52 13 400 Replacing seat cover on left or right front seat (Normal)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 BMW Z4, 2015 BMW Z4, and 2014 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT SEAT
Remove OUTER COVER on front seat

WARNING: US/CDN front passenger seat (with CIS mat) only:
If CIS mat or padding is defective, both parts must be replaced together.
Full functional capability can only be guaranteed with original BMW spare parts.

WARNING: US/CDN front passenger seat (with CIS mat) only:
To avoid damaging the CIS mat, it is essential to carry out the following operations with extra care.

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 occupancy detection (CIS mat) only:

Data line CIS
Earth cable, seat pan
Earth cable, backrest frame

Unlock all plug connections and disconnect.

NOTE: From version 09/2009 onward, ground cable (3) not included on backrest frame.

Fig 1: Identifying Data Line CIS And Earth Cables

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Version with seat heating only:

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

Unfasten cable strap.

Disengage wiring harness from cable clips (flexmat).

Fig 2: Identifying Seat Heating Plug Connection

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Version with seat occupancy detector without seat heating (CIS mat) only:

Seat heating is integrated in the CIS mat and is stuck to the upholstery over the full surface.

Lay cable for seat heating as shown to flexmat and secure with cable strap.

Secure connector with cable strap to cable.

Fig 3: Locating Plug With Cable Strap

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Vehicle exterior:

Lever clamp (1) out of seat cover.

Installation note:

If necessary, replace faulty clip.

Fig 4: Identifying Seat Cover Clip

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Tunnel side:

Disengage cover fastener (1) from belt deflector trim.

Fig 5: Identifying Cover Fastener Of Belt Deflector Trim

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Detach seat cover (1) from seat frame.

Fig 6: Removing Seat Cover From Seat Frame

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Pull out cover welt (1) completely from seat frame (2).

Fig 7: Pulling Cover Welt From Seat Frame

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

IMPORTANT: Carefully slide bracing cloth with foam through backrest gap and seat structure.

Installation note:

Slide foam completely through backrest gap and seat structure. Make sure foam and bracing cloth are correctly fitted.

Fig 8: Removing Seat Cover With Padding

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Version with seat heating and/or with seat occupancy detector (CIS mat):

Pull seat cover (1) with padding forward a little and feed wiring harnesses (2) out.

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

Fig 9: Identifying Seat Cover And Wiring Harnesses

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Carefully detach all retainers in side area from OKE strips (1).

Carefully turn seat cover over and release clamps from OKE strips (2).

Remove seat cover from upholstery.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clips from seat cover and upholstery (CIS mat).

Fig 10: Identifying OKE Strips

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Installation note:

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

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

Fig 11: Bending Clamps With Special Tool (52 0 050)

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