Rear Seat Backrest Removal Help! 2006 530i
#1
![Unhappy](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon9.gif)
I've read many threads and pdfs on this subject but cannot seem to apply them to the rear seat back removal for my 2006 530i. Can someone provide directions on how to do this?
Thus far, I've been able to remove the rear seat cushion.
Taken out the head rests and tried to pull the sides out like the cushion but it won't give.
I don't have the fold down seat, just the basic
The back rest appears to be one piece like the cushion.
Questions: does the middle arm rest have to be removed?
There appears to be emergency release actuators accessible in the rear cargo area? Is this what holds the back rest in place? I've tried to push them outwards but they're stuck. I've heard someone say that you need to stick a screwdriver in there but it doesn't appear to accept it. Is there specific instructions on this step?
Any help would be appreciated? My supposed 3 hour job is taking 1 day now.
Cheers
Thus far, I've been able to remove the rear seat cushion.
Taken out the head rests and tried to pull the sides out like the cushion but it won't give.
I don't have the fold down seat, just the basic
The back rest appears to be one piece like the cushion.
Questions: does the middle arm rest have to be removed?
There appears to be emergency release actuators accessible in the rear cargo area? Is this what holds the back rest in place? I've tried to push them outwards but they're stuck. I've heard someone say that you need to stick a screwdriver in there but it doesn't appear to accept it. Is there specific instructions on this step?
Any help would be appreciated? My supposed 3 hour job is taking 1 day now.
Cheers
#3
Contributors
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: CORNWALL
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 640D MSPORT GT
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
what are you trying to achieve..?
if you just need to feed cables you can push under back rest there is a 3/5mm gap .
the back rest is held by screws in armrest cover release screws lift upward the plastic insert,
remove side seat trims and you will see a screw at base of seat this is infact a hinge ,release with screwdriver both sides a cable and catch arrangement push towars centre of car.back will then fold down towars middle of car.
if you just need to feed cables you can push under back rest there is a 3/5mm gap .
the back rest is held by screws in armrest cover release screws lift upward the plastic insert,
remove side seat trims and you will see a screw at base of seat this is infact a hinge ,release with screwdriver both sides a cable and catch arrangement push towars centre of car.back will then fold down towars middle of car.
#4
Members
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Irvine CA
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 545i titanium grey 6 speed manual with light grey interior. Nav, L7, cold weather, sport, sat. Modifications: suede headliner, pianno black interior trim, Ipod dock, Mtech front bumper, Angel Eyes, and flat black kidney grills.
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by hkfcheung' post='532697' date='Feb 18 2008, 08:57 AM
I've read many threads and pdfs on this subject but cannot seem to apply them to the rear seat back removal for my 2006 530i. Can someone provide directions on how to do this?
Thus far, I've been able to remove the rear seat cushion.
Taken out the head rests and tried to pull the sides out like the cushion but it won't give.
I don't have the fold down seat, just the basic
The back rest appears to be one piece like the cushion.
Questions: does the middle arm rest have to be removed?
There appears to be emergency release actuators accessible in the rear cargo area? Is this what holds the back rest in place? I've tried to push them outwards but they're stuck. I've heard someone say that you need to stick a screwdriver in there but it doesn't appear to accept it. Is there specific instructions on this step?
Any help would be appreciated? My supposed 3 hour job is taking 1 day now.
Cheers
Thus far, I've been able to remove the rear seat cushion.
Taken out the head rests and tried to pull the sides out like the cushion but it won't give.
I don't have the fold down seat, just the basic
The back rest appears to be one piece like the cushion.
Questions: does the middle arm rest have to be removed?
There appears to be emergency release actuators accessible in the rear cargo area? Is this what holds the back rest in place? I've tried to push them outwards but they're stuck. I've heard someone say that you need to stick a screwdriver in there but it doesn't appear to accept it. Is there specific instructions on this step?
Any help would be appreciated? My supposed 3 hour job is taking 1 day now.
Cheers
#5
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
thanks for everyone's reply. It's so good to know that there's a bunch of people out there willing to help. Unfortunately, the forum content is sometimes difficult to understand or not 100% applicable as described. In any event, I've been able to successfully remove the back seat rest using information gathered through various threads. I'll definitely post some pics as this will always help future requestors.
The problem I had was in understanding that a simple screwdriver needed to be placed in the spring latch just needs to be turned inwards. In addition, the seat belt buckles need to be removed from the bottom of the back rest.
thanks everyone!
Project: rear cam retrofit and need to run wiring harness through to the front. next step: taking off the door foot trim
The problem I had was in understanding that a simple screwdriver needed to be placed in the spring latch just needs to be turned inwards. In addition, the seat belt buckles need to be removed from the bottom of the back rest.
thanks everyone!
Project: rear cam retrofit and need to run wiring harness through to the front. next step: taking off the door foot trim
Originally Posted by thedreamshop' post='532956' date='Feb 19 2008, 01:06 AM
I have done this myself and I feel your pain. I assume that you have non fold down seats right? Well think of it like this, your back seat latches in at the top just like my 60/40 seat does. The difference is that I have release handles in the trunk and you do not. You need to manually ( screw driver or pick ) release the spring loaded latches located behind your seat in the trunk. Crawl in the trunk on your back and look up where the latches are ( do not remove the torx bolts for the latch ) and look for the lever that has the spring on it. You need to move it away from the spring about 1/4 inch to release the back seat. Thats it.
#6
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Did you happen to take pictures and post them somewhere?
Same thing.. first time, hesitant in just applying force, and the material is confusing
... I also have the non folding seats
Same thing.. first time, hesitant in just applying force, and the material is confusing
![Frown](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/sad.gif)
![Frown](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/sad.gif)
#7
Senior Members
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Indiana, USA
Posts: 1,380
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
My Ride: 2007 530xi: Sport, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, HD Radio, SAT, Custom NCS coded options 2008 535xi: Sport, Night Vision, NAV, PDC, HUD, Cold Wthr, CA, Logic 7, SAT, Custom NCS coded options, Rear Seat Heat Retrofit, Passport 9500ci
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
https://5series.net/forums/topic/108...heat-retrofit/
That latch is not about force. It is about leverage and knowing which way to twist. I have done it multiple times and each time feels like the first
![](https://5series.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/doh.gif)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
socale39
Complete Car Sales
9
09-05-2023 08:30 AM