Child Seat Tether Anchor - Installation
Group 72Safety Restraint Systems
Bulletin Number
72 11 00
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 2000
Service Engineering
This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 72 02 99 dated April 99.
SUBJECT
Installation of Child Seat Tether Anchors in Pre 9/99 Production Cars
MODEL
All
SITUATION
New infant and child seats include a tether strap to more securely restrain the seat. BMWs produced since 9/99 have tether anchor points supplied from the factory. Hardware and trim to attach tether straps on most earlier models is available in the EPC, under Group 72, Rear Safety Belt Mounting Parts
The models that have hardware and trim listings at the time of publication of this bulletin include:
E31
E32
E34 sedan and touring
E36 two and four door
E38
E39 sedan and wagon
E46 (all affected bodies)
For models without a hardware listing, such as E30 and E28, use hardware and trim from similar applications.
The installation procedures for most models are straightforward, but a few models require unique procedures.
PROCEDURE
To locate the mounting points on most models, access the underside of the package tray from the trunk and locate the welded nuts or pierced holes in the relative positions indicated:
Use an awl or ice pick to push up through the package tray trim. This will locate the proper point to cut the trim to allow installation of the appropriate hardware for the model. For models without welded nuts, use a nut and flat washer of appropriate size.
E38
The welded nuts are not accessible from the trunk, which requires removal of the package shelf trim for locating the points to cut the holes for the hardware. E38s equipped with DSP will require the additional spacers (left center and right) shown in the EPC that change the attaching angle of the tether brackets.
E38 Without DSP sound system:
Turn the package shelf trim upside down and measure from side to side to locate the center line.
A = 335 mm
B = 223 mm
C = 40 mm
E38 with DSP sound system
Turn the package shelf trim upside down and measure from side to side to locate the center line.
A = 355 mm
B = 22 mm from edge of speaker hole
C = 30 mm from rear edge of trim
D = 40 mm
Hole size = 19
Remove the trim panel and cut holes in positions shown in illustrations.
Note:
Most trim panels are embossed on the underside for the cutouts. The measurements indicated can be used for earlier cars that may not have the embossments.
E39 Sport Wagon (pre 9/99 production) EXCEPT cars equipped with sliding load floor option (Cars equipped with the sliding load floor option cannot accept tethers unless the sliding load floor is removed and the car is converted to the standard configuration.)
The anchor points must be welded to the body under the load floor. Refer to repair Manual, section 41 00... General Information about Body Repair, for precautions and standards.
The anchor points are available through the parts system under part number 41 11 7 042 870, and are listed in the EPC.
Remove the floor panel directly behind the rear seat and fold the foam insulation on the cross rail forward to expose the rail.
The anchors will be welded on the rear side of the cross rail in the positions indicated (view is looking forward). The outboard anchors are located almost touching (1-2 mm) the side flanges of the rail, and the middle anchor is centered on the rail. Use the 20 mm hole in the top of the rail as a center point reference.
The height of all three anchors is 17 mm above the top surface of the cross rail.
Protect surrounding areas with welding mats. Grind off paint on body in areas to be welded. Run a bead the length of each leg of the anchors as indicated by the shaded areas in the illustration.
After welding, prime with zinc based primer and paint in body color. Spray affected areas inside cross rail with cavity wax to prevent corrosion.
Turn the floor panel upside down and cut out the access holes. There should be an approximately 5 mm lip remaining inside the recess that the covers hook on to.
Reinstall the floor panel and covers for any un-used hooks.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Information only.