E32 - 2019 update - twisted seat back fix - new tips
So there are a few threads about fixing the E32 twisted seat issues. Obviously this crosses other models too. In short the sheathing over the cables seems to swell, maybe? This causes the drive flex cable (a square cable) to effectively shorten and slip out of the drive motors. I wont go into more detail than that, its all been covered on how to shorten the sheathing and resolve this. With my 1992 750iL now sold, I wanted to fix a few things before the new owner took possession. The seats always looked like a big project because every write-up I found involved removing the seats.
Passenger side:
On my US left-hand-drive build the passenger side was pretty easy. Simply adjust the seat back so its properly aligned side to side and then move the entire seat backwards and then front end all the way up. From here, it is really easy to remove the screws holding the motor and pull the cable out. First locate the drive cable to the motor for the side that is not working. Odds are its the outside part of the seat, against the B pillar. The cables run down and to the back of the seat into rather large castings. You can not miss then, one on each side. If you follow it back to the front you will find that the forward most motor operates the seat back. Simply remove one, loosen the other or remove both short course thread screws. This give the motor some play and you can pull the cable out. The metal cap has a slight lip, this lip is what you want to get past the metal mounts which double as a catch for that lip to keep the cable in the motor. Once removed, repair and work the cable back into place.
Driver side:
Really the same as the passenger side and I found the the same side of the seat back was the issue, so the right back side (as if you were sitting in it). The screws will be longer this time and there are three connectors in the way. Disconnect the connectors. Then you can slide the connectors out of the plastic bracket and move them out of the way. The connectors have a small "lever" that holds them in place which you move to the side, the the connector slides up. Look at an empty slot and you will see what I mean. On this side the seat back motor is the SECOND from front. Like the passenger side, there are two motors very close to each other. Other than the annoying connectors in the way, its again pretty straight forward.
But here is pro tip to REALLY make this job easier. You can remove the seat frame connectors. They first one is a little tricky until you figure them out. Getting then back in is not super easy, use some lubricant. Basically there is a small hook tab on one side. You can use a pliers to rotate it into view. You need to push this gently inward as you pull this thing from the other side. It will pop right out.
Install is trickier since you have to align the seat. Keep in mind the upper "rail" attached to the seat freely moves, so dont panic when you go to put these back in if things dont line-up. Do one side at a time. I simply pushed them in by hand as I shook the seat around until they started/aligned. If they are old, you may again have to push that tab in for proper insertion.
This made access to the motors 100x easier. Although for the passenger side I did not do this, only the driver side.
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Last edited by unity; 05-13-2019 at 10:50 PM.
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1992 750iL
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