52 17 400 Removing and installing/replacing seat cover for left or right front seat (comfort): Notes

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 317  , see 00 9 317 TRIM PANEL WEDGE .
• 52 0 050  , see 52 0 050 PLIERS .

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove front seat  , see 52 14 000 Removing and installing left or right front seat .
• Remove both rear panels  on front seat backrest, see 52 14 198 Removing and installing or replacing rear panel on left or right front seat backrest .
• Remove inner cover  on front seat, see 52 14 041 Removing and installing inner cover on left or right front seat .
• Remove thigh support  , see 52 17... Removing and installing/replacing left or right thigh support .
• Remove SWITCH COMBINATION for seat adjustment.

Driver's and front passenger seat US/CDN (with OC3 mat): 

If seat cover is defective, seat cover, padding and OC3 mat must be replaced completely.

The same applies to a defective OC3 mat or padding; both parts can only be replaced together with the seat cover.

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

After fitting, the OC3 mat must be enabled with the BMW programming system.

Individual parts not available.

Enabling seat occupancy detector (OC3 mat): 

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

Unclip cover (1) on front seat.

Fig 1: Identifying Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:  Remove metal clamps (1) left and right on the cover. Bend up metal clamps and insert back into the cover. Clip metal clamps (1) with cover into the center slot on the seat mechanism. Guide lug must not be broken. Renew faulty cover if necessary.

Fig 2: Removing Metal Clamps Left And Right On Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip trim (1) for thigh support carrier with special tool 00 9 317  .

Fig 3: Unclipping Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release retainers in area (1).

Detach seat cover in area (2) on left and right.

Remove cable (3).

Fig 4: Identifying Retainers And Seat Cover Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook seat cover (1) in area (2).

Disconnect plug connection (3).

Remove seat cover (1) complete with support.

Fig 5: Identifying Seat Cover Unhook Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 padding.

Fig 6: Removing Clips From Seat Cover And Padding

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Bend new retainers closed with pliers 52 0 050  .

1. Padding
2. Retainer
3. Trim wire in padding
4. Trim thread in cover
5. Seat cover

Fig 7: Bending Retainers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.