: '15 Mineral Grey m235i \|\| '07 Silver Grey M Coupe \|\| '11 Space Grey 328i XDrive \|\| '08 SparkG M3 \|\| '01 LSB M3 \|\| '01 TiAg 330ci
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02-07-2010, 10:05 PM	#6
duk ///M 158 Rep 3,195 Posts Drives: 2011 AW/FR 6MT E92 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	totally useless and just makes car heavier __________________ 2011.5 AW/FR E92 M3 6MT
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02-07-2010, 10:35 PM	#7
Jdebitjr Lieutenant 8 Rep 408 Posts Drives: 2008 and 2015 M3 Sedans Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: DFW, Texas iTrader: (0)	I agree. Useless and bound to break. I would imagine it's quite costly to repair...like everything thing else these days.
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02-07-2010, 10:38 PM	#8
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	I'm not sure how much it weighs but for cost cutting and to improve reliability they shouldn't have the stupid arm. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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02-07-2010, 10:58 PM	#9
JayeJaymes Alien 52 Rep 1,191 Posts Drives: YMB 2016 M4 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: AZ iTrader: (8) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00] 2011 M3 [0.00] 2016 M4 [0.00]	poor little guy, all he wanted to do is hand you your seat belt ahah
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02-07-2010, 11:01 PM	#10
JCtx Major General 258 Rep 5,012 Posts Drives: No BMW yet Join Date: May 2008 Location: El Paso TX iTrader: (0)	I'm with everybody else. That stupid arm was the first thing I questioned when I got the car: it makes the car more expensive, heavier, less reliable, and it's going to fail sooner or later. Plus you need to remove many parts to get to that panel, potentially adding even more rattles (if that's even possible ) when fixed. And yes, they have a mind of their own. It either does not like my wife, or her timing has always been off, but she always have to reach for the belt. If one of mine fail under warranty, I MIGHT get it fixed. But if I keep the car after warranty and they fail, definitely won't fix it. Hope they just have a fuse to kill them altogether. In fact, if they have a fuse I might kill them now so they're still operational on resale . Not a bad idea, huh? Later gang.
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02-07-2010, 11:26 PM	#11
shiggy Major 58 Rep 1,305 Posts Drives: BMW 2009 M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vancouver iTrader: (2)	I had mine modified...instead of passing me the seat belt...it passes me a beer!. when i had my 335I, it crapped out on me and the dealership replaced it under warranty....no probs.... __________________ 2009 Jet Black E92 M3, DCT, Nav, Novillo Leather, PDC, EDC, BBS CHR's 20", Yokohama Advan Sports Tires, Eiback Pro-Kit Springs, Dinan Pullies and Dinan Stage1 software, black grills, black side gills, alcantara shift and ebrake boot.
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02-07-2010, 11:33 PM	#12
lopealle Resident Black Guy 251 Rep 2,302 Posts Drives: Lion Join Date: May 2009 Location: Federal Way, WA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 M5 [10.00]	i have never seen it before but i heard that its very cheap looking also
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02-08-2010, 12:13 AM	#13
VanM3Lover First Lieutenant 20 Rep 394 Posts Drives: 4.0 V8 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Van iTrader: (0)	I find it very convenient. Is it because I am only 5.8 feet and sit so close to the wheel that when I extend my arm the whist still touches the top of the wheel? Had the car for 1.5 years and love the feature.
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02-08-2010, 01:36 AM	#14
PortoM3 M3lover 27 Rep 485 Posts Drives: SSII M3 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Wiesbaden, Germany iTrader: (1)	I know it's a matter of time before these things break, so I put my belt on before shutting the car door, that preventing the arm from doing it's job and maybe making them last longer.
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02-08-2010, 05:52 AM	#15
Crydaddy pin up model 7 Rep 76 Posts Drives: E92 m3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: fort wayne, IN iTrader: (3)	You guys would appreciate this feature if u have a busted back.
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02-08-2010, 08:08 AM	#16
xsilvor Captain 67 Rep 992 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (2)	I'm rather agile, so its not that I have difficulty reaching the seat belt, I just love the damn thing. I admit that when I saw it, my first thought was "wow, that is so going to break". I know its coming. I like to pretend its a little, silver, elongated person. It really brings personality to the car. __________________ 2015 F10 M5 DCT 2015 F82 M4 DCT (Sold) 2011 E92 M3 DCT (Sold) - Silverstone II.Black/Gray.Carbon/DINAN 2008 E92 M3 DCT (RIP) - Jet Black.Black.Carbon Dinan, Wheels & Accessories for Sale
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02-08-2010, 08:55 AM	#17
gr8000 Major 72 Rep 1,171 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - DCT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Athens, Greece iTrader: (0)	I like this feature, comes in handy, but I will def not repalce it outside warranty. If it fails then I will most likely remove the entire thing - not just the fuse. Why carry the mechanism arround if it does not operate? Either fix it or get rid of it all together.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2010, 04:44 PM	#20
URBAN LEGEND Rocky 412 Rep 3,085 Posts Drives: 16 M5, 18 ZL1 1LE, 18 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brenham TX iTrader: (0)	The problem is that you guys don't respect the device. I have the utmost respect for mine. We get along great. __________________ 22 Audi RS E-Tron GT 21 Model S Plaid
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02-08-2010, 08:31 PM	#21
mrkbbd Lieutenant 10 Rep 483 Posts Drives: e92 M3 DCT Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: VA/FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Mercedes E63AMG [0.00] 2009 M3 [0.00]	the issue is that mercedes has had it in their coupes and convertibles since the 80s (the old E320 for example) and this is the first BMW with it __________________ 2006 e53 X5 4.8is (sold) 2009 e92 M3 2008 E63 AMG
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