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Home >> Mini >> 2003 >> Cooper Base, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Seats >> Seats - Repair - Cooper (R50), Cooper S (R53) & Convertible (R52) >> Front Seat, Normal, Manual >> 52 13 030 Removing and installing / replacing backrest frame on driver's and front passenger seats (manual / electric)

52 13 030 Removing and installing / replacing backrest frame on driver's and front passenger seats (manual / electric)

Necessary Preliminary Tasks: 

If necessary, detach adjusting wheel for lumbar support (1) in direction shown.

Release lower fixture (2) of backrest panel. Release side fixture (3) of backrest panel. Release upper fixture (4) of backrest panel.

Disconnect Bowden cable (5) for easy entry in direction shown from seat mechanism.

Fig 1: Identifying Fixtures Of Backrest Panel
G03306858Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect seat heating element in backrest. Detach lower edge of backrest panel from frame. Remove cover and padding from head restraint guides.

Remove backrest panel (1).

Installation: 

Pay attention to attachment of upholstery material to backrest frame.

Remove upholstery material (2).

Fig 2: Removing Backrest Panel And Upholstery Material
G03306859Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: The right side is removed in the same way as the left side.

Release side fixture (1) of seat cushion panel. Remove retaining clip (2) of seat cushion panel.

Release Torx screws (3). Tightening torque, refer to 52 13 3AZ in SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES - COOPER (1.6L) R50/W10 .

Remove backrest frame (4).

Fig 3: Identifying Side Fixture Of Seat Cushion Panel
G03306860Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement: 

Seats with lumbar support: Release screws securing the lumbar support mechanism to frame (1).

Remove lumbar support springs from frame (2).

Remove lumbar support mechanism (3).

Installation: 

Check following points by referring to the illustration:

  1. Approx. 10 mm (on both sides).
  2. Make sure that the springs are secured between the two cross wires.
  3. The lumbar support cable runs behind the lumbar support.
  4. Finally check whether the frame is distorted by the lumbar support.
Fig 4: Locating Lumbar Support Mechanism Inspection Areas
G03306861Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Seats without lumbar support: 

Detach backrest carrier from backrest frame (1). Remove carrier (2).

Remove carrier (2).

Fig 5: Removing Backrest Carrier
G03306862Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press in retaining tongues (retaining lugs). Remove head restraint guides.

Fig 6: View Of Head Restraint Guide Retaining Lugs
G03306863Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.