52 14 000 Removing and installing left or right front seat (normal / electric)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 525i, 2002 BMW 525i, and 2001 BMW 525i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Removal for defective transmission for longitudinal seat adjustment, refer to 52 14 899 ADDITIONAL WORK (NORMAL/ ELECTRIC) WITH DEFECTIVE DRIVE FOR LONGITUDINAL ADJUSTMENT
Move front seat as far forwards/upwards as possible.

IMPORTANT: Note safety regulations on handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical seatbelt tensioners.

Improper handling can lead to triggering of the pyrotechnical seat belt tensioner or side airbag, resulting in injuries.

Switch off ignition.

Unfasten seatbelt screw.

Tightening torque. Refer to SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 1: Unfastening Seatbelt

G03128580

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull retainer (1) backwards to unlock and pull inwards to remove. Lift Bowden cable (2) for seatbelt height adjustment forwards to remove.

Fig 2: Lifting Bowden Cable For Seatbelt Height

G03128581

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Failure to comply with this disassembly sequence causes the web (4) to break, thereby destroying the finisher.

Move front seat into furthest forward position.

Raise center finisher slightly on detent head,
Unlock and lift out inner clip tabs,
Pull finisher backwards to remove.

Fig 3: Raising Centre Finisher Slightly On Detent Head

G03128582

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only US driver's side:

Pull off detent (1) for longitudinal seat adjustment.

Fig 4: Pulling Off Detent For Longitudinal Seat

G03128583

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten screws.

Tightening torque. Refer to SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Move front seat as far back as possible.

Fig 5: Identifying Front Seat Rail

G03128584

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock cover and fold forwards.
Disconnect connector (1) and remove (2).

Fig 6: Disconnecting Connector

G03128585

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Up to 1996 model:

Unfasten screw.

Tightening torque. Refer to SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Unclip inner finisher (1) and pull forwards (2) to remove.

Fig 7: Unclipping Inner Finisher

G03128586

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Up to 1996 model:

Unfasten screws and lift out front seat.

NOTE: If the screws are not accessible, dismantle seat rail finishers inside,
refer to 52 17 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING BOTH SEAT RAILS ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (COMFORT)

Fig 8: Unfastening Screws & Lift Out Front Seat

G03128587

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

As of model year 1996:

Unfasten screws (1) and lift out front seat.

NOTE: If the screws are not accessible, dismantle seat rail finishers inside,
refer to 52 17 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING BOTH SEAT RAILS ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (COMFORT)

Fig 9: Unfastening Screws & Lift Out Front Seat

G03128588

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Floor carpet must not enter area between seat rails and floor panel beside screw points (grating noises).

Tightening sequence:

Tightening torque. Refer to SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Front inner, outer then rear inner, outer.