52 17 205 Removing and installing/replacing both rear panels on left or right front seat backrest

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Necessary preliminary tasks:

With rear-seat entertainment option only:
Remove REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MONITOR COVER

Operation is shown on the left seat. When removing from the right seat, transpose the pull and striking sides accordingly.

Rear panel upper part:

Grip between rear panel and backrest cover on tunnel side until clamp can be felt (do not pull).
At same time, firmly punch towards middle of seat on inside (tunnel side) at top.
Upper clamps spring out of seat guide.
Pull upper rear panel up out of lower guides.

Fig 1: Pulling Seat Lower Guides Rear Panel Up
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Clamp
Guide
Upper rear panel

Fig 2: Identifying Seat Upper Rear Panel, Guide And Clamp

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rear panel lower section:

Grip between rear panel and backrest cover on tunnel side until clamp can be felt (do not pull).
At same time, firmly punch towards middle of seat on inside (tunnel side) at top.
Upper clamps spring out of seat guide.
Pull lower rear panel up out of lower guides

Fig 3: Pulling Seat Lower Rear Panel
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip springs (1) on left and right.

Remove lower rear panel (3) upwards out of guide (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Lower Rear Panel, Guide And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.