52 17 400 Removing and installing/replacing seat cover for left or right front seat (comfort)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 BMW 545i and 2004 BMW 545i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

For Special Tool identification, see SEATS - SPECIAL TOOLS - 5-SERIES (E60) and MAINTENANCE & GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS - 545i (4.4L) E60/N62 .

Special Tools Required:

00 9 317
52 0 050

Necessary Preliminary Tasks:

Remove front seat. Refer to 52 17 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (COMFORT) .
Remove both rear panels on front seat backrest. Refer to 52 17 205 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTH REAR PANELS ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKREST (COMFORT) .
Remove inner cover on front seat. Refer to 52 17 041 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING INNER COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (COMFORT) .
Remove thigh support. Refer to 52 17 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT THIGH SUPPORT .
Remove switch combination for seat adjustment. Refer to 61 31 203 REPLACING SEAT ADJUSTMENT SWITCH COMBINATION (FULLY ELECTRIC FRONT SEAT) .

WARNING: US/CND front passenger seat (with OC3 mat) only: Seat cover must not be separated from padding. All parts must be replaced completely and released with the diagnosis system in event of defective seat cover, seat heating, OC3 mat or padding.

When replacing seat cover:

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

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

When replacing support with OC3 mat:

If OC3 mat or support is defective, both parts may only be replaced together.

These must be fitted with the seat cover from the car.

Enabling seat occupancy detector (OC3 mat):

Connect BMW diagnosis system.
Release seat occupancy detector.
Clear fault memory if necessary.

Unclip cover (1) on front seat.

Fig 1: Removing Cover On Front Seat

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Unclip trim (1) for thigh support carrier with special tool 00 9 317.

Fig 2: Removing Trim For Thigh Support Carrier With Special Tool 00 9 317

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release retainers in area (1).

Detach seat cover in area (2) on left and right.

Remove cable (3).

Fig 3: Locating Seat Cover Retainers

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Unhook seat cover (1) in area (2).

Disconnect plug connections (3).

Remove seat cover (1) complete with support.

Fig 4: View Of Seat Cover With Support

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Version with OC3 mat:

OC3 mat must not be kinked under any circumstances.

Detach all retainers in side area from longitudinal wires (1).

Pull trim wires (1) forward out of seat cover.

Carefully fold back seat cover and release retainers from cross-wires (2).

Remove seat cover from support.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clips from seat cover and support.

Fig 5: Identifying Seat Retainers

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Support (1) with OC3 mat (2).

IMPORTANT: No retainer remainders may be fitted as well. Handle OC3 mat with extreme care. Do not kink OC3 mat. Do not clamp OC3 mat. OC3 mat must lie without folds under seat cover

Fig 6: View Of Support With OC3 Mat

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Installation:

Bend new retainers closed with pliers 52 0 050.

Fig 7: Installing Retainers Using Pliers

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Replacing Seat Cover:

Pull trim threads (1) out of seat cover.

Installation:

Slide trim threads (1) into new seat cover. If necessary, cut mounting for trim threads.

Fig 8: View Of Trim Threads In Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.