52 15 402 Replacing seat cover for driver's seat (sport/manual)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i 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 seat, driver's side . See 52 13 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT SEAT, DRIVER'S SIDE (NORMAL/MANUAL) or 52 14 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT, DRIVER'S SIDE, (NORMAL/ELECTRIC) .
Remove THIGH SUPPORT
REMOVE inner cover
Manual version:
Remove OUTER COVER
Electric version:
Remove OUTER COVER

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.

Unlock retaining lugs (1).

Remove seat trim (2) downwards.

Installation note:

Seat trim (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 1: Removing Seat Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with seat heating only:

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

Detach cable strap.

Release wiring harness (2) from cable clips on seat mechanism.

IMPORTANT: Feed the wiring harness carefully through the seat and backrest mechanism as the edges of the frame can be sharp.

Fig 2: Plug Connection For Seat Heating And Wiring Harness On Cable Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully slide bracing cloth (1) with foam through backrest gap and seat structure.

If applicable, route cable carefully through seat and backrest mechanics as the edges of the frame may be sharp.

Installation note:

Slide foam completely through backrest gap and seat structure.

Make sure foam and bracing cloth are correctly fitted.

Fig 3: Removing Seat Cover From Seat Frame

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Fully lift welt of seat cover out of seat frame.

Disengage seat cover at rear.

Fig 4: Lifting Welt Of Seat Cover Out Of Seat Frame

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Version with seat heating:

Pull seat cover (1) with upholstery forward a little and feed wiring harness (2) out.

Remove seat cover (1) with padding towards front/top.

Fig 5: Seat Cover And Feed Cable

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Remove seat cover (1) with padding towards front/top.

Fig 6: Removing Seat Cover With Padding

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Release all clamps (1) from seat cover (2).

Fig 7: Clamps And Seat Cover

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Detach all clamps in side area from longitudinal wires.

Pull trim wires forward out of seat cover.

Carefully fold back seat cover and release clamps from cross-wires.

Remove seat cover from upholstery.

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

Fig 8: Retainers Of OKE Strips

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Replacement only:

Pull trim wires out of seat cover.

Cut new seat cover to size and insert trim wires.

Fig 9: Seat Cover Trims

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Installation note:

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

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

Fig 10: Bending Retainers Using Special Tool (52 0 050)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.