52 16 400 Removing and installing/replacing seat cover for left or right front seat (sport/electric)

Special tools required: 

• 52 0 050

Necessary preliminary work: 

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

Front passenger seat US/CDN (OC3 mat) only: 

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

The same applies to a defective OC3 mat or upholstery; both parts can only be replaced together with the seat cover.

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

After fitting, the OC3 mat must be enabled with the BMW programming system.

Individual parts not available.

Enable 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.

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 2: Removing Seat Cover Metal Clamps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable.

Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 3: Identifying Thigh Support, Plug Connection And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 4: Identifying Seat Cover Clips

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Unhook seat cover (1) in area (2).

Disconnect plug connection (3).

Remove seat cover (1) complete with upholstery.

Fig 5: Identifying Seat Cover And Plug Connection

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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.

Fig 6: 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 7: Identifying Thigh Support And Seat Cover Cable Strap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

Bend new clamps closed with pliers 52 0 050 .

1. Upholstery
2. Clamp
3. Trim wire in upholstery
4. Trim wire in cover
5. Seat cover
   Fig 8: Bending Clamps Using Pliers (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.

(3) Seat heater cable

Fig 9: Identifying Seat Cover Trim Wires

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.