52 17 407 Replacing backrest cover for driver's seat (comfort)

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 317
• 52 0 050

Necessary preliminary work 

• Remove DRIVER'S SEAT. 
• Remove BOTH REAR PANELS  on front seat backrest.
• Remove inner cover on front seat.

Optional equipment with seat heating only: 

Unlock plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Unlock plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Optional equipment with climate control only: 

Open Velcro fasteners (1).

Unlock and disconnect plug connections (1) for fan.

Release clamps from tensioning straps.

Cut open cable strap (1).

Installation note: 

52 0 050 Bend new clamps closed with pliers.

Replace cable straps.

Disengage backrest cover in lower area from attachment points.

Disengage backrest cover in upper area from attachment points.

Only with rear monitor optional equipment: 

Remove REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MONITOR.

Build date up to 07/2012: 

Release tackers in marked area from carrier plate (1).

Remove clamps (2) at top left and right.

Replacement only: 

New backrest cover must be cut to size.

Slide cutting base under cover.

Place template on leather edge.

Mark outline and cut out.

Installation note: 

Mount head restraint to pretension backrest cover.

The seam of the backrest cover must not be wavy and must be flush with the backrest frame upper edge.

Align backrest cover centrally.

Tack backrest cover with pneumatic tacker (sourcing reference: see BMW workshop equipment) front inside outwards to carrier plate (1).

7 tackers on carrier plate at top.

4 tackers on left and right in side area.

52 0 050 Bend new clamps closed with pliers.

Backrest cover must not show any folds.

Version after 07/2012: 

Release screws (1).

Remove cover (2).

Installation note: 

Cover (2) is encoded to prevent incorrect assembly.

Unclip backrest cover (2) with upholstery from backrest width adjuster (1).

Remove backrest cover (2) complete with upholstery towards front.

Installation note: 

Adjusting unit (1) must be secured on left and right in foamed insert.

Clamp of adjusting unit (1) must snap audibly into linkage (2).

Release all clamps in marked area.

Remove backrest cover from upholstery.

Installation note: 

Clamp positions are marked in upholstery.

Bend new clamp (2) 52 0 050 closed with pliers.

1. Upholstery
2. Clamp
3. Trim wire in upholstery
4. Trim wire in backrest cover
5. Backrest cover
   Fig 13: Bending Clamps Using Pliers

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull trim wires out of backrest cover.

Installation note: 

Slide trim wires into new backrest cover.

If necessary, cut into new part.

Lever out locking strip of head restraint guide with special tool 100 9 317 .