How to remove backrest from front seats?

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LarryM
Posts: 142
Joined: Sat Jul 13, 2013 3:19 am
Location: Camarillo, CA

How to remove backrest from front seats?

Post by LarryM »

I need to remove my backrest from my drivers side (comfort) seat in order to have a seam repaired in the cushion. How involved is this process?

It looks like each side of the backrest is attached to the metal bracket by two screws, but I need to remove the rear shell in order to get to them. Might be tricky with a release handle poking through on each side. I assume I'll also need to detach the headrest drive cable somewhere. Are there any other things I need to know? Any tips are appreciated. Thanks!
1985 635CSi
1987 535is
1965 Impala SS
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86_6series
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Re: How to remove backrest from front seats?

Post by 86_6series »

The lever to unhook the seat are bolted to the upper frame.
#15 bolts lever to frame.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=52_0149

Two screws on bottom of back panel, then lift up to unhook.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=52_1268

To remove headrest, motor all the way up and lift headrest out.
To replace, insert rods of headrest while motoring in down position.
86-635CSi
96-MB C220 SOLD
98-740i
71-Continental MK3
LarryM
Posts: 142
Joined: Sat Jul 13, 2013 3:19 am
Location: Camarillo, CA

Re: How to remove backrest from front seats?

Post by LarryM »

Thanks for the help!

Last evening I was able to separate the backrest with the help of this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUgZ4uoKQkI

Once I got the rear cover off, the rest was pretty easy. One thing that threw me was that the cover on my seat ('85 model) is removed by pulling DOWN, not up, after you remove the two bottom screws.
1985 635CSi
1987 535is
1965 Impala SS
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