"Center" marked seatbelt receptacle and non-center; what is the difference?

[Unregistered]

2003 BMW 325i; the rear seat obviously has 3 seating positions, with the center lap-belt having a "Center" marked receptacle. What is the difference between this one and the adjacent non-center receptacle? The center lap-belt will connect to both of them. The Chicco Keyfit 22/30 does not fit properly when using the "Center" marked receptacle (the seatbelt side connector hits the base and a tight fit is not possible. Thoughts are appreciated.

[Maedze]

I know I have owned at least one car where the seatbelt didn't lock properly in the female end not intended for its use. I hope another technician has a more insightful answer for you!

[Unregistered]

Edit: 325i

[UlrikeDG]

Edit: 325i

I changed it in the original post so people who open the thread will see the correct model right away.

[ketchupqueen]

I don't know what the difference is in my car; the one marked "center" does lock with the one on the side. And with some seats it doesn't seem to make a difference which is which. But because of the angle or something, when putting my Radian in the center, I have to make sure I'm using the "center" belt buckle or it wiggles too much.

If you're having the opposite problem, that the one marked "center" doesn't work in the center, you could try twisting the buckle stalk up to 3 full turns to get it out of the belt path if your buckle stalk is on webbing like the seatbelt is made out of.

[skaterbabscpst]

In some vehicles the center buckle will only work with the center belt. I'm not sure WHY they do this, it may have something to do with how the belt symmetry crash tests.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for the input all.