52 14 030 Removing and installing/replacing backrest frame on left or right front seat

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove backrest cover
Remove seatback release
Remove microswitch . See 61 31 235 REPLACING MICROSWITCH ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT .
Remove coupling gear . See 72 11 033 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SEAT BELT .

NOTE: Before removing the backrest, it is essential to move the backrest forwards:

Tunnel side:

Release screw (1).

Installation:

Screw (1) must be replaced.

Tightening torque 52 10 07AZ, see 52 10 FRONT SEATS .

Fig 1: Identifying Backrest Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 52 10 08AZ, see 52 10 FRONT SEATS .

Fig 2: Identifying Door Side Stud

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Backrest mounting on door side:

Install door-side backrest link (1).
Backrest link (1) must be joined centrally on blocking cam (2).
Connect stud and tighten nut hand-tight.

Fig 4: Identifying Door-Side Backrest Link And Blocking Cam
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Backrest mounting on tunnel side:

Install tunnel-side backrest strut.
IMPORTANT: Plastic bushing must not be damaged
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: 52 10 08AZ, see 52 10 FRONT SEATS .
- Screw on tunnel side: 52 10 07AZ, see 52 10 FRONT SEATS .

Replacement only:

Remove inertia reel unit . See 72 11 033 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SEAT BELT .

Remove lumbar cushion and valve housing/drive unit on front seat. See 52 16 050 Removing and installing or replacing lumbar cushion on front seat , 52 16 055 Replacing an air cushion for left or right backrest width adjustment or 52 16 058 Removing and installing or replacing valve housing for lumbar cushion .