52 16 404 Replacing seat cover for front passenger seat (M5)

Special tools required: 

• 52 0 050

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Remove FRONT SEAT 
• Remove REAR PANEL  on front passenger seat backrest
• Remove INNER COVER  on front passenger seat
• Remove OPERATING UNIT for seat adjustment

When replacing seat cover: 

If seat cover is defective, seat cover and padding with OC3 mat must be replaced together.

New seat cover is supplied with upholstery, OC3 mat and if necessary seat heating.

When replacing padding with OC3 mat: 

If OC3 mat or upholstery is defective, both parts may only be replaced together.

These must be fitted with the seat cover from the car.

Version from 09/05: 

Enabling seat occupancy detection (OC3 mat): 

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

Unclip cover (1) on front seat.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Installation note: 

Insert screws (1) with Loctite.

Fig 2: Identifying Thigh Support Screws

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Place thigh support (1) on seat surface.

Release all clamps (2).

Remove remnants of clamps from seat cover and seat mechanism.

Installation note: 

52 0 050 Bend new clamps closed with pliers.

Fig 3: Placing Thigh Support On Seat Surface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 4: Detaching Seat Cover In Marked Area From Support For Thigh Support

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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 5: Identifying Seat Cover And Clips

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Version with seat heating: 

Unlock plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Fig 6: Identifying Plug Connection

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Version with seat heating and/or seat occupancy detection: 

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

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

Fig 7: Identifying Seat Cover Cable

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US/CND front passenger seat (with OC3 mat) only: 

New seat cover must be fully installed with upholstery, seat heating and OC3 mat.

Release seat occupancy detection: 

• Connect diagnosis system
• Release seat occupancy detection
• Delete fault memory if necessary

This completes the "Replace seat cover for front seat" work scope for the above-stated vehicles.

Release all clamps.

Remove seat cover from upholstery.

Remove clamp remnants from seat cover and/or upholstery.

Fig 8: Locating Seat Cover Clamp

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Installation note: 

52 0 050 Bend new clamps closed with pliers.

1. Upholstery
2. Clamp
3. Trim wire in upholstery
4. Trim wire in cover
5. Seat cover
   Fig 9: Installing Retainers Using Special Tool (52 0 050)

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

1. Seat heater cable
   Fig 10: Identifying Trim Threads, Seat Cover And Cable

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.