52 13 405 Replacing backrest cover for front seat (normal/manual), left or right

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.

Removing complete backrest:

Remove head restraint,

refer to 52 13 390 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT HEADREST (NORMAL/ MANUAL) .

Remove rear panel on front seat backrest,

refer to 52 13 198 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING REAR PANEL ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACKREST (NORMAL/MANUAL) .

Version with lumbar support (version as of Model Year 1996):

Unfasten cable connector (1). Detach hose (2) and disconnect plug connection (3).

Version with seat heating:

Disconnect plug connection (4).

Version with lumbar support/seat heating (version up to model year 1996,

refer to 52 17 405 REPLACING BACK-REST COVER FOR FRONT SEAT (COMFORT) ON LEFT OR RIGHT SIDES .

Fig 1: Disconnecting Plug Connection

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Version with new head restraint drive:

Disconnect plug connection (1) for head restraint drive (2).

Remove cable from clips (3) downwards.

Fig 2: Removing Cable From Clips

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Version with bolted backrest frame:

Cut open cable tie (1).

Disconnect plug connection (2).

Unhook cable with bracket (3).

Detach air hose (4).

Fig 3: Detaching Air Hose

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Version with bolted backrest frame:

Release screws (1) and detach backrest frame (2) toward top.

Fig 4: Releasing Screws & Detach Backrest Frame

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Pull off retaining clip (1) from left/right release lever.

Installation:

If the retaining clip (1) cannot be fitted (does not snap into place), the backrest is not correctly snapped into place.

The backrest must then be unlocked and relocked again, refer to next work step.

Fig 5: Pulling Off Retaining Clip From Left/Right

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Unlock left and right levers (press downwards). Pull backrest upwards to remove from seat frame and lift out of vehicle.

Fig 6: Removing From Seat Frame & Lift Out Of Vehicle

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Removing backrest cover with support:

Disconnect bottom of backrest cover from clips (1).

Fig 7: Disconnecting Bottom Of Backrest Cover From Clips

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Installation:

Fold lower backrest cover and attach clip on cover.

Fig 8: Installing Lower Backrest Cover & Attach Clip On Cover

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Unhook backrest cover at sides from cover clips (1).

Unscrew strip (2) at top.

Fig 9: Unhooking Backrest Cover At Sides From Cover Clips

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Installation:

First hook in side backrest cover (1), then upper section (2).

Fig 10: Installing First Hook In Side Backrest Cover

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Installation:

If there is a gap between rear panel (2) and back-rest cover (1), then the back-rest cover (1) is tightened too firmly (refer to previous operation).

Fig 11: Identifying Back-Rest Cover

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Loosen retainers.

Installation:

Lock new retainer by bending it with special tool 52 0 050.

Fig 12: Installing Lock New Retainer By Bending It With Special Tool

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Unfasten clips and remove backrest cover with support.

Installation:

Lock new retainers by bending with special tool 52 0 050.

Fig 13: Unfastening Clips & Backrest Cover With Support

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Removing backrest cover from support (replacing support):

Unfasten all clips and remove backrest cover from support.

Remove all remnants of clips from backrest cover and support.

Fig 14: Removing Backrest Cover From Support

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Installation:

Fold in new clip (2) with special tool 52 0 050.

Support
Retainer
Trim thread in support
Trim wire in backrest cover
Back-rest cover

Fig 15: Installing Back-Rest Cover

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Replacing backrest cover:

Remove trim threads (1) from backrest cover. Cut new backrest cover to size and insert trim threads.

Fig 16: Removing Trim Threads From Backrest Cover

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