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).

Fig 1: Disconnecting Lumbar & Seat Heating Plug Connections

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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 BACKREST COVER FOR FRONT SEAT (COMFORT) ON LEFT OR RIGHT SIDES .

Version With New Head Restraint Drive:

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

Remove cable from clips (3) downwards.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Head Restraint Connector & 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: Disconnecting Plug Connections (Version With Bolted Backrest Frame)

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Version With Bolted Backrest Frame:

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

Fig 4: Removing Backrest Frame (Version With Bolted Backrest Frame)

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

Fig 5: Removing Release Lever Retaining Clip

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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.

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

Fig 6: Removing Backrest

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