Driver side seat back power adjustment

[Sierrabmw]

on my 1998 328 Conv. the seat back all of a sudden stoped adjusting. The height/front to back knob works fine, the fuses are good, there is no obvious loose wire underneath and there is no sound coming at all when the knob is actuated. Help?

[victorgallas]

the seat swciht can go bad internally. In that case you can either try taking it apart and cleaning it or replacing.
But first make sur eyou get 12volts into the seat from the car. The seats are powered all the time, even when there is not key, so if you get 12 volts form the chassis, then the problem is in the seat.
remove one of the wires going to a motor and move the swicth around and see if you can read any voltage there.

[AAR0NB]

first post, yeah

i just joined this site because i am chasing down a few issues, this is one.

about a week ago lost the ability to move the back rest forward, and after pulling the seat out and just checking for obstructions it will not go in either direction. it is getting power, when i move the switch the lights dim. im going to dig a little deeper tonight, i'll let you know.

Aaron

---edit---

well after a little pushing and pulling i got the seat back to move with a little assistance and a lot of gear grinding. so the little reduction box is shot.

i looked a bit for a replacement motor and box, new or used and came upon this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p3907.m29&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2&item=320294784913&category=33701&viewitem=#ht_2739wt_1600

nearly $50 with shipping, but it sounds like my problem. i'll let you know

[jskin1510]

i just fixed this on my bro's e36, if that recline function isn't working properly and it is getting power, most likely it's a little white gear inside the seat motor. it was $40 part off ebay, i think you can also get it from pelican parts.

[lckt13]

I've been reading the posts and i believe my driver seat back adjustment issue is the same. the motor is audible when moving the black switch but the back doesn't adjust up.

where is the motor so i can order the gear and replace same? i don't have a manual etc.
thanks

'95 328 ci
:redspot

[Raoul]

I've been reading the posts and i believe my driver seat back adjustment issue is the same. the motor is audible when moving the black switch but the back doesn't adjust up.

where is the motor so i can order the gear and replace same? i don't have a manual etc.
thanks

'95 328 ci
:redspot
The Notes Tab has install instructions.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=ODO-E36-WHITE&catalog_description=Seat%20Gear%20for%20Seat%20Bac k%20Recline%2C%20White%2C%20DRIVER%20SIDE%20%28Lef t%29%20E%33%36%20%33%2DSeries%20%28all%20years%29% 2C%20PASSENGER%20SIDE%20E%33%36%20%33%2DSeries%20% 28%31%39%39%33%2D%39%37%29%2C%20Each%20%20%20%20%2 0%20
Supposed to be a 1-2 hr job, took me 4.
You will need some small torx head bits.
I finally ended up fabricating a tool to fit using the torx bit + socket + allen wrench.
(and don't twist your seatbelt on the re-install)