52 16 403 Replacing seat cover for front passenger seat (sports, 09/09 on)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT PASSENGER SEAT
Remove REAR PANEL on front seat backrest
Remove INNER COVER on front seat
Remove OPERATING UNIT for seat adjustment

WARNING: US/CDN front passenger seat (with CIS mat) only:
A faulty CIS mat, seat heating or seat cover can only be replaced as a single unit.
New CIS mat is supplied with seat cover and if necessary seat heating.
Full functional capability can only be guaranteed with original BMW spare parts.
After fitting seat cover, enable CIS mat with BMW diagnosis system.

WARNING: US/CDN front passenger seat (with CIS mat) only:
To avoid damaging the CIS mat, it is essential to carry out the following operations with extra care.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage on sharp-edged seat mechanism.
Guide all cables carefully through seat and backrest mechanism.
Make sure cable is routed without kinks and tension.
Make sure plug connections are correctly locked.
Make sure connectors are correctly seated in latch mechanisms.

Version with seat occupancy detection (CIS mat) only:

Data line CIS
Earth cable, seat pan
Earth cable, backrest frame

Unlock all plug connections and disconnect.

Fig 1: Identifying Data Line CIS And Earth Cables

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cut open cable strap (1).

Installation note:

Replace defective cable strap.

Raise tab and pull connector from connector housing.

Fig 2: Pulling Plug From Plug Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip cover (1) on front seat.

Fig 3: 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 4: Removing Metal Clamps Left And Right On Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Disconnect plug connections (2) and detach cable.

Remove thigh support (3) towards top.

Fig 5: Identifying Plug Connections, Thigh Support 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 6: 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 7: Removing Seat Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With air conditioning only as optional equipment:

Unlock plug connections (1) and disconnect.

Fig 8: 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.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clamps from seat cover and upholstery.

Fig 9: Locating Seat Cover Clamp

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach cable strap (3).

Unlock plug connection (4) and disconnect.

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

Fig 10: Detaching Seat Cover In Marked Area From Thigh Support

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace seat cover:

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

Installation note:

Slide trim wires (1) into new seat cover (2).

If necessary, cut mounting for trim threads.

Seat heater cable

Fig 11: Identifying Trim Threads, Seat Cover And Cable
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

52 0 050 Bend new clamps closed with pliers.

Upholstery
Clamp
Trim wire in upholstery
Trim wire in cover
Seat cover

Fig 12: Installing Retainers Using Special Tool (52 0 050)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.