Power seat/steering adjusters dead - BMW Forum

mrogers · 10-30-2005, 09:56 PM

My car has had issues with the power telescoping wheel for some time. First the telescoping feature stopped working, now it won't move up and down either. Around the same time that stopped working, the driver's seat adjustments stopped working. Both features were erratic before they died -- for example, I had to move the switch for the driver's seat several times before it would budge; same with the steering wheel.

Since the passenger seat still works perfectly, I'm wondering if this is a worn cable issue or something similar; I've heard E34s had a problem with the power seat wiring wearing down. Does anyone know if a similar problem -- or something entirely different -- could be causing my issues, and where I could look to determine the problem? Thanks!

Dirty_Tool · 10-30-2005, 10:14 PM

The plastic housing which holds the drivers seat switch to the seat often breaks or becomes loose. This causes the main connector the the seat switch to come loose and/or the lock for the connector housing to break. Gain access to the back side of the seat switch and see if this is the problem. It is likely this is the cause. The drivers seat switch is also the module for seat and mirror memory.

DT

mrogers · 10-30-2005, 10:39 PM

Interesting. This would possibly explain why the memory stuff has never seemed to work right.

As far as gaining access to the switch assembly...I would have to remove the buttons to do that, correct? I once made an attempt to remove the buttons, but didn't get very far because I was afraid they were going to snap off. Any advice on how to get them off without breaking them?

Dirty_Tool · 10-30-2005, 10:56 PM

actually you really do not need to remove the switch at all. Leave the buttons on. Pull the plastic panel down to access the back side of the switch. Theres some black clips and 2 T30 torx screws holding it on. If u can just remove the T30 screw from the frt of the panel along with the black clip up frt u can probably shift the plastic panel enuff to shine a flashlight down and see the back side of the switch to confirm that this is the problem. You may even have enough room to fix it. If not the panel really is not hard to remove completely and you do not need to remove the switch from the panel unless the switch needs replacing. BTW the buttons do just pry straight off however u have to be careful and sometimes they stick on so bad that when u remove them you actually beak the switch. It can be hard to avoid if the buttons are stuck on there really bad. This is why I recommend not removing the switch from the panel unless absolutely necessary.

DT

mrogers · 11-01-2005, 02:49 PM

Awesome, it worked! I loosened the plastic trim panel and found the connector to be loose. Suddenly, everything works -- even the telescoping wheel, which has never worked! Thanks DT!

Dirty_Tool · 11-02-2005, 11:47 PM

your welcome, glad it worked out for you.

DT

Dealmaker · 12-20-2005, 03:59 PM

Hey Guys,

My 528i is experiencing (okay has been for a long time) the same problems. The plug is beginning to wear out.

What is the part number for that plug and the plastic housing?

And how easy is the seat to remove?

Thanks,
Matt

swenpro · 12-23-2005, 09:40 PM

mrogers... I've had the exact same problem you describe... but not the same conclusion. My seat was erratic for some months until it finally quit... yes, in the reclined position.

I drove around with pillows propping me up for some weeks, until my used memory seat module (the "brain" box under the seat") arrived--about $150. My mechanic told me this is what I needed.

When I got the newer module, I plugged it in, the seat moved for about 1 sec, then quit. I unplugged, then plugged in again--seat moved for a good 3 secs then quit. I unplugged, waited a few days, then replugged it in, and I was able to get the seat all the way up! And then no more. So my seat's in a fine position for me... but it won't move anywhere if I want it to (neither will telescoping wheel or mirrors, thus it has to do with the memory system).

What exactly did you plug into what to solve your problem? I'd really like to be through with this once and for all! Thanks in advance

mrogers · 01-02-2006, 11:04 AM

Well it was just like Dirty Tool described -- there's a connector harness behind the trim piece where the seat controls are. If you can get the trim piece just a little bit loose and look behind it, you can't miss it. That's what I found to be loose in my car.

Dirty_Tool · 01-03-2006, 01:24 AM

Swenpro, if your car is a e34 such as the car in your sig, then this does not apply.

Dt

swenpro · 01-03-2006, 10:35 PM

ah, yes, thank you... I seemed to have forgotten not everyone owns the beloved e34

Thanks for the help anyway, mrogers

swenpro · 01-03-2006, 10:38 PM

speaking of signature... why is it not showing up now? odd... ah, yes, now in preview it has come back

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