52 13 030 Removing and installing/replacing backrest frame on left or right front seat

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 21 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 328xi, 2013 BMW 328i, 2012 BMW 328xi, 2012 BMW 328i, and 2011 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove Front Seat
Remove Rear Panel on front seat backrest

Detach cable connectors.

Release airbag wiring harness (2) from cable holders on seat mechanism.

Raise release clip (3) and pull plug (4) out of plug housing (1).

NOTE: If necessary, release yellow plug housing (1) from holder on seat mechanism.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug, Wiring Harness, Clip And Plug Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Detach cable connectors.

Release wiring harness (3) from cable holders on seat mechanism.

Unfasten plug connection (2) and disconnect.

IMPORTANT: Feed all wiring harnesses carefully through the seat and backrest mechanism as the edges of the frame can be sharp.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections And Wiring Harness

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E92 only:

Lever out retaining clip (1) on left and right.

Installation:

Replace retaining clip (1).

Make sure retaining clip (1) is correctly seated.

Fig 3: Identifying Retaining Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E92 only:

Unhook seat covers on left and right.

Unclip ball socket (1) from ball head on left and right.

Installation:

Ball socket (1) must snap audibly into place.

Ball socket (1) must be able to move freely on ball head.

Unclip guide (2) for Bowden cable with plastic wedge.

Fig 4: Identifying Ball Socket And Guide

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook seat covers (1) on left and right.

Release screws (2) on left and right.

For tightening torque refer to 2AZ in 52 10 FRONT SEATS

Remove backrest frame (3) completely towards top.

Fig 5: Identifying Backrest Frame, Seat Covers And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Remove Backrest Cover with padding.