52 13 015 Removing and installing / replacing controls on left / right front seat (normal / manual)

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: Height of front seat must be set to top maximum setting.
Remove cover, refer to 52 13 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING OUTER COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT BACK-REST (NORMAL / MANUAL)

Check back-rest clearance:

Seat height (SHV) and back-rest adjustment (LNV) must be correctly locked. To do this, actuate lever and front seat once only.

= 0.5... 4.1 mm (LNV)
= 0.5... 5.6 mm (SHV)

IMPORTANT: If inspection dimension is outside tolerance, seat frame must be replaced,
refer to 52 13 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING SEAT FRAME ON LEFT/RIGHT FRONT SEAT (NORMAL/MANUAL)
or the controls must be replaced.
Rework is not permitted!

Fig 1: Checking Back-Rest Clearance Adjustment

G03154046

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not fold or extend cover beyond edge (function error).

Fig 2: Identifying Cover

G03154047

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove actuating unit:

Remove front seat,

refer to 52 13 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (NORMAL / MANUAL)

Disconnect Bowden cable for longitudinal adjustment from controls,

refer to 52 13 014 REPLACING BOWDEN CABLE FOR LONGITUDINAL ADJUSTMENT ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT SEAT (NORMAL/MANUAL)

Press plate (1) forwards and slide actuating rod (2) upwards out of back-rest adjustment.

Fig 3: Pressing Plate Forward And Sliding Actuating Rod (2) Upward

G03154048

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slide back-rest adjustment lever.

Remove screws (1 and 2).

Slide controls downwards out of guides (3).

IMPORTANT: Do not lift actuating unit out to side or twist (risk of damage to "seat frame").

Installation

If the tightening torque is not reached (screw rotates), use repair screws (Sourcing Reference: BMW Parts Service).

Fig 4: Sliding Controls Downward Out Of Guides

G03154049

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slide actuating unit (1) backwards and disconnect actuating rod (2) for seat height adjustment.

Installation

Check back-rest clearance.

Fig 5: Disconnecting Actuating Rod

G03154050

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.