Insert a 2-inch length of fuel hose onto cable with reduced sheath. Cut off additional 2 inches from removed sheath. See image below.Ĭut sheath about 5 inches from motor end and remove from cable. With front trim cover off, locate cables on each side and remove bolts with retaining plates. Uneven Seat Lift Repair: The lift cable can slip out of its motor, causing lop-sided seat lifting. Marvel at wiring, seat lift motor, and memory module. Remove pouch.Ģ) Now revealed are the two main screws which hold front and side trim together. See image below (white arrows and inset). Begin by prying with a screwdriver around the five (5) seat pouch attachment points. Be sure to locate the upper catches inside seat back cover into the notches of seat frame when lowering it into position.ġ) With the seat out (or in place), remove plastic trim pieces by starting at the front and working around to the side. Lumbar Support Control Switch, p/n 61 31 1 393 363, list: $108.The lumbar switch can be replaced (or cleaned) after removal of inner plastic trim (seat removal required). The air line is reinforced with a metal coil to prevent kinking. New pumps come complete with bladder (not needed). Snip the air line and disconnect plug to replace. With seat back removed, locate air pump tucked in leather bag (frame A above). Lumbar Support Repair: Coffee fouled switches and/or cracked air pump casings (frame B below) can prevent your lumbar support from working or holding air. Pivot loose back around seat elbow and rest in front of seat. This is best performed from seated position in rear seat. Slide cover down seat belt.ĥ) Raise seat and remove the two (2) lower seat back screws using T15 torx (remove black plastic covers first, if present). Frame B shows outer catch being released.Ĥ) Remove front half of cover after removing the two (2) T10 torx screws shown in frame C above (one per side). The arm's upper catch (frame A, white arrow) is released by simply prying and pressing gently. This works best by grabbing headrest from opposite seat.ģ) Remove rear half of headrest elbow cover by inserting a fine pointed tool into the two small openings (one each side) shown in frame A below (red arrows) while gently prying with a screwdriver.

Fully lower seat and move fully forward.Ģ) Remove headrest by pulling firmly while using a twisting motion. Note seat pin locations (under rails) for proper seat placement.ġ) Lower all windows. Be sure to grip seat frame, not plastic trim. Lift seat out while turning away from open door. Roll/pivot seat over on its side, with front of seat protruding from door opening. Seat is now free.Ħ) Tilt seat back, against front of rear seat. See image below:ĥ) Disconnect wiring harnesses (4, yes four!). See image below:Ĥ) Using small screwdriver, pry up and remove plastic rivets from electrical cover (2). Remove T-50 bolts from rear of each seat rail (2 each, 4 total). Remove T-50 bolt from front of each seat rail (1 each, 2 total), directly under seat pouch.ģ) Move seat fully forward. Turn off dome light.Ģ) Raise seat and move fully rearward. Procedure Seat Removalġ) Lower both windows on appropriate side. Once the seat is out, you may be surprised at what you find hiding underneath! It's also a good time to clean the carpet. Just be prepared for the weight and use safe lifting practices. While two people are recommended for seat removal, it works well with only one person lifting. In some cases - such as replacing the lumbar air pump - it may only be necessary to remove the seat back. Removing the seats can help with repair issues such as the notorious 'uneven seat lift' problem, or to replace broken plastic trim pieces or defective switches. This is one reason they weigh about 70 pounds. Since the 8-series has no B pillar for seat belt anchoring, the seat backs must withstand crash forces and are built correspondingly strong and heavy. There are a host of electric motors, gears, wiring, heating elements (for heated seats) and air pumps (lumbar support) buried inside. The seats in the BMW 8-series are an engineering feat of their own.

Seat belt plastic rivet removal tool