Front seat swap - passenger seat on driver's side by just moving switches?

[LysanderSpooner]

Is it possible to put a passenger side seat on the driver's side by swapping just the controls and armrest over from one side to the other? I'm partway through this process (http://bmwe32.masscom.net/sean750/Se...atSwapping.htm), and it seems like it would be a lot less work to use the whole seat rather than swapping out the bottom cover and backrest onto my existing driver's side frame. Getting the cover off the frame looks like a real pain in the neck, and if used the whole passenger seat bottom I would then have all of the lightly used springing and padding that came with it.

[shogun]

Maybe you read thru all the DIY sites a bit when you have time to know what is where documented http://bmwe32.masscom.net/sean750/Se...atSwapping.htm

[LysanderSpooner]

Maybe you read thru all the DIY sites a bit when you have time to know what is where documented http://bmwe32.masscom.net/sean750/Se...atSwapping.htm

I've been following those instructions, and I am at the point where you take the bottom leather cover off the frame. Now that I realize how much work that is, I am thinking it might be better to swap the switches and armrest from my original driver's seat onto this frame rather than remove and swap the cover, padding, and springs from one frame to the other. So I'm looking for any tips on doing it that way.

[shogun]

Is the driver seat equipped with seat and memory function? Then it will be difficult, as the drives are equipped with potentiometers on the SMM version http://www.e38.org/e32/BMW_pdfs/smm.pdf

[f00g0057]

The Armrest has a coiled spring pin that holds it on the lever that will expand enough to where it won't go back in the hole.

[gregeast]

I haven't looked at the E32 seats closely enough to to know if it's possible, but on my E36's I swapped the whole seat bottom cushion (cover, foam & 'suspension') from one seat frame to the other.

[e30luv318i]

It’s very easy to swap the leather. Last seat I did took 2 hours to remove and install the new leather, from what I remember the part numbers for the skins are the same pass vs drivers.

[LysanderSpooner]

It’s very easy to swap the leather. Last seat I did took 2 hours to remove and install the new leather, from what I remember the part numbers for the skins are the same pass vs drivers.

OK after everyone's comments I suppose I will carry on with swapping the leather, cushion and springs over.

Right now I'm at the point where I have all of the little spiky tabs that secure the leather to the frame bent back on the front and rear, but along the sides of the frame there is very little access. I think I need to raise the seat up from the frame to create more room to work, so I will hook a up a 12v source and see if I can't figure out how to do this. Any tips on that?

[TheStigg]

On the main power connector, apply 12V to the 2 largest gauge wires. The brown one is ground. This will allow all of the motions to function via the switches.

[LysanderSpooner]

On the main power connector, apply 12V to the 2 largest gauge wires. The brown one is ground. This will allow all of the motions to function via the switches.

Awesome, thanks for that tip.

[e30luv318i]

To make things easier for you installing the leather, replace the metal hog rings with small zip ties. It likes life much easier!

[LysanderSpooner]

To make things easier for you installing the leather, replace the metal hog rings with small zip ties. It likes life much easier!

By hog rings I assume you mean those sharp little teeth that grab the leather? If so I'm all for smashing those little #$@%ers down flat!

[e30luv318i]

Yes exactly what you described, they are the most terrible object on the planet! I used to use them when I did e30 seats until I got wise and started with the zip ties. Cuts the time in half!