52 14 030 Removing and installing/replacing backrest frame on left or right front seat (convertible): Notes

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove backrest cover 
• Remove backrest release 
• Remove microswitch .
• Remove coupling gear .

Tunnel side: 

Release screw (1).

Installation: 

Screw (1) must be replaced.

Tightening torque: 24 +4 Nm.

Fig 1: Identifying Backrest Screw

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Door side: 

Release nut on opposite side from stud (1).

Drive out stud (1) with plastic mallet.

Installation: 

Stud (1) and nut must be replaced.

Tightening torque: 40 +5 Nm.

Fig 2: Identifying Door Side Stud

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Remove backrest frame from seat mechanism as follows: 

Lever tunnel-side backrest frame with screwdriver over bushing.

Then remove backrest frame in upward direction by pulling with alternate movements.

Tunnel-side plastic bushing (1) must not be damaged.

Fig 3: Identifying Tunnel-Side Plastic Bushing

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Backrest mounting on door side: 

1. Install door-side backrest link (1).
2. Backrest link (1) must be joined centrally on blocking cam (2).
3. Connect stud and tighten nut hand-tight.
   Fig 4: Identifying Door-Side Backrest Link And Blocking Cam

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Backrest mounting on tunnel side: 

1. Install tunnel-side backrest strut.
   IMPORTANT: Plastic bushing must not be damaged
2. Tighten screw hand-tight.
   NOTE: Tighten down stud and screw only after mounting backrest on both sides.

   Fig 5: Identifying Plastic Bushing

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   
   Tightening torque:

   • Stud on door side: 40 +5 Nm.
   • Screw on tunnel side: 24 +4 Nm.

Replacement only: 

Remove inertia reel unit .

Remove lumbar cushion and valve housing/drive unit  and air cushion for backrest width adjustment  on front seat.