52 16 405 Replacing backrest cover for left or right front seat (M3 sport seat)

Special tools required: 

• 52 0 050 

See SEATS - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove front seat  
• Remove seat side airbag  . See 72 12 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING SIDE AIRBAG (SPORT SEAT) .
• Remove trim cover  
• Remove inner cover  
• Remove trim cover for outer fitting  

Detach backrest cover (1) from backrest frame.

Disengage bracing (2).

Installation: 

Bracing (2) must be fitted under side airbag  .

Fig 1: Identifying Backrest Cover And Bracing

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Detach backrest cover (1) from backrest frame.

Fig 2: Identifying Backrest Cover

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Detach backrest cover from metal retainer.

Lever out welt in marked area.

Fig 3: Identifying Backrest Cover

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Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Disconnect cable tie (2) for seat heating.

Disengage wiring harness for seat heating from cable holders on seat mechanism.

Fig 4: Identifying Plug Connection And Cable Tie

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Padding is reinforced at corner points (1) and is guided under Bowden cable clip (2).

Installation: 

Engage reinforcement (1) in Bowden cable clip (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Bowden Cable Clip And Reinforcement

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Pull off backrest cover (1) with padding sideways and towards top from backrest frame (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Backrest Cover And Backrest Frame

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If necessary, release retainers on left/right.

Fig 7: Identifying Retainers On Left/Right

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Loosen retainers (1).

Fold back welt (2) with backrest cover (3).

Fig 8: Identifying Retainers, Back Welt And Backrest Cover

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Release all retainers in marked area.

Remove backrest cover (1) from padding.

Fig 9: Identifying Backrest Cover

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Replacement only: 

Pull trim wires (1) out of backrest cover.

Cut new backrest cover to size and insert trim wires (1).

Fig 10: Identifying Trim Wires

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Installation: 

Bend new retainer (2) with special tool .

1. Padding
2. Retainer
3. Trim wire in padding
4. Trim wire in backrest cover
5. Backrest cover
   Fig 11: Bending Retainer With Special Tool

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.