Removal of complete back-rest:

Remove headrest,

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

Remove bottom of rear panel on front seat,

refer to 52 17 202 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING BOTTOM REAR PANEL ON FRONT SEAT BACKREST (LUXURY SEAT) 

Remove connector and cut through cable connector.

Fig 1: Removing Connector And Cable Connector

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Cut through cable connector (1).

Remove hose (2) from hose connector.

Remove or cut through connector (3).

Remove wiring harness (4) from the clips (5) and remove complete unit from the back-rest.

Fig 2: Removing Hose And Wiring Harness

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

Installation 

1. If the retaining clip (1) cannot be fitted (fails to engage), this means that the back-rest is not correctly located: if this is the case, unlock the back-rest again, then lock it back down, referring to the next operation.

Fig 3: Pulling Retaining Clip

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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 4: Unlocking Left And Right Levers

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Remove backrest cover with support: 

Unfasten outside and center clips from support.

Installation 

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

Fig 5: Unfastening Outside And Center Clips

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Fig 6: Installing New Clips

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Remove top of cover from claw-type cover clips.

Fig 7: Removing Cover Clips (1 of 2)

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Remove bottom of cover from claw-type cover clips.

Fig 8: Removing Cover Clips (2 of 2)

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Disconnect cover sideways and remove from claw-type cover clips.

Fig 9: Removing Cover From Claw-Type Cover Clips

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Only on leather version:

Installation 

1. If necessary, fit rubber bands (1) left / right under the leather (2). Fit leather strips (3) to folded sheet metal.

Fig 10: Installing Leather Strips (3) To Folded Sheet Metal

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Replacement of support: 

Unfasten all clips and remove cover from support. Remove all remnants of clips from cover and support.

Installation 

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

Fig 11: Removing Cover From Support

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Only on leather version:

Installation 

1. If necessary, the ducts which were not used must be sealed with foam rubber strips (1).

Fig 12: Identifying Foam Rubber Strips

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Only on leather version:

Installation 

1. Secure ends of cover at sides (trim threads) with a clip.

1. Support
2. Retainer
3. Trim thread in support
4. Cover and trim thread
5. Cover and trim thread
   Fig 13: Securing Ends Of Cover At Sides (Trim Threads) With Clip

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace backrest cover: 

Remove trim threads from cover. Cut new cover and insert trim threads.

Only on leather version:

Additional trim threads (1) and tightening strap (2).

Fig 14: Identifying Additional Trim Threads (1) And Tightening Strap (2)

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