By: Faisal Ahmed and Gerry and Mitchell Speechley.
Tools Needed:
1. Torx Bit T-10.
2. Torx Bit T-20.
3. Torx Bit T-25.
4. Large Paper Clip (Straighten one end).
5. Small flat Screwdriver.
6. Small Phillips Screwdriver.
7. Magnetic pickup wand (Just in case you drop a screw).
Parts Needed:
1. Seat Levers
a. Left Lever part # 52 10 8 152 827
b. Right Lever part # 52 10 8 152 828
First Things First:
1. Move the seat as far forward as possible.
The Installation Pictures and Procedures:
1. Here is a view of the broken seat catch on the passenger side seat.
2. Now move the headrest a little by pushing it away while rotating. To move the headrest arm rear shell, push the straightened paper clip into this hole in the head rest arm shell to release the clips. Please not that on newer E31s there are 2 of these holes and releases. 1 on each side of the headrest arm.
3. This then releases the arm rear shell. Disregard the blue cable in the picture. It is for the Headrest monitor.
4. The headrest is held on a nylon friction sleeve. Whilst gently rotating the headrest forwards and back, slide the headrest away about 3 inches.
5. Lower the seat fully, which will raise the headrest fully to allow access to the 2 (1 on each side), #10 Torx screws which retain the arm front shell.
6. Remove the arm front shell.
7. Remove the plastic screw cover to reveal the #20 Torx screw at the bottom of the seat and remove the screw.
8. The main seatback shell can be gently lifted and be pulled back enough to allow access to the #25 Torx screw which retains the chrome lever.
9. Here the actuating arm can clearly be seen.
10. This is where the original levers break.
11. Here is a comparison between the new metal reinforced lever and the old type.
12. Slide the new lever onto the catch and secure it with the #25 Torx screw.
13. Lower the main seatback shell into position and refit #10 Torx screw and cover.
14. Gently pull the headrest back in to the original position, rotating whilst doing so.
15. Refit the headrest front shell with the #10 Torx screws.
16. Snap the arm shells back together.
17. The job is now complete.
It took me 30 minutes to do this job…including driving to and from the local auto parts store for the set of Torx Bits. Hope this help.