52 13 407 Replacing backrest cover for driver's seat

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.

Special tools required:

52 0 050

WARNING: Read and comply with SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.

Improper handling can lead to triggering of the pyrotechnical seat belt tensioner or side airbag, resulting in injuries.

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

Preliminary work needed:

Disconnect BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove OUTER COVER ON FRONT SEAT
Remove inner cover on front seat
Remove GUIDES FOR HEAD RESTRAINT

Removal:

For the professional repairs the use of the universal seat mount is recommended for carrying out the repair works on the disassembled seat.

Fig 1: Front Seat

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Detach all luggage straps (1) on the backrest cover.

Fig 2: Detaching Luggage Straps On Backrest Cover

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Open zipper (1).

Detach backrest cover (1) from the holders (3) and set it down.

Fig 3: Detaching Backrest Cover From Holders

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Equipment specification with lumbar support:

Carefully press backrest cover inwards until lock (1) of thumbwheel (2) is accessible.

Unlock the lock (1) on both sides of the thumbwheel (2) and remove the thumbwheel (2).

Fig 4: Locating Thumbwheel

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Release cover (1) and fold to the side.

Fig 5: Releasing Cover

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Unscrew nuts (1).

Fig 6: Removing Nuts

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Take out side airbag (1) downwards out of cover pocket (2) and set it down.

Fig 7: Removing Side Airbag Downwards

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Release connector (1) from holder.

Release cable tie (2).

Release locks (3) and take out connector (4).

Release cable (5) from all holders and set aside with side airbag.

Version with seat heating:

Unlock and disconnect connector (6) and take out the associated cable.

Fig 8: Pressing Release Tabs Outwards

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Remove backrest cover with facing from backrest frame.

Fig 9: Locating Backrest Cover With Facing From Backrest Frame

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Release all clamps in area (1).

Remove seat cover from upholstery.

IMPORTANT: Remove all remnants of clamps from seat cover and upholstery.

Fig 10: Removing Seat Cover From Upholstery

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Installation:

Pull seat cover over the facing.

Mount clamps starting in the area (A) and then uniformly in areas (B), (C) and (D).

Parts: Replace clamps.

Fig 11: Pulling Seat Cover

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Insert new clamp (2) with special tool 52 0 050 and bend closed.

Upholstery
Clamp
Trim wire in upholstery
Trim wire in seat cover
Backrest cover

Fig 12: Inserting New Clamp With Special Tool

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Pull backrest cover with the facing on the backrest frame.

Fig 13: Pulling Backrest Cover

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

Insert connector (4) in the connector housing, until the locks (3) audibly engage.

Mount cable tie (2).

Engage connector (1) in holder.

Equipment with seat heating:

Connect connector (6).

Fig 14: Pressing Release Tabs Outwards

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Parts: Replace cable tie (2).

Fit the side airbag (1) upwards into the cover pocket (2).

Fig 15: Removing Side Airbag Downwards

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Tighten down nuts (1).

Tightening torque 72 12 3AZ .

Fig 16: Removing Nuts

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NOTE: As per the version, the backrest cover can have one airbag pouch (1) on both sides.
Ensure that the unused airbag pouch (1) is kept tightly and crease-free between the cushion and the backrest cover.

Fig 17: Locating Airbag Pouch

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Attach cover (1).

Fig 18: Attaching Cover

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Equipment specification with lumbar support:

Engage thumbwheel (1).

Fig 19: Engaging Thumbwheel

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Attach backrest cover (1) in the holders (3).

Close zipper (1).

Fig 20: Detaching Backrest Cover From Holders

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Attach all luggage straps (1) on backrest cover.

Fig 21: Detaching Luggage Straps On Backrest Cover

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