52 17 400 Removing and installing/replacing seat cover for left or right front seat (comfort)

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 317
• 52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove FRONT SEAT 
• Remove BOTH REAR PANELS  on front seat backrest
• Remove INNER COVER  on front seat
• Remove THIGH SUPPORT 
• Remove SWITCH COMBINATION for seat adjustment

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.

Unclip trim (1) for thigh support carrier with special tool 00 9 317  .

Fig 2: Identifying Trim For Thigh Support Carrier

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release retainers in area (1).

Detach seat cover in area (2) on left and right.

Remove cable (3).

Fig 3: Identifying Retainers, Seat Cover And Cable

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.

Support (1) with OC3 mat (2).

Fig 5: Locating Longitudinal Wires And Trim Wires

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 6: Identifying Support With OC3 Mat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Bend new retainers closed with pliers 52 0 050  .

1. Padding
2. Retainer
3. Trim wire in padding
4. Trim thread in cover
5. Seat cover
   Fig 7: Identifying Support, Seat Cover And Support

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacing seat cover: 

Pull trim threads (1) out of seat cover.

Installation: 

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

Fig 8: Identifying Trim Threads

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.