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

Special tools required: 

• 52 0 050  , see 52 0 050 PLIERS .

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove front seat  , see 52 14 000 Removing and installing left or right front seat .
• Remove rear panel  on front seat backrest, see 52 14 198 Removing and installing or replacing rear panel on left or right front seat backrest .
• Remove inner cover  on front seat, see 52 14 041 Removing and installing inner cover on left or right front seat .
• Remove SWITCH COMBINATION for seat adjustment

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

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

The same applies to a defective OC3 mat or padding; both parts can only be replaced together with the seat cover.

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

After fitting, the OC3 mat must be enabled with the BMW programming system.

Individual parts not available.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:  Remove metal clamps (1) left and right on the cover. Bend up metal clamps and insert back into the cover. Clip metal clamps (1) with cover into the center slot on the seat mechanism. Guide lug must not be broken. Renew faulty cover if necessary.

Fig 2: Removing Metal Clamps Left And Right On Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1). Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable. Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connections, Thigh Support 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 note:  If necessary, replace faulty clips.

Fig 4: Identifying Seat Cover And Clips

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook seat cover (1) in area (2). Disconnect plug connection (3). Remove seat cover (1) complete with upholstery.

Fig 5: Identifying Seat Cover And Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach all clamps in side area from longitudinal wires (1). Pull trim wires (1) forward out of seat cover. Carefully fold back seat cover and release clamps from cross-wires (2). Remove seat cover from upholstery.

Fig 6: Removing Remnants Of Retainers From Seat Cover And Padding

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 7: Identifying Cable Strap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: Bend new clamps closed with pliers 52 0 050.

1. Upholstery
2. Clamp
3. Trim wire in upholstery
4. Trim wire in cover
5. Seat cover

Fig 8: Bending Retainers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace seat cover:  Pull trim wires (1) out of seat cover (2).

Installation note:  Slide trim wires (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.