Somehow one of my passengers managed to get the seat belt hooked on the lever used to raise/lower the seat, and I am unable to pull any slack out to free the belt.

The seat is currently at the furthest back position, raised as high as it can go, and the seat belt itself lowered to the bottom position - but there isn't enough slack to slip the belt back out.

Is there a way to remove tension from the belt, or will I need to detach the belt from the bottom. If detaching is neccesary what sort of tool do I need?

 

Another option is to pop off the cover on the seat height adjuster handle and then remove the handle with a Torx bit. It's probably easier than detaching the seatbelt at the bottom. I'm betting that the seatbelt has the seat in a bind and it'd be TIGHT trying to remove that seatbelt anchor.

Rawhyde

 

Good call. The lever came off pretty easily with a T20 torx.

 

I have a 2009 Clubman - can anyone tell me how to remove the cover to the seat height adjuster? I don't want to break it. I have to remove the handle to unsnag the seat belt, which is wrapped around it so that I can't release the tension. MY 6' son just had to ride 160 miles in the back seat because I can't use the passenger seat belt! Thanks for any insights, I'd like to get it fixed before the dealer opens tomorrow

 

I have a 2010 Mini Cooper S Hatchback

You will need the following tools to remove the lever and release the belt.

1. an eyeglasses (or tiny) screw driver
2. a six point T25 Driver

1. Adjust the seat to its highest level. Do not worry if this tightens the belt, the belt will simply release later. Using the eyeglass (or a tiny) screw driver, there is a small notch in the cover of the inside of the adjuster lever at the center bottom. there is just barely enough room to see it between the door foot rest and the cover. Insert the driver and gently pull the cap. Do not make quick movements or you will scratch the cover, however the cap should pull of with a gentle pop from a single point. Since it is at the base, any scratches will not be noticeable if you do happen to scratch it. If you have a thin enough point, you may be able to try further up, just be VERY careful.

2. Once the cap is removed, using the T25 driver, unscrew the two screws and the handle will come off and the seatbelt will undo.

reassemble in reverse and you are done.

time: 5 minutes. (so quick you will think it silly, I did.)