52 16 405 Replacing Backrest Cover On Front Left Or Right Seat (Sports/Electric)

Remove rear panel from front seat backrest, refer to 52 15 198 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR PANEL ON FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SEAT BACKREST (SPORTS/MANUAL) .

Detach backrest cover (1) from backrest frame (2).

Fig 1: Removing Backrest Cover From Backrest Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook ends of tensioning cord (1) from backrest frame (2).

Fig 2: Unhooking Ends Of Tensioning Cord From Backrest Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

1. Pass tensioning cord (1) with backrest cover (3) on left/right round clip mount (2).
Fig 3: Installing Tensioning Cord
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. Hook ends of tensioning cord to backrest frame, refer to previous work step.

Installation instruction for backrest width adjustment: 

Lay tension cables (1...2) underneath hoses (3) and cables (4).

Fig 4: Laying Tension Cables Underneath Hoses And Cables

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Exposing cable for seat heating on version with seat heating only: 

Removing outer cover on front seat:

Manual controls, refer to 52 13 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING OUTER COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKREST (NORMAL / MANUAL) .

Electrical controls, refer to 52 16 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING OUTER COVER ON FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SEAT (SPORTS/ELECTRIC) .

Unfasten plug connection (1).

Fig 5: Pulling Cable Out Of Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull cable (2) out of holder (3).

Model with seat heating only:

Pull out tongue (1).

Fig 6: Pulling Out Tongue

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull cable (2) out of holder (3).

Model with seat heating only:

Lift out Omega clip (1).

Fig 7: Disconnecting Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull out cable (2) from Omega clip (1).

Model with lumbar supports:

If necessary, disconnect plug connections (3) and (4).

Lift out Omega clip (1).

Removal or replacement of backrest frame only: 

Fig 8: Detaching Backrest Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press backrest cover (1) to one side and release screw (2) on left/right.

Detach backrest frame (3) with backrest cover upwards.

Installation: 

1. Replace screws (2) (microencapsulation).
2. Tightening torque, 32 Nm, except convertible which is 24 +4 Nm.

Removal of backrest cover with padding or replacement of backrest frame only: 

Remove both guides for head restraint at front, refer to 52 13... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING GUIDE FOR FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT HEAD RESTRAINT 

Version with lumbar support only:

Disconnect hoses (2) and (3) from valve housing (1).

Fig 9: Disconnecting Hoses And From Valve Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Valve housing must not be unclipped: leakage. If the valve housing is unclipped, release screw and clip valve housing together.

2 Hose (blue), top cushion

3 Hose (red), bottom cushion

Installation: 

1. Observe cable guide (1) for backrest heating.
Fig 10: Laying Air Hoses
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. Lay air hoses (2) without kinks through hole (3).

Version with lumbar support and backrest width adjustment only:

Detach hoses (1) and (2) at cutting line (heat with hot air blower if necessary).

Fig 11: Removing Hoses At Cutting Line

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

1. Hose (blue) upper cushion (lumbar support)
2. Hose (red) lower cushion (lumbar support)
3. Hose (white) right cushion (backrest width adjustment)
4. Hose (white) left cushion (backrest width adjustment)
5. Motor pump unit

Detach backrest cover (1) at sides towards front and remove with support upwards from backrest frame (2).

Fig 12: Removing Backrest Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal of backrest cover from padding, replacing padding: 

Release retainers (1) on left/right of backrest cover (2).

Fig 13: Releasing Retainers On Left/Right Of Backrest Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

First detach clips (1).

Fig 14: Folding Back Piping With Backrest Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fold back piping (2) with backrest cover (3).

Detach all remaining clips.

Fig 15: Removing Backrest Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove backrest cover (1) from padding.

Remove all remnants of retainers from backrest cover (1) and padding.

Installation: 

1. Fold in new clip (2) with special tool 52 0 050.
Fig 16: Folding In New Clip With Special Tool
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

1. Support
2. Retainer
3. Trim thread in support
4. Trim wire in backrest cover
5. Backrest cover

Replacement of backrest cover: 

Pull trim threads (1) out of backrest cover.

Fig 17: Replacing Backrest Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cut new backrest cover to size and insert trim threads (1).

2 Seat heater cable