52 15 070 Removing and installing/replacing seat angle adjuster (sport/manual) on left or right front seat

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

51 2 100

For information on special tools, refer to SEATS - SPECIAL TOOLS - 3-SERIES (M54/E46) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front seat, refer to 52 13 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (NORMAL/MANUAL)
Remove actuating unit, refer to 52 13 015 Removing and installing / replacing controls on left / right front seat (normal / manual)

WARNING: Torsion bar spring (1) is subject to tension. Risk of injury.

Lever torsion bar spring (1) with special tool 51 2 100 in direction of arrow from seat angle adjuster.

Fig 1: Identifying Torsion Bar Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Feed torsion bar spring (1) out of seat mechanism.

Installation:

Make sure plastic protector is correctly positioned on contact surface between torsion bar spring and seat mechanism (grating noises).

Release screws (1).

Fig 2: Removing Seat Angle Adjuster

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Replace Taptite screws (1).

Tightening torque 52 10 16AZ. Refer to SEATS - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES (E46) .

Release screw (2).

Remove seat angle adjuster (3).

Installation:

Slide left and right O-rings onto shaft. Make sure O-rings are correctly located between seat angle adjuster and seat pan.