52 15 404 Replacing seat cover for front passenger seat (sport/manual)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. 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 passenger seat . See 52 13 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE FRONT SEAT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE (NORMAL/MANUAL) or 52 14 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT SEAT (NORMAL/ELECTRIC) ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FROM LEFT OR RIGHT .
Remove THIGH SUPPORT
REMOVE inner cover
Manual version:
Remove OUTER COVER
Electric version:
Remove OUTER COVER

WARNING: US and Canadian version of the front passenger seat (with CIS mat):
The CIS mat is bonded to the entire surface of the facing and can only be removed in conjunction with the padding from the seat cover.
If CIS mat or padding is defective, both parts may only be replaced together.
Full functional capability can only be guaranteed with original BMW spare parts.
After installation, the CIS mat must be enabled with the BMW PROGRAMMING SYSTEM .

Cut open cable strap (1).

Lift locking tab and pull the connector out of the side of the connector housing.

Installation note:

Replace cable tie (1).

Connector is encoded against incorrect assembly.

Fig 1: Pulling Connector From Connector Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Unlock retaining lugs (1).

Remove seat trim (2) downwards.

Installation note:

Seat trim (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 2: Removing Seat Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with seat heating only:

Unlock plug connection (1) for seat heating and disconnect.

Detach cable strap.

Release wiring harness (2) from cable clips on seat mechanism.

IMPORTANT: Feed the wiring harness carefully through the seat and backrest mechanism as the edges of the frame can be sharp.

Fig 3: Plug Connection For Seat Heating And Wiring Harness On Cable Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully slide bracing cloth (1) with foam through backrest gap and seat structure.

If applicable, route cable carefully through seat and backrest mechanics as the edges of the frame may be sharp.

Installation note:

Slide foam completely through backrest gap and seat structure.

Make sure foam and bracing cloth are correctly fitted.

Fig 4: Removing Seat Cover From Seat Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fully lift welt of seat cover out of seat frame.

Disengage seat cover at rear.

Fig 5: Lifting Welt Of Seat Cover Out Of Seat Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lift seat cover with upholstery (1) at front and unclip mounting (2) for seat occupancy detection (SBE) (3).

Remove SBE (3) from upholstery (1) and place on flexmat.

Fig 6: Removing Seat Occupancy Detection From Upholstery Front Passenger Seat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with seat heating:

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 7: Seat Cover And Feed Cable

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 8: Removing Seat Cover With Padding

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release all clamps (1) from seat cover (2).

Fig 9: Clamps And Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach all clamps in side area from longitudinal wires.

Pull trim wires forward out of seat cover.

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

Remove seat cover from upholstery.

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

Fig 10: Retainers Of OKE Strips

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:

Pull trim wires out of seat cover.

Cut new seat cover to size and insert trim wires.

Fig 11: Seat Cover Trims

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

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

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

Fig 12: Bending Retainers Using Special Tool (52 0 050)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Enabling seat occupancy detector (CIS mat):

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