52 15 400 Replacing seat cover for left or right front seat (Sport)

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 THIGH SUPPORT
Manual version:
Remove OUTER COVER
Electric version:
Remove SUPPORT FOR COVER

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.

IMPORTANT: The CIS mat must be enabled after each installation work.

Enabling seat occupancy detector (CIS mat):

Connect BMW PROGRAMMING SYSTEM
Encode airbag control unit
Delete fault memory if necessary

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 detection (CIS mat) without seat heating only:

Cable for seat heating, seat cushion:

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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Cable for seat heating, thigh support:

Cramp cable (1) to welt strip with clamps (2).

Installation note:

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

Fig 4: Identifying Cable And Clamps

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Clamp connector (1) behind welt strip (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Welt Strip And Connector

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Unlock retaining lugs (1).

Remove seat trim (2) downwards.

Installation note:

Seat trim (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 6: Removing Seat Trim

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Lever clip (1) out of seat cover on left and right.

Installation note:

If necessary, replace faulty clip.

Fig 7: Identifying Seat Cover Clip

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Tunnel side:

Disengage cover fastener (1) from belt deflector trim.

Fig 8: Identifying Cover Fastener Of Belt Deflector Trim

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Detach seat cover (1) from seat frame.

Fig 9: Removing Seat Cover From Seat Frame

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

Fig 10: Pulling Out 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 11: Removing Seat Cover With Padding

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Release the corresponding plug connections depending on the version and disconnect.

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

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

Fig 12: Identifying Seat Cover And Wiring Harnesses

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Release all clamps in marked area.

Fig 13: Identifying Clamps Marked Area

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Detach all clamps in side area from OKE strips.

Carefully fold back seat cover and release clamps from OKE strips.

Remove seat cover from upholstery.

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

Fig 14: Identifying OKE Strip Retainers

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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 15: Bending Retainers Using Special Tool (52 0 050)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.