52 13 030 Removing and installing/replacing backrest frame on left or right front seat (manual/electrical)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Injury hazard!
The seat frame has very sharp edges that can cause injuries from cuts.
Exercise extreme caution and wear hand protection as required when carrying out any repair work in the area of the seat frame.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage on sharp-edged seat mechanism.
Guide all cables carefully through seat and backrest mechanism.
Make sure cable is routed without kinks and tension.
Make sure plug connections are correctly locked.
Make sure connectors are correctly seated in detents.

IMPORTANT:

Microencapsulated screws must be coated with Loctite if they are to be reused
Screw connection must be completed within 20 min. (start of harden)
Microencapsulated screws must not be retightened.
Thread of nut must be cleaned beforehand in event of repeated use

Preliminary work needed:

Remove BACKREST COVER

Removal:

Release connector housing (1).

Release cable tie (2).

Press release tabs (3) outwards and take out the connector (4).

Release and feed out cable (5) from all holders.

Version with seat heating:

Fig 1: Pressing Release Tabs Outwards

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock and disconnect connector (6).

Release and feed out associated cable from all holders.

Equipment specification with Isofix:

Drill out rivet (1).

Take off holder (2).

Remove remnants of rivets.

Fig 2: Rivet And Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjust backrest frame complete upright.

Release left and right screws (4).

Remove backrest frame (5).

Fig 3: Locating Backrest Frame Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement (depending on version):

Remount LUMBAR SUPPORT

Installation:

Mount backrest frame (5).

Tighten screws (4) on left and right.

Tightening torque 52 10 2AZ .

Fig 4: Locating Backrest Frame Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Equipment specification with Isofix:

Attach holder (2) using the rivets (1).

Fig 5: Rivet And Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Feed in cable (5) and attach in all holders.

Slide connector (4) in connector housing (1) until release tabs (3) audibly engage.

Mount cable tie (2).

Fig 6: Pressing Release Tabs Outwards

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engage connector housing (1).

Version with seat heating:

Feed in associated cable and attach in all holders.

Connect connector (6).

Parts: Replace cable ties (2).