61 35 080 Removing and installing (replacing) control unit for left or right seat adjustment (front seat)

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.

IMPORTANT: Read and comply with notes on protection against electrostatic discharge ( ESD protection ).

Illustration of problem: (replacement only)

In the event of a faulty seat module, new variants with a 30 mm wider housing will be used as replacements as of 03/2005.

Seat module up to 03/2005 approx. 135 mm.
Seat module from 03/2005 approx. 165 mm.

This results (on the right seat only) in a collision with the central seat connector.

In vehicles up to 03/2005 it is therefore necessary to fit the right seat with a new seat pan (applicable from 03/2005).

The following SM variants are affected:

SM H
SM BA/M
SM BA/M-HK

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Disconnect battery negative lead
Remove trims for top rail . See 52 17... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ALL TRIMS ON LEFT OR RIGHT SEAT RAILS .

Removal and installation:

NOTE: To facilitate installation/removal of control unit, move seat upwards fully.

Unlock and disconnect all plug connections in area (1).

Unlock catches (2) towards rear, feed out control unit for seat adjustment (3) in direction of arrow and remove from seat rail (4).

Fig 1: Identifying Catches, Seat Adjustment And Seat Rail

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Make sure mounts (1) and retaining lugs (2) of control unit for seat adjustment (3) are correctly seated.

Fig 2: Identifying Mounts, Retaining Lugs And Seat Adjustment

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Remove trim for top rail on outside.

Unlock central seat connector (1) and disconnect.

Unlock and disconnect all plug connections from connector strips (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Central Seat Connector And Connector Strips

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull seat pan (1) forwards slightly and unclip from seat linkage.

Lift seat pan at rear left and right out of seat rail.

Fig 4: Pulling Seat Pan

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Turn seat pan in seat mechanism and feed out towards front.

Unclip seat wiring harnesses from seat pan.

Remove seat pan.

Fig 5: Removing Seat Pan

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The new seat module is secured to the new seat pan in the area marked "R".

Wiring harness (1) must be relaid accordingly.

Pay attention to new clip positioning (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Wiring Harness And Clip Positioning

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carry out programming/coding.