Checking the front seat for damage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2025 BMW M4, 2024 BMW M4, 2023 BMW M4, 2022 BMW M4, and 2021 BMW M4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Checking the front seat for damage (electrically adjustable front seat)

WARNING: Airbag unit.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

Before performing any work on the airbag, always disconnect the battery ground lead from the battery.
Airbag unit may only be set down with the cushion (airbag itself) facing upwards.
For additional information see: SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR HANDLING COMPONENTS WITH GAS GENERATORS .

WARNING: Pyrotechnic components.
Danger! Immobilization period-threatening injuries!

All work on pyrotechnic parts may be carried out by technically experienced and appropriately trained personnel only.
Replace any damaged part or ones that have been dropped.
For additional information see: SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR HANDLING COMPONENTS WITH GAS GENERATORS .

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Different variants maybe installed depending on the vehicle equipment.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The next steps are identical for all versions.

Disconnecting all battery ground leads

See DISCONNECTING THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE OF THE SYSTEM BATTERY .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unlock plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Connect the adapter cable 5 A4B 7F4 with the wiring harness (1) and front seat (2).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnecting all battery ground leads
See DISCONNECTING THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE OF THE SYSTEM BATTERY .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Inspect the seat rails of the front seat (1) for contamination and foreign bodies; If there are any, remove them from the seat rails.
Move the front seat (1) back with the button (2) all the way to the end position.
Prepare a commercially available clip-on current measurement probe (3).
Attach the clip-on current measurement probe (3) In the red marked area as shown.
Move the front seat (1) to the front with the button (2) up to the end position and observe the displayed maximum values of the clip-on current measurement probe (3).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check

Check whether the recorded maximum value is greater than 8 A.

Result

» The recorded maximum value is greater than 8 A.

Measure

Replace the front seat.

Result

» The recorded maximum value is less than 8 A.

Measure

Reuse the front seat.

Checking the front seat for damage (mechanically adjustable front seat)

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Different variants may be installed depending on the vehicle equipment.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The next steps are identical for all versions.

Fasten the forward/back seat adjuster (1) with a commercially available tensioning belt (2) at a suitable position of the seat frame (3).
Carefully tension the tensioning belt (2) so that the forward/back seat adjuster (1) is completely unlocked.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Slide the front seat (1) in the arrow direction until it moves into the rear end position.
Inspect the seat rails of the front seat (1) for contamination and foreign bodies; if there are any, remove them from the seat rails.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Provide a commercially available digital luggage scale (1) that works up to a maximum tensile force of 40 kg (400 Nm).
The digital luggage scale (1) must record the maximum value achieved for evaluation.
Fasten the digital luggage scale (1) on the seat frame (2).
Move the front seat (3) forward into the end position by pulling on the luggage scale (1).
The recorded maximum value must not exceed 16 kg (160 Nm).

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check
Check whether the recorded maximum value is greater than 16 kg (160 Nm).
Result

» The recorded maximum value is greater than 16 kg (160 Nm).

Measure
- Replace the front seat.
Result

» The recorded maximum value is less than 16 kg (160 Nm).

Measure
- Reuse the front seat.