52 16 402 Replacing seat cover for driver's seat (Sport): Notes

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• 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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 center slot on the seat mechanism.

Guide lug must not be broken.

Renew faulty cover if necessary.

Fig 2: Removing Left And Right Cover Metal Clamps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Installation note: 

Insert screws with Loctite.

Tightening torque: see 11AZ in 52 10 FRONT SEATS

Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable.

Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 3: Identifying Thigh Support, Plug Connection And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Removing Seat Cover Mark Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With air conditioning only as optional equipment: 

Release plug connections (1) and disconnect.

Fig 6: Identifying Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 Seat Cover Clamp

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 Retainers Using Special Tool (52 0 050)

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.