52 16 403 Replacing seat cover for front passenger seat (older version)

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Special tools required:

52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT PASSENGER SEAT .
Remove REAR PANEL on front seat backrest.
Remove INNER COVER on front seat.
Remove OPERATING UNIT for seat adjustment.

WARNING: US/CDN front passenger seat (with CIS mat) only:
A faulty CIS mat, seat heating or seat cover can only be replaced as a single unit.
New CIS mat is supplied with seat cover and if necessary seat heating.
Full functional capability can only be guaranteed with original BMW spare parts.
After fitting seat cover, enable CIS mat with BMW diagnosis system.

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.

Fig 1: Identifying Seat Occupancy Data Line And Seat Pan Earth Cable

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Cut open cable strap (1).

Installation note:

Replace defective cable strap.

Raise tab and pull connector from connector housing.

Fig 2: Pulling Passenger Seat Connector

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Unclip cover (1) on front seat.

Fig 3: Identifying Front Seat Cover

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Installation note:

Remove metal clamps (1) left and right on the cover.

Bend up metal clamps and insert back into the cover.

Clip metal clamps (1) with cover into the center slot on the seat mechanism.

Guide lug must not be broken.

Renew faulty cover if necessary.

Fig 4: Removing Seat Cover Metal Clamps

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Release screws (1).

Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable.

Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 5: Identifying Thigh Support, Plug Connection And Screw

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Detach seat cover (1) in marked area on left and right.

Lever out left and right clips (2).

Installation note:

If necessary, replace faulty clips.

Fig 6: Identifying Seat Cover Clips

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Unhook seat cover in marked area (1).

With seat heating only as optional equipment:

Disconnect plug connection (2).

Remove seat cover complete with upholstery.

Fig 7: Removing Seat Cover

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With air conditioning only as optional equipment:

Unlock plug connections (1) and disconnect.

Fig 8: Identifying Seat Plug Connections

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Detach all clamps in side area from longitudinal wires (1).

Pull trim wires (1) forward out of seat cover.

Carefully fold back seat cover and release clamps from cross-wires (2).

Remove seat cover from upholstery.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clamps from seat cover and upholstery.

Fig 9: Locating Seat Wires Clamp

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Detach cable strap (3).

Unlock plug connection (4) and disconnect.

Detach seat cover (2) in marked area from thigh support (1).

Fig 10: Identifying Thigh Support And Seat Cover Cable Strap

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Replace seat cover

Pull trim wires (1) out of seat cover (2).

Installation note:

Slide trim wires (1) into new seat cover (2).

If necessary, cut mounting for trim threads.

(3) Seat heater cable

Fig 11: Identifying Seat Cover Trim Wires

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Installation note:

52 0 050 Bend new clamps closed with pliers.

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

Fig 12: Installing Seat Retainers Using Pliers
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.