e39 Power seats

[ednoly]

We own a 2003 525i with electric front seats. Recently, both acted up by not adjusting on the right side (up, down). When I tried to adjust the driver's seat the back remains stationary but now leans to the right. If anyone has experience power seat problems and/or have suggestions for repair for this DIY'r, I would appreciate very much.

[Qsilver7]

Do a search using "seat twist" as the search word.

There are lots of discussions about this on the e34 & e32 forums. The e39 & e38 use the same type of "flex shaft" cables...so apparently this common "previous generation" problem is starting to rear its ugly head on the newer e39 & e38.

[Wicked A2]

Chances are that it's the seat cable that needs to be fixed.

[ednoly]

Will look into the cables. Any ideas on how to get to them with the least amount of problems?

[Qsilver7]

Any ideas on how to get to them with the least amount of problems?

If you take a look "outside the box"...you can find many write-ups with pics about the seats in the e39 & e38 (they're basically the same seats for the most part).

Don't get hung up necessarily on a fix for the cables...but if you look at write ups for adding seat heat, or replacing the cover, etc...you'll find that you'll see pics and instructions on how to access the inner workings and how to remove the panels or the seat completely...just by default.

Again, remember that the e38 has the same set-up for the seats...so you may want to look at write-ups on the e38 forum or its sister help sites.

Here' some to take a look thru:
www.e38.org
www.e38.org/e39
www.bmwtips.com


For example, a member named Rhett has a great write-up on e38.org on installing seat heat...and he has lots of pics on how to remove the seats where you can gain access to the flex-shaft cables.

Knowing how to do a page search can help, too...it allows you to skim thru a web page for specific a specific work or phrase...just do [Ctrl+F] and it will allow you to search a web page using a keyword. :)