Seat tilt kaput

Pip1968 · 28-09-2014, 10:41 PM

The drivers seat tilt forward has stopped operating. I assume the cable has popped out ala rear seat mechanism. Anyway I have removed the three screws on the side of the seat and the miniscule screw on the lever but cannot see how to remove the plastic side panel.

Are the any more screws or clips I have missed? Should I just remove the seat and have a look see underneath.

I am sort of assuming that removal of the plastic side panel will mean I can fix the tilt mechanism.

Pip

**outnumbered** · 29-09-2014, 02:09 PM

I can't quite remember how it all works, but the side panel is fairly easy to get off. I've only done it with the seat out of the car though.

BTW, it is very easy to get the seat out, just disconnect the cable underneath & undo four bolts. You just have to be super-careful getting it in and out of the car as it's very easy to scratch the paint...

s1csl · 29-09-2014, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pip1968

The drivers seat tilt forward has stopped operating. I assume the cable has popped out ala rear seat mechanism. Anyway I have removed the three screws on the side of the seat and the miniscule screw on the lever but cannot see how to remove the plastic side panel.

Are the any more screws or clips I have missed? Should I just remove the seat and have a look see underneath.

I am sort of assuming that removal of the plastic side panel will mean I can fix the tilt mechanism.

Pip

Mine did this it was a little clip that broke but its not sold separate and ended up having a new set base, just under £1500 from memory, warranty job

Pip1968 · 30-09-2014, 02:05 PM

Well all sorted seemingly. Let us hope it lasts. It was a pain in the arse to get it off. Despite getting all four 'security' screws out (one on the handle) I had to peel back the seat trim which may or may not have been in the way. In addition to that the top of the 'L' shaped plastic piece has to be pushed towards the back of the car to get it around the metal fixture on the seat top.

I do not think the plastic piece was broken but it had come out of the metal ring it sits inside. This small round plastic piece sitting in the circular metal hole provides the resistance to the cable enabling the seat to tilt forward.

Because I had the metal clip come out of the plastic recess on the rear seat mechanism a couple of times I ended up Aralditing it in. It looks like
I might do something similar to this.

Pip

0836whimper · 28-11-2014, 02:05 PM

I'll just add, I had a metal part break on my seat base. Seat wouldn't tilt or sometimes lock in the rails properly.
BMW would have said it needs a new base. And not covered by warranty probably (reading the increasing tales of woe in that area...).
I took it to Bartlett's and Damian took it apart and welded the joint so it's stronger than ever.

Top work from them.

Took a quick look at the Cesil the have for sale too, looks gorgeous.

28-09-2014, 10:41 PM	#1
Pip1968 S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Kent, England Posts: 940 Casino cash: $8383	Seat tilt kaput The drivers seat tilt forward has stopped operating. I assume the cable has popped out ala rear seat mechanism. Anyway I have removed the three screws on the side of the seat and the miniscule screw on the lever but cannot see how to remove the plastic side panel. Are the any more screws or clips I have missed? Should I just remove the seat and have a look see underneath. I am sort of assuming that removal of the plastic side panel will mean I can fix the tilt mechanism. Pip

29-09-2014, 02:09 PM	#2
outnumbered S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Reading Posts: 731 Casino cash: $19587	I can't quite remember how it all works, but the side panel is fairly easy to get off. I've only done it with the seat out of the car though. BTW, it is very easy to get the seat out, just disconnect the cable underneath & undo four bolts. You just have to be super-careful getting it in and out of the car as it's very easy to scratch the paint... __________________ Now with added SG CSL.

28-11-2014, 02:05 PM	#5
0836whimper S5, Sport Off, DSC M-track Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Nottingham Posts: 516 Casino cash: $7379	I'll just add, I had a metal part break on my seat base. Seat wouldn't tilt or sometimes lock in the rails properly. BMW would have said it needs a new base. And not covered by warranty probably (reading the increasing tales of woe in that area...). I took it to Bartlett's and Damian took it apart and welded the joint so it's stronger than ever. Top work from them. Took a quick look at the Cesil the have for sale too, looks gorgeous.