1998 328i driver seat wont come out

[Svinfinity]

Hey guys, i just picked up a 1998 328i with what looks like a dead motors and possibly dead transmission box or both on the driver seats. It will not recline or adjust position due to the switches on the side being missing. I had a buddy try and take out the screws but we could only reach the two front screws. The seat was set all the way back blocking the screws. No idea how to get it out?? How much would a shop charge to take out the seats. How would would a replacement cost? I can do the work myself, but i dont think i have the right tools. is there a way i can manually slide it forward to reach the back screws? Yes i already checked the DIY thread.

[jmo69]

You'll have to reach underneath and turn the mechanism by hand. It's a real PITA but can be done. 12 and 14 are what you have to turn unless you can get power to the motor,#13. I did it with mine, but the seat was out when I did it.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/z/l/4.png

[Svinfinity]

Damn. How the hell can i reach down there. Also, how would would a manual replacement be. I don't need some fancy seats, just need something that will work so i can get to places. Id think ill rip all the electrical guts and bolt it into place, but i dont want to cause any abs lights coming on. Would it be affordable to just take it to the dealership and have them take it out? I know there are some outrageous prices charged.

[jmo69]

You could put a manual seat in there but you still have to get the old one out, you don't have to move it very far. A shop will charge you at least $75/hr in labor. Can you access the wiring via the hole where the switches are supposed to be? you might be able to get it to move that way. It looks like the GRN/YEL and BLK/YEL are the wires for forward and back, I've got the wiring diagram in front of me but I'm not an electrician.