52 16 405 Replacing backrest cover on front left or right seat (sports/electric)

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.

Special tools required:

52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Version with seat heating only:

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Detach cable strap (2).

Release wiring harness from cable holders on seat mechanism.

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

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection And Cable Strap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach backrest cover (1) from backrest frame.

Fig 2: Detaching Backrest Cover From Backrest Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach backrest cover in marked area.

Fig 3: Detaching Backrest Cover In Marked Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull off backrest cover (1) with padding sideways and towards top from backrest frame.

Fig 4: Identifying Backrest Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release all retainers in marked area.

Remove backrest cover from padding.

NOTE: Remove all remnants of retainers from backrest cover and padding.

Fig 5: Identifying Backrest Cover Retainers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Bend new retainer (2) with special tool 52 0 050

Padding
Retainer
Trim thread in padding
Trim wire in backrest cover
Back-rest cover

Fig 6: Identifying Padding, Trim, Backrest Cover, Retainers And Special Tool (52 0 050)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement of backrest cover:

Pull trim threads out of backrest cover.

Cut new backrest cover to size and insert trim threads.

Fig 7: Identifying Trim Threads Of Backrest Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.