Re: 88 735 twisted seat repair? (archive)

The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.

: This weekend I plan to attempt the repair per Mikey's 17 Jun 99 post. Because of physical limitations I am going to remove the seat. I see bolts at the rear of each rail but not at the front. My question is what is the best way to procede? Are there many power bundles that have to be disconnected and is there a simple way to get power to the seat while out of the car so I can test it prior to reinstalling?

I may have an easier way of getting the seat out of the car. With this method, you don't have to remove the headrest. You remove the seatback from the seat. Sounds complicated, but it's actually very, very easy. Remove the rear cover of the seatback (this is the large thing with the pocket built into it). At this point, disconnect the power supply to the headrest, and the lumbar support.

To remove just the seatback, there are two small tabs about an inch and a half from the bottom of the seatback. These need to bu pushed DOWN with force, then a friend pulls UP on the seatback to lift it out of place (while you push DOWN - yeah, I know, silly isn't it?)). The easier way to do this is to do it one side at a time. Once the small latch/tab is beig pressed down with force (and lots of it), pull the seat up slightly. Then, place something between the seatback, and the bottom portion of the seat, so it doesn't snap back in place. Do the other side the same way, and the seatback will come out!

This really helps in getting the bottom portion out of the hooks, and also getting the bottom part out.

When putting the seatback back on (after the bottom has been repaired & replaced), just put the seatback where it should be, and hit the top with your fist. You should hear a snap, with a spring resonating sound.

I learned this technique after meeting the head of the dealer service department in the parking lot of a store. He said that he didn't recognize my car based on the VIN!! (I just moved) Apparently, he knows all of the BMWs in town by VIN!!!!

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.