52 16 407 Replacing backrest cover (Sport) for driver's seat

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove DRIVER'S SEAT .
• Remove REAR PANEL  on front seat backrest

Optional equipment with seat heating only: 

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection

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Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection

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Only with air conditioning optional equipment: 

Open Velcro fasteners (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Velcro-Type Fasteners

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Unlock and disconnect plug connections (1) for fan.

Fig 4: Identifying Fan Plug Connections

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Disengage backrest cover in lower area from attachment points.

Fig 5: Disengaging Lower Backrest Cover

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Disengage backrest cover in upper area from attachment points.

Fig 6: Disengaging Upper Backrest Cover

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With rear passenger compartment monitor optional equipment only: 

Remove rear passenger compartment monitor.

Release tackers in marked area from carrier plate (1).

Remove clamps (2) at top left and right.

Replacement only: 

New backrest cover must be cut to size.

Slide cutting base under cover.

Place template on leather edge.

Mark outline and cut out.

Fig 7: Identifying Carrier Plate And Clamps

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Installation note: 

Mount head restraint to pretension backrest cover.

The seam of the backrest cover must not be wavy and must be flush with the backrest frame upper edge.

Align backrest cover centrally.

Tack backrest cover with pneumatic tacker (sourcing reference: see BMW workshop equipment) front inside outwards to carrier plate (1).

7 tackers on carrier plate at top.

4 tackers on left and right in side area.

52 0 050 Bend new clamps closed with pliers.

Backrest cover must not show any folds.

Disengage cover welt from cover securing strip.

1. Raise cover welt from cover securing strip.
2. Pull cover welt upwards and feed out of cover securing strip.
   Fig 8: Disengaging Cover Welt From Cover Securing Strip

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Unhook backrest cover (1) at bottom and sides towards front.

Pull off backrest cover (1) with upholstery towards top from backrest frame (2).

Fig 9: Pulling Backrest Cover

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Release all clamps.

Remove backrest cover (1) from upholstery.

Installation note: 

Remove all remnants of clips from backrest cover (1) and upholstery.

Fig 10: Locating Backrest Cover Clamps

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Installation note: 

Bend new clamp (2) 52 0 050 closed with pliers.

1. Upholstery
2. Clamp
3. Trim wire in upholstery
4. Trim wire in backrest cover
5. Backrest cover
   Fig 11: Bending Retainer Using Pliers

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Replacement only: 

Remove trim wires (1) from backrest cover.

(2) Seat heating cable

Installation note: 

Push trim wires (1) into new backrest cover.

If necessary, cut locators for trim wires in new part.

Fig 12: Identifying Backrest Cover Trim Wire And Seat Heater Cable

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Lever out locking strip of head restraint guide with special tool 100 9 317 .

Fig 13: Identifying Head Restraint Guide Locking Strip

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