Information

Before beginning repair of the seat backrest wiring it is necessary to inspect the part label attached to the seat heating wiring harness on both front seats.

1. Connect battery charger to the vehicle.

2. Remove both front seat backrest panels.





To remove the backrest panel, reach between the backrest panel and the cover in area (1) until you can feel clip (2). Pull the backrest panel to the rear slightly. With your other hand, strike the side of the backrest panel (as indicated by the arrow) from the inboard side of the seat. The clip on the door side is then released from the catch.

Note:
Drivers seat shown.

3. Reach into the gap between the backrest panel and the cover until you can feel the clip on the inboard side. Pull the backrest panel slightly to the rear.

4. Once the two upper clips have been released from their catch, detach the entire rear backrest panel from the seat frame.





5. As indicated by the arrow, check the part number label attached to the seat heating wiring harness.





Proceed with the repair only if the numbers and color combinations on the label match the data in the table shown. No repair is necessary if this information does not match the data in the table shown. Reassemble the vehicle.

Note:
If no label is found attached to the seat heating wiring, it is necessary to proceed with the repair.

Repair the backrest heating:





Note:
This repair will be performed on the heating elements located on the outboard side of the front seats.

1. Adjust the seat to the most forward position.

2. Remove the door side seat switch trim on the front seat.





2a. E60 (5 Series) Front Seat:

Unclip the trim at the sides (1) to the rear, pull it upwards, then pull the belt opening to the side (2).

Gently bend open the trim at the top and bottom of the control unit (3). Gently bend open the top and bottom of the front trim (4) and pull it slightly outwards.





Note:
For correct installation, the retaining clips must not be damaged.





2b. E65/E66 (7 Series) Front Seat:

Detach the cover from the retaining clip (1).

Release the lugs by pushing downwards (2).





Lift the seat cover from below and remove it.

3. Remove the seat head restraint by following the proper repair instructions located in RA 52...





4. Draw the contour of the flexmat (2) and compression spring (1) on the door side with a suitable marker so proper fitment can be checked during installation.





5. Using a regular screwdriver, bend open the securing hooks for the backrest cover (as indicated by the arrows).

6. Use upholstery pliers to pull the seat cover out of the securing hooks.

7. Remove the cotton fabric (if installed) from the securing hooks.





8. Unclip the door side backrest cover from the securing points at the bottom of the backrest (on the seat cushion).

Note:
It may be necessary to tilt the backrest backwards to bend open the securing hooks.

9. Disconnect the seat heating wiring harness connector.

10. Follow the applicable procedure:

A - For E60 (5 Series) Only
B - For E65/E66 (7 Series) Basic Seat Only
C - For E65/E66 (7 Series) Sport Seat Only
D - For All Seats