Advice on Replace Seatbelt Tensioner

[jsoto]

I don't own a Inpa, GT1, etc - so clearing the lights post repair is the issue/cost....

How much do you guys think it should take from a INDY to R&R this.
I was quoted 3 hrs which seems quite a bit....for said procedure.

[epdarks]

I would think that by disconnecting the battery you could avoid needing to reset anything, but don't quote me.

[jsoto]

I have the airbag light so I believe it needs to be cleared of the light, regardless, requiring a tool to do such.

Anyhow, my Indy told me it needs to be *coded*.
It's seems high, to the pointI need to question the billing rate ....just like I'm doing in this post if not even call another INDY to get a 2nd estimate. Never needed to question my INDY until now..

[e30cabrio]

Seatbelts (I believe) are a lifetime warranty item as they are government mandated.

I got this piece of data when I took my 2003 Acura CLS in for a recall and they replaced the belt free.

Costs nada to call BMW & ask.

[jsoto]

It's not the belt. It's the belt tensioner...aka, the buckle/wiring harness...

[e30cabrio]

They replaced the whole thing. Answer is no if you don't ask, just saying.

[jsoto]

I'm not going to call BMW HQ on a 10 year old car....just saying...

NEW Indy scheduled in 2 weeks.
I've had some questionable time billing with my current one - slowly has crept up and I've noticed things were getting high, but I suppose now it's time for a break...

[AquilaBMW]

I would say call your local dealer and ask them - worst they will say is "No". If they say it's not covered, then you can actually replace the Tensioner yourself. I was not aware they need to be "coded" to the car. While BMW's are sensitive to replacement Tensioner, I have never heard of one needing to be coded to the specific car.

If you already have the Seatbelt light on, then something already occurred to set it off. You did not mention if driver's or passenger's seat. To replace the tensioner, the seat has to come out. The bolt holding the tensioner in is the same size as the Torx bolts holding the seats in.

You can just remove the seat, turn it upside down and unbolt the tensioner and replace it. There are Peak Code readers with the ability to clear Seat Belt / Airbag lights for BMWs - they usually run about $100 on average.

[jsoto]

Correct on the coded....My current/indy is good/great. I just there there is a 1-2 hr upsell on the fixed labor rate. It's my understanding that alot/most auto shops are going towards the flat fee labor model though..