Necessary preliminary tasks

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Remove seat cover for front seat See 5215400 REPLACING SEAT COVER FOR LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (SPORT/MANUAL) or 5213400 REPLACING SEAT COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (NORMAL/MANUAL)
Remove BACKREST FRAME on front seat
Remove SEAT BELT TENSIONER
Remove CONTROL UNIT FOR SEAT HEATING

Disconnect all cable ties.

Unlock plug housing (1) from flexmat and disconnect.

Release seat wiring harness (2) from cable holders on seat mechanism.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Housing And Seat Wiring Harness

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only:

The seat mechanism is supplied complete with corresponding drive units.