Passenger seat problem

[roddy22]

While cleaning my car i moved the passenger seat as far back on the track as possible. Now it is stuck there and will not move forward (it will move up and down). I can hear the motor when i try and move the seat back but i don't hear anything when trying to move it forward. I don't know if there is a problem with the motor or if it is something else. Can someone help diagnose the problem?? Thanks in advance.

[Edwin NL]

Try to push the seat forward (from behind with your feet)while using the controls, it could be stuck on the tracks

[motion]

+1 on pushing the seat. Sometimes the the stopper will cause it to jam, Which brings up the question are they used only on US cars and why is there only one per seat?

[mr93465]

I just got mine stuck in the forward position. I own 3 8 series, all of seat issues. I've searched all the forums and can not find info on fixing a stuck seat. I'm unable to get to the seat bolts to remove the seat for a cable repair.
Any info on mechanical manually moving the seat rearward or frontward?

[motion]

Confirm that there's nothing under there causing it to bind, try pushing while moving the switch, do the other functions work, is there power. Be careful once you remove the seat, if you turn the car on it'll throw a airbag code. Good luck

[mr93465]

Well, after not getting any responses myself, I went to work. Wrenching my back a bit, I went under the seat, disconnected the electrically connectors and then unsnapping the clip which keeps both sides of the cable attached to the motor. I then pulled out the outside cable from the motor and then was able to move the other cable using the seat switch. I then connected a portable drill to the stuck cable and was move it and to adjust the seat to where both were equal. Now I can get to the bolts to remove the seat and cut the stretched cable back a little.

Of course, too, now I need to get into my hot tub to fix my wrenched back, but it still was fun! :redspot

[IcemanBHE]

Why didnt you ask on the E31 forum?

[roddy22]

Went to test the motor before attempting to move my seat up. It's dead..Is replacing the motor difficult and does anyone have a DIY for it, yes i check e38.org...

[LasVegasE38]

There are 4 bolts that actually hold the seat itself to the lower tracks. If you have access and can get these bolts out, you can then have room to work to do what is necessary to get the track to move. I tried moving the track manually with motors and their cables attached and it would not budge. Luckily, my motors weren't dead so I used a motorcycle battery and some wire to hook up power and moved the tracks where I needed to in order to get the bolts out.