52 16 400 Removing and installing/replacing seat cover for left or right front seat (sport/electric)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT SEAT
Remove REAR PANEL on front seat backrest
Remove INNER COVER on front seat
Remove SWITCH COMBINATION for seat adjustment

WARNING:

US/CDN front passenger seat (with OC3 mat) only:

To avoid damaging the OC3 mat, it is essential to carry out the following operations with extra care.

When replacing seat cover:

If seat cover is defective, seat cover and support with OC3 mat must be replaced together.

New seat cover is supplied with support, OC3 mat and if necessary seat heating.

When replacing support with OC3 mat:

If OC3 mat or support is defective, both parts may only be replaced together.

These must be fitted with the seat cover from the car.

Up to build date 09/05:

Enabling seat occupancy detector (OC3 mat):

Connect BMW diagnosis system
Release seat occupancy detector
Clear fault memory if necessary

Build date from 09/05:

Enabling seat occupancy detector (OC3 mat):

Connect BMW PROGRAMMING SYSTEM
Code airbag control unit
Clear fault memory if necessary

Unclip cover (1) on front seat.

Fig 1: Identifying Cover On Front Seat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable.

Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connections And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach seat cover (1) in marked area on left and right.

Lever out left and right clips (2).

Installation:

If necessary, replace faulty clips.

Fig 3: Identifying Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook seat cover (1) in area (2).

Disconnect plug connection (3).

Remove seat cover (1) complete with support.

Fig 4: Detaching Plug Connections And Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with OC3 mat:

OC3 mat must not be kinked under any circumstances.

Detach all retainers in side area from longitudinal wires (1).

Pull trim wires (1) forward out of seat cover.

Carefully fold back seat cover and release retainers from cross-wires (2).

Remove seat cover from support.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clips from seat cover and support.

Fig 5: Identifying Longitudinal Wires And Trim Wires

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach cable strap (3).

Unlock plug connection (4) and disconnect.

Detach seat cover (2) in marked area from thigh support (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Seat Cover, Plug Connection And Cable Strap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Support (1) with OC3 mat (2).

IMPORTANT:

No retainer remainders may be fitted as well.

Handle OC3 mat with extreme care.

Do not kink OC3 mat.

Do not clamp OC3 mat.

OC3 mat must lie without folds under seat cover.

Fig 7: Identifying Support With OC3 Mat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Bend new retainers closed with pliers 52 0 050 .

Padding
Retainer
Trim wire in padding
Trim thread in cover
Seat cover

Fig 8: Identifying Support, Seat Cover And Support
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacing seat cover:

Pull trim threads (1) out of seat cover (2).

Installation:

Slide trim threads (1) into new seat cover (2). If necessary, cut mounting for trim threads.

(3) Seat heater cable

Fig 9: Identifying Trim Threads And Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.