Schroth Rallye 4 Harness Install

[larryn]

Here's my writeup on how to install the Harnesses:

Schroth Rallye 4 - Left (sr 16100) & Right (sr 16600)

The only tool you need is a ratchet, 12" extension, and a T45 Torx bit. (see pic 1)

One of the draws of Schroth Harnesses is that they have a quick fit. Unfortunately, they don't have an application for the e82, and I had my car measured by the sole US distributor (HMS Motorsport), for the purpose of them possibly making some in the future (don't hold your breath though). If you choose to go with these installation instruction, do so at your own risk. (I have to put a disclaimer in for liability reasons)



Okay, lets get these puppies installed!!

First, these belts have a left and a right. Grab the one for the right to start. They are identical, except the buckle side is towards the center console, and the clasp towards the door. (Pic 2)

Remove the rear seat pad. It simply pulls off. (Pic 3), you'll see the four belt mounting bolts. Simply use the rear seat section of the Schroth harnesses and bolt them in, as if they were a washer just under the bolt head. (Pic 4)

Remove the front headrest.. it makes this next part easier.

Next, we need to unbolt the front seat to access the belt anchor bolt, next to the center console. First, move the seat all the way forward, which exposes two of the four mounting bolts. (Pic 5) Unbolt the rear two bolts, using that one T45 ratchet.

Then move the seat all the way back, which exposes front two bolts (Pic 6). Remove these. Then cover your center console with one of your carpets (to not marr the pretty plastic), and tip the seat on it's side. (Pic 7)

Take that T45 again, and unbolt the stock buckle. Insert the harness mounting point between the seat and the stock buckle, and bolt back in using the same bolt. The threads are long enough that you do not need to use another bolt, and they penetrate completely through the threaded hole. (Pic 8)

Bolt the seat back down. When bolting this down, make sure you have not twisted the belts, and they'll be in the correct orientation when you use them.

There's only one bolt left. It's on the floor in the back, covered by a plastic cover. (Pic 9) Use your fingers to pull the cover off, which exposes another T45 bolt, undo that bolt, and put the other Schroth harness bolting point as the top most item bolted. (Pic 10) The plastic cover is optional to put back on, because I think people will kick it off, but it will stay there, if left untouched.

Okay. Now put the headrest back on, and adjust your seat to your sitting position. Thread the quick click portion of the front harnesses between the posts of your headrest, and click it to the rear belts.

Once you do that, all you need to do is adjust the belts. Make sure the belt is at or below your belt line, centered and tight. These harnesses are designed to keep you from submarining, similar to a 5 point belt does.

You're done with one side.. have a beer. Then go do the other side. It took me less than an hour to install both sides, including documenting all of this.

When you're using these harnesses, make sure you connect the stock belts behind the seat, or you'll get the chime.

Enjoy. At this point it's close enough to noon for me to have a beer, after writing this up. You might want to start this project later in the day, to maximize the amount of beer it is proper to consume. (don't drink and drive, kids) :smile:

[larryn]

Pic 11 - finished product

[larryn]

When not in use, you can remove the back pieces in seconds, and the fronts fold around to the back of the seats, and the belts can be tucked under the front seats from behind. They are 99.99% out of eyesight when not in use.

[yanks4285]

awesome write up.i am tranfering over my belts over from my rsx right now.

[Narcisse91]

So, what do you plan to use the belts for? A little extra support at an autocross or serious track use? Your comment in red in the beginning implies you would be using these at something more than an autocross if you're worried about loading on the brackets. So, with that in mind, you should really think twice about mounting to the bottom of the back seats like that. In an accident, as your body weight moves forward, the belt will compress your spine. Generally not a good thing. You're relying on the seat to absorb that load, assuming your shoulders stay below the main supports in the seat.

I would recommend taking a look at harness mounting requirements for different racing organizations.

Of course, if you're just looking for something to help keep you in place at an autocross, none of this applies, but then I wouldn't worry about exceeding the load rating on any of those parts, either.

[Berduderunner]

wow looks great! how do they feel driving?

[larryn]

Restrictive.

Btw, I ended up bolting them down in the rear, based on Schroth's recommedations to not use those clips. I'll update with new pics! :smile: The rear seat butt cushion gets in the way, and needs to be removed, once these belts are bolted in too.

