52 13 015 Removing and installing/replacing controls on left/right front seat (normal/manual)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW X5 and 2002 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: The actuating unit for front seats which was fitted during car production is different from the spare part.

Actuating Unit Version (A):

The two adjusting screws (1) and (2) for eccentric disks, have a commercially available Torx screw head which is sealed with hot-melt adhesive.

The adjusting screws (1) and (2) must not be adjusted in the workshop.
The actuating unit may only be removed from and refitted to the same front seat.

Fig 1: Identifying Actuating Unit Version "A"
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Actuating Unit Version (B):

The two adjusting screws (1) and (2) for eccentric disks, are secured with tamper protection in the screw head.

The adjusting screws (1) and (2) must not be adjusted in the workshop.
The actuating unit may only be removed from and refitted to the same front seat.

Fig 2: Identifying Actuating Unit Version (B)

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Actuating Unit Version (C) (Spare Part):

The two adjusting screws for the eccentric disk have conventional Phillips heads.

The adjusting screws (1) and (2) can be adjusted in the workshop.
The actuating unit may be fitted to either front seat.
Prior to installation, apply an acid-free grease to thread; the grease forces the eccentric disk upwards during adjustment

Fig 3: Identifying Actuating Unit Version (C)
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Removing And Installing Actuating Unit:

Remove front seat, refer to 52 14 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (NORMAL/ELECTRIC) .

Remove outer cover, refer to 52 16 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING OUTER COVER ON FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SEAT (SPORTS/ELECTRIC) .

Move front seat to basic position:

CAUTION: One seat runner is spring-loaded, risk of injury when unlocking.

Operate actuating lever (1) and snap seat runners (2) into position by sliding.

Operate actuating lever (3) and snap seat cushion (4) into position by loading.

Operate actuating lever (5) and snap seat backrest (6) into position by moving.

Fig 4: Identifying Operating Actuating Levers

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Lever out rear trim (1), unclip clips (2) and remove trim (1).

Fig 5: Removing Seat Runner Trim

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Installation:

Catch (1) and clips (2) on trim (3) must not be damaged; replace if necessary.

Fig 6: Replace Damaged Trim

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Version With Seat Heater And/Or Lumbar Support:

Slide cable (1) out of fixture (2) of actuating unit (3).

Fig 7: Sliding Cable Out Of Fixture On Actuating Unit (1 Of 2)

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Version With Seat Heater And/Or Lumbar Support:

Slide cable (1) out of fixture (2) of actuating unit (3).

Fig 8: Sliding Cable Out Of Fixture On Actuating Unit (2 Of 2)

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Model With Lumbar Supports:

If necessary, slide cable (1) out of fixture (2) of actuating unit (3).

If necessary, disconnect switch (4).

Fig 9: Sliding Cable From Fixture As Necessary

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Release expansion rivet (1) and detach rocker (2) (adjustment lever) from lever (3).

Fig 10: Detaching Rocker (Adjustment Lever) From Lever

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CAUTION: Do not turn adjustment lever (2) on threaded rod (2).

Lift actuating lever (1) and release screw (2).

Release screws (3) and (4) and detach actuating unit (5).

Fig 11: Removing Actuating Unit Assembly

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Installation:

Screw (3) is shorter than the others.

Insert screw (3) for assembly into actuating unit (5).

Tightening torque, refer to 52 10 7AZ in SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES - X5 .

Installation:

Front guide (1) and eccentric disks (2) on actuating unit (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 12: Use Care When Handling Front Guide And Eccentric Disks

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Replacement Of Actuating Unit Version (C) (Spare Part) Only:

Installation:

For adjustment, coat threads (1) with acid-free grease.

The eccentric disks (2) and (4) are carried upwards for adjustment by the grease.

Fig 13: Replacing Actuating Unit Version (C)

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Adjusting Actuating Unit, Actuating Unit Version (C) (Spare Part) Only:

Adjusting seat height and backrest inclination:

The screw heads of threads (2) must remain clipped in place
Unscrew eccentric disk (1)
Apply acid-free grease to threads (2)
Screw on eccentric disk (1)
Turn eccentric disk (1) to zero position:
straight surface (3) of eccentric disk (1) must be at top.

Fig 14: Adjusting Actuating Unit Version (C)
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NOTE: The picture does not match the replacement unit, the replacement unit has Phillips screws.

Install actuating unit.

Fig 15: Installing Actuating Unit
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Press screws (1) and (2) out of hexagon head to seat center and screw down.

Tightening torque, refer to 52 12 8AZ in SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES - X5 .

Adjust Longitudinal Seat Setting:

Compress unlocking plates (1) and (2) on seat runner on left/right with gripping pliers (3) (free of play)

Fig 16: Adjusting Longitudinal Seat Setting (1 Of 3)

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Adjust Longitudinal Seat Setting:

Push new coupling link (1) (adjustment lever) onto threaded rod (3) and secure with expansion rivet (2)

Fig 17: Adjusting Longitudinal Seat Setting (2 Of 3)

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Adjust longitudinal seat setting:

Press actuating lever (1) for longitudinal seat adjustment downwards and press together locking clip (3) on coupling link (4)
(coupling link (4) is now firmly connected to threaded rod (2))
Install front seat in the car.
If necessary, release expansion rivet (5) and readjust by turning coupling link (4)

Fig 18: Adjusting Longitudinal Seat Setting (3 Of 3)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Move front seat to basic position:

Operate actuating lever (1) and snap seat runners (2) into position by sliding.
Operate actuating lever (3) and snap seat cushion (4) into position by loading.
Operate actuating lever (5) and snap seat backrest (6) into position by moving.
Each actuating lever must have clearance until the mechanism is unlocked
If there is no clearance, the mechanism may be in a semi-unlocked state (risk of injury in event of an accident)
If there is excessive clearance, the mechanism may not unlock completely (no adjustment possible)

Fig 19: Testing Actuating Lever Operation
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Carrying out checks of seat height and backrest inclination adjustment (danger to life of vehicle occupants):

Check backrest inclination:

Front seat must be in basic position
Actuating lever (1) must be in zero position Pin (2) must rest against pull rod (3)
There must be a clearance (A). (A) = 0 to 0.5 mm

Fig 20: Checking Backrest Inclination
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Check seat height:

Front seat must be in basic position
Actuating lever (1) must be in zero position
Metal lever (2) must rest against metal lever (3)
There must be a clearance (A). (A) = 0 to 0.5 mm

Fig 21: Checking Seat Height
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.