Special tools required:

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 BMW 530i, 2005 BMW 525i, 2004 BMW 530i, and 2004 BMW 525i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

00 9 317
52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove left backrest. See 52 26 015 Removing And Installing/Replacing Left/Right Rear Seat Backrest (Through-Loading) .
Remove head restraint guides. See 52 24... Removing And Installing/Replacing All Guide Sleeves For Rear Head Restraints .
Remove armrest. See 52 26 030 Removing And Installing/Replacing Armrest For Rear Seat Backrest (Through-Loading System) .
Remove ski bag. See 52 26... Removing and installing/replacing ski bag (through-loading) and frame .
Remove backrest actuator trim and lock trim.

Removing backrest frame:

Release screw and remove backrest outer mount.

Tightening torque. see 52 26 5AZ in SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 525I & 530I (M54) .

Fig 1: Removing Backrest Outer Mount

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Unclip guide (sleeve) for backrest center mount.

Fig 2: Removing Guide (Sleeve) For Backrest Center Mount

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E61 only:

Release screws and lever out trim.

If necessary, feed strap of central seat belt out of trim.

Fig 3: Releasing Screws And Lever Out Trim

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Remove covers (1) and release screws.

If necessary, unclip trims with special tool 00 9 317.

Fig 4: Removing Covers

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Lift out cover.

Fig 5: Lifting Out Cover

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Lift cover in marked area with special tool 00 9 317 out of rear panel.

Remove frame.

Fig 6: Removing Frame

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Detaching cover and padding:

If necessary, mark retainer positions
Release all retainers in marked area
Remove cover from padding.
Remove remaining retainers from cover and padding

Installation:

Insert new retainers with special tool 52 0 050. In so doing, enclose wire in padding and trim wire of cover.

Fig 7: Inserting New Retainers With Special Tool

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Replacing cover:

Pull all trim wires out of cover
If necessary, cut pockets in new cover for trim wires
Push trim wires into cover pockets

Fig 8: Pushing Trim Wires Into Cover Pockets

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