52 16 402 Replacing seat cover for driver's seat (sport)

Special tools required: 

• 52 0 050

Necessary preliminary work 

• Remove DRIVER'S SEAT .
• Remove REAR PANEL  on front seat backrest.
• Remove INNER COVER  on front seat.
• Remove OPERATING UNIT for seat adjustment.

Unclip cover (1) on front seat.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Seat Cover

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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 centre 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

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Release screws (1).

Installation note: 

Insert screws with Loctite.

Tightening torque 52 10 11AZ .

Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable.

Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 3: Identifying Thigh Support, Screws And Plug Connections

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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

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Unhook seat cover in marked area (1).

With seat heating only as optional equipment: 

Disconnect plug connection (2).

Remove seat cover complete with upholstery.

Fig 5: Identifying Seat Cover And Plug Connection

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With air conditioning only as optional equipment: 

Release plug connections (1) and disconnect.

Fig 6: Identifying Plug Connections

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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 7: Locating Trim Wires And Cross-Wires Mounting Clamps

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Cut open cable tie (3).

Installation note: 

Replace defective cable strap.

Release plug connection (4) and disconnect.

Detach seat cover (2) in marked area from thigh support (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Thigh Support, Cable Tie, Seat Cover And Plug Connection

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Installation note: 

52 0 050 Bend new retainers closed with pliers.

1. Upholstery
2. Clamp
3. Trim wire in upholstery
4. Trim wire in cover
5. Seat cover
   Fig 9: Bending Clamps Using Pliers

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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 10: Identifying Trim Wires, Seat Cover And Seat Heater Cable

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.