52 13 402 Replacing seat cover for driver's seat (normal/manual)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

52 0 050

Necessary preliminary work:

REMOVE front seat on the driver's side
REMOVE outer cover on front seat
Remove INNER COVER on front seat

WARNING: Note AIRBAG SAFETY REGULATIONS !
Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage on sharp-edged seat mechanism.
Guide all cables carefully through seat and backrest mechanism.
Make sure cable is routed without kinks and tension.
Make sure plug connections are correctly locked.
Make sure connectors are correctly seated in latch mechanisms.

Version with seat heating only:

Unlock plug connection (1) for seat heating and disconnect.

Detach cable strap.

Detach seat heater cable (2) from cable clips on seat mechanism.

Installation note:

Plug connection is encoded to prevent incorrect connection.

Replace cable strap.

Fig 1: Plug Connection For Seat Heating And Wiring Harness On Cable Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fully lift welt of seat cover out of seat frame.

Disengage seat cover at rear.

Fig 2: Lifting Welt Of Seat Cover Out Of Seat Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully slide bracing cloth (1) with foam through backrest gap and seat structure.

If applicable, route cable carefully through seat and backrest mechanics as the edges of the frame may be sharp.

Installation note:

Slide foam completely through backrest gap and seat structure.

Make sure foam and bracing cloth are correctly fitted.

Fig 3: Removing Seat Cover From Seat Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove seat cover (1) with padding towards front/top.

Fig 4: Removing Seat Cover

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Release all clamps (1) from seat cover (2).

Fig 5: Clamps And Seat Cover

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Release all clamps in marked area of trim wires.

Remove seat cover from upholstery.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clamps from seat cover and upholstery.

Fig 6: Marks On Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:

If applicable, pull trim wires out of seat cover.

Cut new seat cover to size and insert trim wires.

Fig 7: Pulling Trim Wires Out Of Seat Cover

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Installation note:

Bend new clamps (2) with special tool 52 0 050.

Upholstery
Clamp
Trim wire in upholstery
Trim wire in cover
Seat cover

Fig 8: Bending Retainers Using Special Tool (52 0 050)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.