E39: one side of the seat back is not working - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Easy E · 18th June 2009, 06:05

No leading issue that I know of, but I didn't want to take out the seat 'till after a post.

So one half of the passenger seat back is not tilting front/back....only one side moves....but it just racks the other hinge. The seat moves back/forth/up/down fine. Any thoughts or suggestions greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Easy

JEM · 18th June 2009, 06:30

Haven't experienced this in an E39, but this wasn't uncommon in Saab 9000s, there's a motor with two drive cables coming out of it going to gearboxes on either side of the seat hinge and if one of the cables breaks or pops loose it'll do exactly what you're describing. I would not be surprised to find the E39 seat has the same drive design.

Easy E · 18th June 2009, 06:38

Thanks! The #16 are flexible shafts...I'll check'em out & see if there's any shafts not turning/not inserted....
~Easy

jgrgnt · 18th June 2009, 08:48

Part #13 (52108192966) failed on me a few weeks ago. Same symptom, only the left side of the driver's seat would recline/upright, no warning whatsoever.

The dealer replaced it under CPO, so I'm not sure how difficult a DIY this will be. The part itself is about $200.

M Baker · 18th June 2009, 11:07

My passenger seat is doing the same thing. Previous owner had the problem too, it was fixed, but now it is broken again. I have a warranty, but it's not a huge issue right now, waiting for other things to break as my warranty has a $100 deductable per visit.

Fab 5 · 19th June 2009, 07:49

I believe its called a seat twist. Just do a search and there should be a thread that has DIY. You don't need any parts, so it shouldn't cost anything.