Special Tools Required

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 135i, and 2010 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove right backrest . Refer to 52 26 020 Removing And Installing/Replacing Both Backrests For Rear Seat .
Remove guide sleeves . Refer to 52 26... Removing And Installing/Replacing All Guide Sleeves For Rear Head Restraints

Release screw (1).

Tightening torque, see 52 26 04AZ in 52 26 REAR SEATS (THROUGH-LOADING SYSTEM) .

Remove outer mount (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Screw & Outer Mount

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever out backrest cover all round with special tool 00 9 317 or screwdriver.

Remove backrest cover with padding from carrier section.

Fig 2: Levering Out Backrest Cover All Round With Special Tool 00 9 317

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detaching cover and padding:

Release all retainers in marked area
Remove cover from padding.
Remove remaining retainers from cover and padding

Fig 3: Identifying Retainers In Marked Area
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Insert new retainer (2) with special tool 52 0 050 .

In so doing, enclose wire in padding and trim wire of cover and bend closed.

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

Fig 4: Inserting Retainer With Special Tool 52 0 050
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacing cover:

Remove all trim wires from cover
If necessary, cut pockets in new cover for trim wires
Push trim wires into cover pockets

Fig 5: Identifying Cover Trim Wires
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.