52 16 405 Replacing backrest cover for left or right front seat

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 317
• 52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove FRONT SEAT 
• Remove REAR PANEL  on front seat backrest

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release all retainers from cover (1).

Installation: 

Bend new retainers closed with pliers 52 0 050 .

Remove cover (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

For A/C optional extra only: 

Loosen retainers (1).

Installation: 

52 0 050 Bend new retainers closed with pliers.

Unlock plug connections (2) and disconnect.

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection And Retainers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach backrest cover all round from backrest frame.

Fig 4: Removing Backrest Cover From Backrest Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Fig 5: Pulling Backrest Cover From Backrest Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release all retainers.

Remove backrest cover (1) from padding.

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

Fig 6: Locating Backrest Cover Clamps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

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

1. Padding
2. Retainer
3. Trim wire in padding
4. Trim wire in backrest cover
5. Backrest cover
   Fig 7: Bending Clamp Closed Using Plier

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove trim threads (1) from backrest cover.

(2) Seat heater cable

Installation: 

Push trim threads (1) into new backrest cover.

If necessary, cut into new component.

Fig 8: Identifying Backrest Cover And Trim Wires

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever out locking strip of head restraint guide with special tool 00 9 317 .

Installation: 

Mount straight front face of head restraint guide towards front.

Fig 9: Removing Head Restraint Guide Locking Strip Using Special Tool (00 9 317)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.