How to remove rear seats

[glendog74]

I was bored today so thought that i'd remove the rear seats from the CSL ready for my next Ring trip!

It was pretty straightforward taking around 45 minutes and only needed a couple of tools. I was surprised at how heavy they were - despite being CSL 'lightweight' items. The backs in particular were heavy so a reasonable weight saving. :whistle:

A short test drive afterwards reveals that it is somewhat noisier in the cabin - dare i say more like a race car with the full-blown SS Racing Lightweight Solutions sound track! :smokin:

Step by step:

1. First remove both head rests. Simply pull up and forwards (towards you) to release.

2. Remove the lower seat bench by pulling upwards and out at the centre of the cushion - it comes away quite easily. The seat flexes and bows just enough to bend away from the CF rear panels and with some delicate manoeuvring can be removed without scratching anything.
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/1.jpg

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/2.jpg

3. Fold the seat backs down and remove the Torx bolt which sits behind the fold break.
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/3.jpg

4. Remove the cover using a screwdriver.
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/4.jpg

5. The seat back cams are visible once the cover is removed.
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/5.jpg

6. Simply lift each seat back a couple of inches at the break section to release the centre cam from the bracket. Then pulling the seat back toward the centre of the car, angle it up - twisting as you pull. You need to 'twist' the seat back as at the other end is an angled spigot which releases from its housing.
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/6.jpg

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/7.jpg

The side bolsters are slightly more difficult to remove and actually don't weigh much anyway. I wouldn't bother removing next time. Here's how anyway:

7. Remove the top fastener by depressing the small dot in the middle.
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/9.jpg

8. Remove the top plastic cover.
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/10.jpg

9. Using a long screwdriver, push on the fixing post to release its grip on the body shell. (photo shows having already been released)
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/11.jpg

10. Be careful and don't be too rough with the bolsters as you can snap a bracket easily - like this :banghead::
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/12.jpg

11. I then removed the black plastic cover strip as it would probably rattle without the seat backs in place.
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/13.jpg

12. Finally, i tie wrapped the seat belt buckles in place so that they don't move around. I didn't remove them as i didn't have a big enough Torx bit!
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/15.jpg

13. Job done! :thumbs:
http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/14.jpg

Weight saving

Rear Headrests x 2 1060g
Seat Base 6000g
Seat Back (large) 4750g
Seat Back (small) 3550g
Side Bolsters x 2 2000g
Plastic parts 325g

Total: 17.685KG :thumbs:

[david]

great Job Rob and clear explications :thumbs:

can you make us the same sort of.... with the engin and the smg Gear box...:whistle:

[Roland]

Rob, thanks for sharing :beer:

[shimmy]

7/16 torx does the isofix brackets and rear seatbelt sockets, I've got one in the toolbox.

I snapped both my brackets on the side bolsters:). I've got a load of Mini black carpet for the rear and KarbonK had a great looking board with embossed carpet today in place of the rear seat backs. It must have taken him a week to crochet;)

all ust one step away from a rear cage now guys - GROUP BUY

[glendog74]

all ust one step away from a rear cage now guys - GROUP BUY

That's what i'm planning at some point. My CSL is not a daily driver and is a keeper over the long term :smt055

[shimmy]

That's what i'm planning at some point. My CSL is not a daily driver and is a keeper over the long term :smt055

Maybe same here next winter

karbonk had a good looking bolt in cage fitted

Didn't look too closely at the design which I will need to do if i get one but so far I've seen bolt in cages in Thorneys old CSL, Nathan(Ring matt grey), karbonk, and DuncanR

[phat///M3]

Be sure to cover up the latches where the seat bottom clips onto before folding down the backrests to avoid damage to the cloth part ;)

[DazBlackCSL]

Looking into a few different 'Bolt in' solutions at the moment ...

so as soon as I have all the details / costs and options will let you all know :whistle:

[TMAQ]

cheeers Rob!

i liked karbonkid's cage, looked smart:thumbs:

[7.77]

once removed, you will never fit it again ! sound is far far better !:smt055

[glendog74]

Looking into a few different 'Bolt in' solutions at the moment ...

so as soon as I have all the details / costs and options will let you all know :whistle:

Thank you please! :smt047

[Mark CSL]

Great Post Rob :beer:

[mattCSLnut]

Great Post Rob :beer:

Yeah... I'll second that :beer: very usefull post Rob :thumbs: since I'm also playing around in the same area at the mo :whistle:

[AlexGTT]

Originally Posted by DazBlackCSL http://www.cslregister.com/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.cslregister.com/forum/showthread.php?p=53836#post53836)
Looking into a few different 'Bolt in' solutions at the moment ...

so as soon as I have all the details / costs and options will let you all know :whistle:
Thank you please! :smt047

Thank you please! :smt047

+1, thank you please.;)

Good instruction Rob. At this rate you'll be posting Mark stylee videos as well.:smokin:

[Bealo]

great thread, thanks Rob, just about to remove my rear seats for tomorrow's road trip.

