Seatbelts

[JayGH]

With not much luck in the open forum, I'll try posting this here..

Greetings all,

For many college students this is Hell week. Finals have fallen upon us students like a swarm of locusts out of a biblical plague. I guess with the stress of finals, and being distracted by non stop cell phone use while driving, 2 of my college buddies have gotten into some rough accidents (Neither of them was at fault.) Anyhow my point is that both of these individuals were t-boned, and were pretty banged up afterwards. The thing is I don’t think the standard seat belt found in cars is adequate in this type of collision. Next year I will be commuting from Austin 30 miles to school on a highway that is notorious for accidents and is full of big rigs. If by some terrible chance I am in an accident, I sure as hell don’t want to die. I’ve got a 1995 E320, and1996 Chevy Tahoe, and I want to know if I can put a 3, 4, or 5 point harness seatbelt in them without having to change the factory seat. I was also wondering what are the advantages to a 3, 4, or 5 point harness, and which brand you guys would recommend.
Granted there is a benefit, what is the best way of installing a harness onto a factory chair? Is it possible in these 2 cars? What type, 3, 4, or 5 point? What are some good brands? What type of release should I be looking for? I'd rather not install a roll cage, seems a bit much.

Thanks in advance,

Jay

[Maki]

I'd guess you'll want to talk with somebody at Schroth USA. Their belts are quite popular with BMW enthusiasts, and yes, I know of people who use their 4- and 5-point harnesses all the time in lieu of the 3-point belts. I have seen ads that claim their products are DOT approved for street and highway use, but certainly you'd want to verify that independently.

Schroth has a toll-free number where you can inquire about local distributors: 888-536-8550 (that's from their web site, www.schroth.com). One of the favorites among bimmer fans is BMPD Design in Tyler, TX (web site www.bmpd.com).

BTW, a four-point set should suit your needs; the 5-point has a crotch strap that prevents "submarining" (sliding downward out of the belts) should you slam into something head-on at high speed.

HTH
Russ M
'82 300td
'82 300cd
(and a couple bmws)

[Maki]

Addendum to that -- I think Schroth has what they call a three-point setup where the two shoulder straps are anchored at one point behind the front seat. Probably an easier fit for a passenger car in which you might want to use the back seat from time to time.

Russ M

[JayGH]

M-


Thanks for the reply I'll be looking into that 2 morrow