Re: Repairing E30 driver seat

[Elcrinv@xxxxxxx]

This is a detailed (I hope) account of the steps necessary to repair the 
drivers seat on a 325i. It can be done with basic tools and skills if you are 
willing to take your time.
The break occurs near the pivot point of the seat and cannot be fixed without 
complete removal of the seat cushion unless you really like destructive 
fires.
Remove seat from car, place on bench and put seat back forward as if entering 
the back seat. Remove two small screws at base of seat back and pull it down 
and away to free clamps at top of seat back.
Remove the plastic covers on each side of the seat hinge. There is one 
plastic reverse screw and a second which is a press fit and cannot be seen. 
Don't force - fiddle. This is a little tricky to reassemble so observe how it 
is mounted.
On the seat hinge mechanism remove the end of the wire that connects to the 
lever allowing the seat to fold forward. Do this by gently prying up the tab 
and sliding it over the peg. Using a utility knife pry loose the white 
plastic guide through which the wire goes. Repeat on other side. Let hang 
free.
Remove two large screws on seat back connecting seat back to hinge mechanism. 
Gently pull and wiggle the seat back up and away. Use a small screwdriver to 
pry or persuade the supports if you think they are hung up as you do this.
On the hinge mechanism there is a stamped and welded metal tab which 
originates in the pivot area. Under it you can see a ring clamp. Pry the 
pivot tab off and remove the ring clamp. I have a $2 tool from the rack at 
NAPA Parts which does this easily but you can also improvise.
Remove bolt which holds seat belt receiver. Ditto similar bolt left side. 
Remove bar holding the seat flap or wait until next step.
Push the post on which the seatback wire was attached to release the catch 
and rotate the entire hinge mechanism to allow it clear the larger post and 
pull free.
Remove plastic trim on left seat bottom and remove cushion by stretching and 
pulling the plastic free of the small tabs and large parts around the hinge 
area.
Hie to a competent welder and get the offending weld repaired.
Assembly is the reverse. 
If appropriate could someone get this in the proper archive?
Fred Callender Rocky Mtn. Chapter

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