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

Special tools required: 

• 52 0 050

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove FRONT SEAT, DRIVER'S SIDE 
• Remove SEAT SIDE AIRBAG
• Remove COVER ON INNER BACKREST 
• Remove COVER FOR SEAT BELT DEFLECTION 

For F06/12/F13: 

• Remove CRASH-ACTIVE HEADREST 

For F33: 

• Remove head restraint

Detach backrest cover on left and right from metal retainer.

Fig 1: Detaching Backrest Cover On Left And Right From Metal Retainer

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Fig 2: Removing Soft-Top Bow On Left And Right From Backrest Frame

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Unclip soft-top bow (1) on left and right and detach from backrest frame.

Unclip cover in direction of arrow.

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 slot on the seat mechanism.

Guide lug must not be broken.

Renew faulty cover if necessary.

Fig 3: Removing Metal Clamps Left And Right On Cover

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Detach backrest cover from metal retainer.

Fig 4: Detaching Backrest Cover From Metal Retainer

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Detach backrest cover from metal retainer.

Fig 5: Detaching Backrest Cover From Metal Retainer

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Detach lower section of welt from backrest frame.

Fig 6: Detaching Lower Section Of Welt From Backrest Frame

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Detach welt from backrest frame in upper area.

Fig 7: Detaching Welt From Backrest Frame In Upper Area

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Loosen retainers.

Fig 8: Identifying Backrest Cover Retainers

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Unlock plug connection (1) for seat heating and disconnect.

Fig 9: Identifying Plug Connection

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Pull off backrest cover (1) sideways and towards top from backrest frame.

Unfasten screws (2).

Fig 10: Pulling Backrest Cover Sideways And Towards Top From Backrest Frame

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Pull off backrest upper section foam part (1) including inlay.

Fig 11: Pulling Backrest Upper Section Foam Part

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Loosen retainers.

Fig 12: Identifying Backrest Cover Retainers

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Release all clamps in marked area.

Remove backrest cover from padding.

Fig 13: Identifying Backrest Cover Clamps In Marked Area

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Replacement only: 

Pull trim wires out of backrest cover.

Cut new backrest cover to size and insert trim wires.

Fig 14: Identifying Trim Wires Of Backrest Cover

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Installation note: 

Bend new clamp (2) with special tool 52 0 050 .

1. Upholstery
2. Clamp
3. Trim wire in upholstery
4. Trim wire in backrest cover
5. Backrest cover
   Fig 15: Bending Clamp With Special Tool (52 0 050)

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.