Necessary preliminary tasks

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 BMW 328xi, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328i, and 2010 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove head restraint . See 5226390 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT REAR HEAD RESTRAINT or 5226388 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR MIDDLE HEAD RESTRAINT from rear seat

NOTE: Guide sleeves cannot be removed without being damaged.
Guide sleeves with locks have two retaining lugs.
Insert special tool 52 0 070 into guide hole of sleeve (2) up to upper area of retaining lug.

Feed release tongue of special tool into rear gap on retaining lug (1).

Turn tool to release sleeve (2) and pull out towards top.

If necessary, on guide sleeves with locks, unlock the second retaining lug with a screwdriver.

Fig 1: Inserting Special Tool (52 0 070) Into Guide Hole Of Sleeve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Replace guide sleeves and install as follows:

Short guide sleeves, middle right
Short guide sleeve with lock, middle left
Long guide sleeve, outer right
Long guide sleeves with locks, outer left

Fig 2: Identifying Guide Sleeves

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.