52 13 400 Replacing seat cover for left or right front seat (normal/semi-electric)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT SEAT
Remove REAR PANEL on front seat backrest
Remove INNER COVER on front seat

WARNING:

US/CDN front passenger seat (with OC3 mat) only:

To avoid damaging the OC3 mat, it is essential to carry out the following operations with extra care.

When replacing seat cover:

If seat cover is defective, seat cover and support with OC3 mat must be replaced together.

New seat cover is supplied with support, OC3 mat and if necessary seat heating.

When replacing support with OC3 mat:

If OC3 mat or support is defective, both parts may only be replaced together.

These must be fitted with the seat cover from the car.

Up to build date 09/05:

Enabling seat occupancy detector (OC3 mat):

Connect BMW diagnosis system
Release seat occupancy detector
Clear fault memory if necessary

Build date from 09/05:

Enabling seat occupancy detector (OC3 mat):

Connect BMW programming system
CODE airbag control unit
Clear fault memory if necessary

Unhook seat cover (2) at all retaining points.

Lever out left and right clips (1).

Installation:

If necessary, replace faulty clips (1).

Remove seat cover (2) with support.

If necessary, disconnect all plug connections.

Fig 1: Identifying Seat Cover Clips

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with OC3 mat:

OC3 mat must not be kinked under any circumstances.

Detach all retainers in side area from longitudinal wires (1).

Pull trim wires (1) forward out of seat cover.

Carefully fold back seat cover and release retainers from cross-wires (2).

Remove seat cover from support.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clips from seat cover and support.

Fig 2: Identifying Seat Cover Clips For Version With OC3 Mat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Support (1) with OC3 mat (2).

IMPORTANT:

No retainer remainders may be fitted as well.

Handle OC3 mat with extreme care.

Do not kink OC3 mat.

Do not clamp OC3 mat.

OC3 mat must lie without folds under seat cover.

Fig 3: Supporting With OC3 Mat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Bend new retainer (2) closed with pliers 52 0 050 .

Padding
Clips
Trim thread in seat cover
Trim thread in padding
Seat cover

Fig 4: Identifying Support, Clips And Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove trim threads (1) from seat cover (2).

(3) If necessary, cable for seat heating

Installation:

Slide trim threads (1) into new seat cover (2). If necessary, cut mounting for trim threads.

Fig 5: Removing Trim Threads From Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.