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Subject: Replaced seat back today Author: hgjacobsen as IBHenry : member since May, 2007 : 5656 posts Posted on: 2007-09-04 20:37:44

Alright here is a quick write up on removal and installation of the driver side seatback (would also work on the passenger side).

First put the seat into the most forward position, including tilting the top part of the seat. This is important for those with a 2 piece seat back.

There are 2 spring clips at the bottom of the seat. Here is a picture of the replacement showing the spring clip.

Since I know where the end of the clip is by looking at the replacement, I placed a screwdriver and pressed against the clip and pulled the seatback out at the same time.

When both clips have been releasd, lift the seatback up to clear the top 2 clips. It is now off.

With the seatback off, this is what the inside of the seat looks like.

Inside the seatback.

Comparing old with used replacement for color match. Near perfect (for $40.00, I'm a happy camper)!

My broken bit...

Which made my original look like this...

When putting the new (used in my case), watch the bottom spring clips to make sure they line up. Otherwise you will never get it on correctly. What I did was use some zip ties (you might be able to use string) and hooked the clips and pulled them through the plastic retainer


Once through, I just pulled on the zip ties until I knew they were aligned

and then placed my foot against the seatback (where the clip is) and pressed in until it was secured.

All done!

E38 archive worthy? :)

"Where ever you go, there you are."
2001 BMW 740iL

Mods: New cluster from BMWNA!, Quad taillights, Cross drilled rotors and ceramic pads all the way around, new Traction struts & Control arms=No shimmy! Soon Angel Eyes???

• Replaced seat back today (pic) - IBHenry 2007-09-04 20:37:44 (3029 views)
  • Nice job...btw, what detergent do you use to get your socks so white & bright? - (nt) (LOL) Q 2007-09-05 15:43:48 (76 views)
    • Q, I was waiting for that! You guys got lucky I had really clean socks that day (nt) - IBHenry 2007-09-05 15:47:12 (59 views)
  • MY deeeeeepest compliments sir H! great job :-) (nt) - Edwin 2007-09-05 12:12:03 (59 views)
  • nice job - scott1999 2007-09-05 12:00:02 (60 views)
  • great write up. I still think there is a way to repair/replace the hinges. (nt) - dj37027 2007-09-05 11:40:50 (89 views)
    • Whoops - dj37027 2007-09-05 11:42:44 (79 views)
      • I thought so to, but unless you fabricate them, replacing them is the only way (nt) - IBHenry 2007-09-05 11:45:51 (70 views)
  • Very good job I must say, trying to do it for last couple of weeks - ))))nadeem(((( 2007-09-05 11:37:15 (71 views)
  • Nice writeup! This is going on e38.org (nt) - davidc 2007-09-05 00:45:01 (52 views)
  • Kidos on a job well done, Henry - smart thinking with the ties!! (nt) - pj740il 2007-09-05 00:28:52 (63 views)
    • Thanks! I wanted something strong to pull on with pliers! - IBHenry 2007-09-05 00:39:20 (65 views)
  • Good job Henry. Looks to be a perfect match. (nt) - beechy 2007-09-04 22:56:16 (62 views)
  • very nice! very very good deal @ $40 bucks (nt) - ian 2007-09-04 22:40:28 (81 views)
  • Great Job Henry, I think it is E38 worthy. I had go change - 750il96erbill 2007-09-04 20:42:55 (72 views)
    • Thanks! Those bottom clips were a PITA! - IBHenry 2007-09-04 20:56:05 (94 views)
      • Henry where did you get the shocks for G box? I need one - 750il96erbill 2007-09-05 14:06:58 (60 views)
        • g box shock from the Stealer $30.00 at Cunningham BMW (pic) - IBHenry 2007-09-05 15:45:47 (138 views)