Why are the seat belt clasps different?

[300justgotaC]

The driver's seat belt clasp is different than the other four clasps (front passenger and three rear seat) in our 2006 300C. The driver's clasp (the part on the strap that goes over the shoulder) is plastic, while the others are plain metal. The dealer has no answer - says I should ask Chrysler (some service, huh). I suspect that either they got parts mixed from different sets, or this was done to save money somehow. Has anyone else noticed this? Does anyone have an answer?

[bruno]

I noticed this,too, the first time I rode as a front seat passenger rather than driver. I don't know the logic behind it. I wonder if having the metal on the driver's clip has anything to do with the fact it will get much more use over time than the other 4 seat belt clips...When I think about how many times we latch and unlatch the driver clip, I am then convinced the metal will take more wear and tear, especially when I somehow end up closing the door on it! But, what do I know? Looking to save money with plastic over metal almost seems a mute point with a fine car such as this one. Hopefully, someone else will come along who knows the answer.

[Loyal-one]

I don't know the answer to the different types of belt latches, but I am working on getting the driver's side type put in on the passenger side. Due to the fact that the passenger one sucks! It seems to always bind tightly and does not release unless you unlatch it. Has anyone else realized this problem in the passenger seat?