52 16 403 Replacing seat cover for front passenger seat (sports, 09/09 on)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

52 0 050

Necessary preliminary work

Remove FRONT PASSENGER SEAT .
Remove REAR PANEL on front seat backrest.
Remove INNER COVER on front seat.
Remove OPERATING UNIT for seat adjustment.

WARNING: US/CDN front passenger seat (with CIS mat) only:
A faulty CIS mat, seat heating or seat cover can only be replaced as a single unit.
New CIS mat is supplied with seat cover and if necessary seat heating.
After fitting seat cover, enable CIS mat with BMW diagnosis system.

WARNING: US/CDN front passenger seat (with CIS mat) only:
To avoid damaging the CIS mat, it is essential to carry out the following operations with extra care.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage on sharp-edged seat mechanism.
Guide all cables carefully through seat and backrest mechanism.
Make sure cable is routed without kinks and tension.
Make sure plug connections are correctly locked.
Make sure connectors are correctly seated in latch mechanisms.

Version with seat occupancy detection (CIS mat) only:

Data line CIS
Earth cable, seat pan
Earth cable, backrest frame

Unlock all plug connections and disconnect.

Fig 1: Identifying Data Line Cis And Earth Cables (Seat Pan And Backrest Frame)

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Cut open cable strap (1).

Installation note:

Replace defective cable strap.

Raise tab and pull connector from connector housing.

Fig 2: Pulling Connector From Connector Housing

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Unclip cover (1) on front seat.

Fig 3: 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 4: Removing Metal Clamps Left And Right On Cover

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Release screws (1).

Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable.

Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 5: Identifying 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 6: 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 7: Identifying Seat Cover And Plug Connection

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With air conditioning only as optional equipment:

Unlock plug connections (1) and disconnect.

Fig 8: 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.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clamps from seat cover and upholstery.

Fig 9: Locating Trim Wires And Cross-Wires Mounting Clamps

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Detach cable strap (3).

Unlock plug connection (4) and disconnect.

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

Fig 10: Identifying Thigh Support, Cable Tie, Seat Cover And Plug Connection

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

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Installation note:

52 0 050 Bend new retainers closed with pliers.

Upholstery
Clamp
Trim wire in upholstery
Trim wire in cover
Seat cover

Fig 12: Bending Clamps Using Pliers
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