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

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) .

Special Tools Required:

52 0 050

Necessary Preliminary Tasks:

Remove front seat. Refer to 52 13 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (NORMAL/SEMI-ELECTRIC) .
Remove rear panel on front seat backrest. Refer to 52 13 198 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR PANEL ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKREST (NORMAL/SEMI-ELECTRIC) .
Remove inner cover on front seat. Refer to 52 13 041 REMOVING AND INSTALLING INNER COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (NORMAL/SEMIELECTRIC) .
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: To avoid damaging the OC3 mat, it is essential to carry out the following operations with extra care.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable.

Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 2: View Of 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:

If necessary, replace faulty clips.

Fig 3: Locating Seat Cover Clips

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Disconnect plug connections (3).

Remove seat cover (1) complete with support.

Fig 4: Removing 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.

Release all retainers.

Remove seat cover from padding.

Remove all remnants of retainers from seat cover and/or padding.

Fig 5: View Of Retainers In Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach cable strap (3).

Unfasten plug connection (4) and disconnect.

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

Fig 6: Detaching Cable Strap

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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 7: View Of Support With OC3 Mat

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Installation:

Bend new retainers closed with pliers 52 0 050.

Fig 8: Installing Retainers Using Pliers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacing Seat Cover:

Pull trim threads (1) out of seat cover (2).

Installation:

Slide trim threads (1) into new seat cover (2). If necessary, cut mounting for trim threads.

(3) Seat heater cable

Fig 9: Locating Trim Threads In Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.