Re: hole & predrill (archive)

The hardware that I saw available to retrofit from BMW consisted of a hex bolt, lock washer, and flat washer that was in no way close in size to the available 3/4" hole. However, right next to the 3/4" hole is a much smaller hole (approx 3/16" dia) but not large enough to clear the hardware provided by BMW. Additionally, the smaller hole is about 2" off center. If anything, this hole would either require redrilling to be enlargened to accomodate BMW's larger bolt size or one gets a smaller bolt to fit the prepunched hole, adapt the Z shaped anchoring bracket for this bolt, and then tether the seat a bit off-center.

It may be likely that BMW now has a solution to this, but when I investigated this about two-three months ago, the diagrams I saw from the dealer's parts dept. could never work for my car.

I write about the available kit by BMW, but this kit will only fit the model year 2000 & 2001. THe BMW E39 528i & 540i cars are equipped with a welded and threaded insert below the metal shelf which will allow the hardware by BMW to fit like it was designed for. THe 1998 and 1997 (like yours) don't have this welded insert. That's what I am touting.

You should investigate with your local parts department re: the parts that goes into the tether. Then go look inside the trunk, above the metal shelf that this kit needs to bolt through. Decide whether the parts will work for your car.

I could be completely wrong in my assessment. But all I know is that given the information I received, and looking at my car, there was no way this kit would work. NONE.

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Re: hole & predrill rr 17:08 1/22/2001 (0)

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