52 17 200 Removing and installing/replacing top rear panel on front seat backrest (luxury seat)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 540i, 2002 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW 540i, 2000 BMW 540i, and 1999 BMW 540i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: This document is also applicable to L7 driver's seat with video system in rear compartment.

Move back-rest adjustment as far forward as possible.

NOTE: If the back-rest adjustment unit is defective and in rear position:

Unhook rear panel at bottom and allow to hang,
refer to 52 17 202 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTTOM REAR PANEL ON FRONT SEAT BACKREST (LUXURY SEAT) .
Once upper rear panel has been removed, lower rear panel can be unhooked,
refer to 52 17 202 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTTOM REAR PANEL ON FRONT SEAT BACKREST (LUXURY SEAT) .

Pull both bottom corners of rear panel (1) (one after the other where applicable) downwards and backwards (springs disconnected at bottom).

Pull rear panel upwards/backwards (2) to remove.

Fig 1: Pulling Rear Panel Upwards/Backwards To Remove

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation

To avoid grinding noises:
Insert cover tabs (1) into openings in rear panel mounts.
Fit rear panel at bottom, press in towards top and snap into place at bottom.

Fig 2: Identifying Cover Tabs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation

The springs must be correctly located in the rear panel supports and must not be bent.
If necessary, replace defective clips.

Fig 3: Ensuring Springs Are Correctly Located In Rear Panel Supports

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.