can't mount my seats

[Dissembler]

does anyone know if the stud length for the seats changed between the early and late models?

mine is an 85 318, with the shitty cloth seats (and grass as the cushioning lol), i picked up a set of leather sports from a later model (both cars are coupes) and the studs are not long enough to get the nuts on. I forced one on with some effort and after 2 threads it was tight.

I also tried grinding down the spacers on the bottom, but only one side will go on, and naturally, its a little dificult to slide the seat.

Has anyone had this problem? I was thinking of smashing the old studs out with a hammer and putting in new studs, but I don't know if this is bad idea or not (incase BMW put somekind of special reinforcement down there to aid in crash safety)?

Thanks for input

[Tricked 323i]

does anyone know if the stud length for the seats changed between the early and late models?

mine is an 85 318, with the shitty cloth seats (and grass as the cushioning lol), i picked up a set of leather sports from a later model (both cars are coupes) and the studs are not long enough to get the nuts on. I forced one on with some effort and after 2 threads it was tight.

I also tried grinding down the spacers on the bottom, but only one side will go on, and naturally, its a little dificult to slide the seat.

Has anyone had this problem? I was thinking of smashing the old studs out with a hammer and putting in new studs, but I don't know if this is bad idea or not (incase BMW put somekind of special reinforcement down there to aid in crash safety)?

Thanks for input

I have came across this a few times with the older 318's. I cut the carpet's thick foam out around the studs and I got it to work. This might be your quickest option. Take off the sill plates and you can lift up that area of the carpet.
Kevin