Rear Seat Removal

At times, the rear seat bottom cushion needs to be removed to access the battery, fuse box, or control units.  This page is designed to help you accomplish that.

Here is a small three minute movie on our download page you may find helpful to view along with the printed procedure below.  It illustrates removal and re-installation of the rear lower seat cushion.  Rear seat removal movie (3.3MB wmv).

Begin removal of the lower seat cushion by grasping the front of cushion where it meets the floor.  You can get your fingers underneath the lip.  Then yank it upwards HARD.  The seat clips are spring loaded and require a strong pull.  When one side pops free, go to the other side of the car and repeat.

Another way to accomplish this is to sit to one side of the rear passenger seat, put both hands to your side, reach down and grab bottom edge of seat, and then give it a quick yank upwards.  When one side pops free, go to the other side of the seat and repeat.

Once the two seat clips pop free, remove the seat bottom.  Beneath the seat are the items pictured above.

Removing The Seat Back

On some occasions the seat back must be removed, perhaps for leather repair.  Below is the procedure.

Gradually pry loose the seat belt reel covers by carefully applying upward pressure.

Next, fold down the armrest.  At the back of the armrest cavity, near the top, pull open the Velco strip.  Pull the flap of material forward.

After the flap is pulled forward you will notice a mounting stud and nut at the base of the cavity on either side.  Remove both nuts.

Notice the two mounting points near the right and left seat belt receptacles.  These are located near the bottom of the seat back cushion.  Remove both nuts.

Once the nuts are all removed, carefully pull the bottom of the seat forward so that it clears the mounting studs.

The top of the rear seat back is held to the frame by up to three hooks.  Each of the hooks are a couple inches wide and fit into matching slots in the rear hat shelf.  (Note: some rear seat cushions only have one hook near the center of the seat).

Next, shift the seat slightly upwards and pull the top of the seat forwards so that the hooks will clear the hat shelf slots.

Remove the anchor bolt for the center seat belts carefully noting the orientation of the two belt ends.

The seat can now be removed from the car.  Be careful not to allow the seat to touch and soil the headliner as the seat is being removed.  (An assistant can be helpful here).

Here are views of a removed seat back cushion showing the various mounting points, guides, and hooks.  Installation is the reverse of removal.

Contents

• Front Seat Removal - The front seats on 540i's have electronic controls.  The driver's seat even has a memory.  Are they difficult to safely remove?  No, BMW makes it easy!
• Rear Seat Removal - Underneath the rear seat cushion is the battery, a fuse box, and other electronics.  How can you access this critical equipment?  Learn how here.
• Seats - BMW provides high quality seats.  They not only comfortable, but they also have sophisticated electronics and mechanicals.  Learn seat care procedures here.

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