Keep in mind that you are locked into your seat, and simple things like changing the heat or AC settings, or popping a CD in are difficult (at best). I'm only using these for driving events.

[Terp1]

Any more info on this? Considering getting these and the Recaro Sporster CS seats that you mentioned in a previous post. How do you think this combo would work?

[larryn]

Updated the original post with new pics and instructions

[larryn]

Originally Posted by Terp1

Considering getting these and the Recaro Sporster CS seats that you mentioned in a previous post. How do you think this combo would work?

I think the stock belt will work fine for the Recaros. If you plan on not using the back seat, then go ahead and use the Schroth harnesses. Once in use, they make the back seat unusable for passengers.

I've been driving for the past two weeks with the Schroths on the street. They are too restrictive, IMO, for everyday use. Stock belts let you move forward without the belt locking on you. Harnesses do not do that. You are locked in. Try to swing your shoulder/head around for backing up, and you cannot.

[Car Whore]

nice watch - looks like a rollie.

I've had harnesses in a number of cars and pretty much agree (without having a 1 yet) that usually they are too much for daily street use. They are easy enough to install on the night before a track event/weekend autocross that I'd probably go that route if I felt so inclined to step above the stock setup.

Nice write-up & detail though!

[larryn]

Thanks! Good eye, btw. GMT Master II

[karma8]

how can i choice a safe racing seat belt? when i dont' wannan spen 200$+ on it....any idea?

[Mad Dragon]

Racing belts aren't exactly safe in a street car.

[bman6074]

Originally Posted by Mad Dragon

Racing belts aren't exactly safe in a street car.

Why aren't they safe in a street car? Just curious, would they not save your life?

[bman6074]

Originally Posted by larryn

Pic 11 - finished product

Larry nice wirte up. I was curious to how the belts flow under the rear seat? Could someone sit in the rear seat and still use the belts in front. Do you have a pic of how they look?
Thanks
Tom

[larryn]

The one thing not safe about them on the street is that you cannot get to the the car's controls when they are adjusted properly. I'm pretty locked-in when I am harnessed up. I can forget about doing anything with the heat or A/C, or even closing my door, if it is open when I click in.

Luckily the audio system is controlled by the steering wheel. :wink:


Btw, the belts do not flow under the cushion. You have no back toosh seat cushion when using the harnesses. Pic 11 was from when I initially had them anchored (improperly) to the hooks under the plastic covers, which I believe are for baby seats, and not rated for the strains of a harness.

[bman6074]

Larry thanks for the quick response.
mmm ok so when you use the race belts you have to take the rear seat cushion out?
I have been looking at the Quick Fit ones but was wondering if they can be used in any BMW model? As i have an E36 99 M3 that i would like to use them in as well and not have to afford to sets.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by bman6074

Larry thanks for the quick response.
mmm ok so when you use the race belts you have to take the rear seat cushion out?
I have been looking at the Quick Fit ones but was wondering if they can be used in any BMW model? As i have an E36 99 M3 that i would like to use them in as well and not have to afford to sets.

Unfortunately, there are no quick-fit applications for the 1 series yet. The fronts are similar to the e36, but the rears are a unique insert.

Luckily, I know the guys over at HMS Motorsports, and had them measure the buckles in my car already. Unluckily, there's nothing that they make that would work, other than bolt-ins.

[HondaGoneRogue]

The best way to install the harness is to have a harness bar probably mounted to the b-pillars. A general rule of safety is to have the shoulder straps at least shoulder height behind you (wrapping down from the b-pillar bar and bolting to the seats).
That ensures that your body weight won't compress the belts and buckle the seat. Also, I have been in a situation before where it was very fortunate that I could move my head lower than the shoulders of the seat. harnesses won't allow that. So you are stuck in an upright proper posture wich could be a bad thing in certain events (like anything coming thru the windshield). Just my experience.

[karma8]

so weird...if it's not safe than y are ppl adding it? the only this is i kinda dont' trust the lock on thoes aftermarket seat belts over stock....unless it's a really gd brand......wt do u guy recomment? something around 50$ and it's trustable....

[HondaGoneRogue]

Schroths are about as cheap as I'd go. they run about 99bucks a piece