Interior - Seat Backrest Difficult to Recline

SI B52 07 07
Body Equipment

November 2007
Technical Service

SUBJECT
Seat Backrest is Difficult to Recline after using Easy Entry Feature

MODEL
E92 (3 Series Coupe)

SITUATION
After using the easy entry feature to lean the seatback forward in order to access the back seat, it may require excessive force to push the seat back to its original reclined position.

CAUSE
High spring tension on the release mechanism.

CORRECTION
Relieve some of the spring tension on the release mechanism.

PROCEDURE

1. Remove the rear panel from the seat backrest per repair instruction RA 52 13 198.





2. Release the lower fastener (1) as well as the upper fastener (2) for the backrest cover, from the outside edge of the seatback (right side seat shown).





3. Pull the seat cover and underlying foam forward to access the release spring (1).





4. Press a flathead screwdriver (1) in between 2 of the coils of the release spring and rotate the screwdriver to spread the spring apart. This action will permanently stretch the spring.

5. Check the new force required to recline the seatback.

6. If the force is still excessive, repeat step 4 for a different part of the same coil spring to stretch it further.

NOTE:
Be careful not to overstretch the spring or the seat will not stay in the easy entry position when this feature is operated.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Please refer to the latest KSD for all applicable labor operations and allowances.

If the appropriate labor operation is not contained in KSD, then a work time labor operation should be used.

Defect Code: 52 10 03 29 00





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