52 26 411 Replacing backrest cover for rear seat (through-loading system) on left

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 317
• 00 9 323

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove and install left backrest52 26 015 Removing and installing/replacing left or right rear seat backrest (through-loading system) 
• Remove and install rear head restraints, see 52 26 388 Removing and installing/replacing rear middle head restraint 
• Remove lock trim of left rear seat backrest, see 52 26 309 Removing and installing/replacing lock for left rear seat backrest (through-loading system) 

Release screw (1) of seat outer mount.

Fig 1: Seat Outer Mount Screw

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Installation: 

Insert screw (1) and plastic washer (2) as shown into bearing pedestal (3) and screw down.

Fig 2: Plastic Washer And Bearing Pedestal

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Move backrest into installation position and pull out belt slightly.

Clamp belt firmly.

E46 only: 

Unfasten screws.

Remove trim.

E83 only: 

Trim not screwed down.

Lever out trim with special tool 00 9 317. 

Fig 3: Locating Screws

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Separate webbing.

Fig 4: Separating Webbing

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Installation: 

Feed out strap so that belt stopper (1) is located between upper guide (2) and lower guide (3) of belt finisher.

Fig 5: Belt Stopper, Upper And Lower Guide

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Lever cover with trim wires (1) out of metal clutches (2).

Fig 6: Trim Wires And Metal Clutches

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Detach cover all round by lifting out piping (1).

Fig 7: Removing Lift Cover

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Carefully pull cover towards front.

Slide all retaining tabs (1) in succession out of retaining fixture.

Fig 8: Sliding Retaining Tabs

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Installation: 

Press tabs with special tool 00 9 323  into mounting on both sides.

Fig 9: Pressing Tabs With Special Tool

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Grip under cover (1) and padding and gently press clips (2) together, pull out head restraint guide (3).

Remove cover and padding.

Installation: 

Clips of head restraint guide (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 10: Pulling Out Head Restraint Guide

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Replacement of backrest cover or padding only: 

Pull cover out of padding.

Installation: 

Feed cover lugs (1) into openings of padding (2).

Make sure piping (3) is resting in opening of padding (4).

Fig 11: Cover Lugs And Padding

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.