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 
• Remove CRASH-ACTIVE HEADREST 

Detach backrest cover on left and right from metal retainer.

Fig 1: Detaching Backrest Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Identifying Soft-Top Bow And Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Identifying Metal Clamps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach backrest cover from metal retainer.

Fig 4: Detaching Backrest Cover From Metal Retainer

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach backrest cover from metal retainer.

Fig 5: Detaching Backrest Cover From Metal Retainer

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach lower section of welt from backrest frame.

Fig 6: Detaching Lower Section Of Welt From Backrest Frame

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach welt from backrest frame in upper area.

Fig 7: Detaching Welt From Backrest Frame In Upper Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Loosen retainers.

Fig 8: Locating Retainers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 9: Identifying Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Unfasten screws (2).

Fig 10: Identifying Backrest Cover And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 11: Pulling Backrest Upper Section Foam Part

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Loosen retainers.

Fig 12: Identifying Retainers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release all clamps in marked area.

Remove backrest cover from padding.

Fig 13: Locating Clamps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement only: 

Pull trim wires out of backrest cover.

Cut new backrest cover to size and insert trim wires.

Fig 14: Inserting Trim Wires

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 New Clamp With Special Tool (52 0 050)

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.