[7.77]

great thread, thanks Rob, just about to remove my rear seats for tomorrow's road trip.


you will not be disappointed by the noise !!:smt055

[glendog74]

you will not be disappointed by the noise !!:smt055

Indeed - it's freakin' awesome lol! :smt096

[glendog74]

I removed this all once again and weighed the items this time. Details in the original post.

Total weight saved= 17.685Kg

[s.mac]

what scales did you use Rob :gayfight:
:whistle:

[glendog74]

what scales did you use Rob :gayfight:
:whistle:

Kitchen ones for the lighter items and bathroom for the seat backs/base...:whistle:

Very scientific! :hahaha:

[_Nathan_]

I was amazed by the noise of stones hitting the rear arches when I did that, I had a standard exhaust though, you may not be able to hear that over the SS noise solutions ;)

[glendog74]

I was amazed by the noise of stones hitting the rear arches when I did that, I had a standard exhaust though, you may not be able to hear that over the SS noise solutions ;)

I was as well mate - it's like always driving with track warmed cups on and hearing all the stones being picked up. I don't hear it so much when I press the loud pedal! :hahaha:

[s.mac]

It was pretty straightforward taking around 45 minutes and only needed a couple of tools

5 min max without the bolster removal thanks to the instructions :thumbs:

I imagine a tad longer to get back in :whistle:

found enough money for a pint tonight under the seats :beer:

[s.mac]

Yep longer to put back in and harder on the back :bigcry:

[glendog74]

Yep longer to put back in and harder on the back :bigcry:

What you doing wrong? I find it just as quick :whistle:

[s.mac]

I put the seat belts up side down and had to start again :whistle:

dont take the p - - s easily done, I would have thought they would of mounted facing up but its down and then loop up into the seat position ;)

and they are harder to manoeuvre in, for me anyway :whistle:

back to quieter road driving :smt055 although great for track days :supz:

[glendog74]

I put the seat belts up side down and had to start again :whistle:

Lol - just leave the seat belt buckles in like i did - simples! :smokin:

[Christophe.m]

have you changed you suspension height for trying the 50/50 weight repartition ?

Do you know what is you weight repartition without the rear seats ?


thank you for this explication !:thumbs:

[GarageQueen]

Hi all,

I'm desperatly trying to find the BMW part number for this torx bolt in the picture below.

I've looked on the parts system and it only lists a hex bolt, which I ordered but was wrong.

Can anyone help wih this?

;)


http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/glendog74/Rear%20seat%20removal/3.jpg

[NZ_M3]

item 5

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n319/M3_Power/Untitled_zps34620e74.jpg

[Alx]

Hello,

Does anyone have an update on how to remove the rear seat with pictures?

PhotoBucket seems to have ruined all the tutorials...

[astroluna]

Removing rear seats in a car can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Here are some general steps to guide you through the process:

Safety Precautions:

Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged.
Disconnect the car's battery to prevent accidental airbag deployment if the vehicle is equipped with airbags in the rear seat area.
Access the Rear Seats:

Fold down the rear seatbacks if they are hinged or can be folded. This step is not applicable to all cars; some have fixed seatbacks.
Locate Mounting Points:

Identify the mounting points that secure the rear seat to the vehicle's floor. These points may be bolts, clips, or latches.
Remove Bolts or Fasteners:

Using the appropriate tools, such as a socket wrench or pliers, remove any bolts or fasteners securing the rear seats to the floor. The number and location of these fasteners can vary among vehicles.
Disconnect Wiring (if applicable):

In some cars, there may be wiring connections for features like seat heaters, airbag sensors, or power folding mechanisms. Carefully disconnect any wiring harnesses to free the seats.
Remove the Seats:

Once all fasteners and wiring are disconnected, carefully lift the rear seats out of the vehicle. Depending on the design, you may need to tilt or angle the seats to remove them through the door openings.
Store the Seats:

If you plan to reinstall the seats later, store them in a safe and dry place to prevent damage.
Cover or Cap Bolt Holes:

If you don't plan to reinstall the seats, you may want to cover or cap the bolt holes in the vehicle's floor for safety and to prevent debris from entering.
Reconnect Battery:

If you disconnected the car's battery at the beginning, reconnect it after the rear seats have been removed.
Please note that this is a general guideline, and the specific steps may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model. It's essential to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions specific to your car. Additionally, removing rear seats may affect the car's structural integrity, so it's advisable to consider the implications and potential legal requirements in your area before doing so.