Seat back cable fix - BMW Forum

cjscopp · 04-26-2010, 03:05 PM

Have a new, much easier way to fix the seatbacks on the E39. The Mrs. told me the seatback was crooked a while back and I researched the shortening of the cable fix. Looked it over and I started the job this morning. Once I had the seats out and the seat back cable removed from the motor, I got to looking at this thing and tried to find another way to effectively lengthen the cable, which is what the method of cutting the cable outer sheath does. It popped into my mind I could cut about 11 mm of the metal end fitting that goes into the motor thus lengthening the cable. I used a tubing cutter to cut the end of the metal off, then I split that piece and put it back on the other side of the collar to make up for the space on the back side between the bracket. It worked really well and I did not have to heat the outer cable sheath, work the metal fitting off and cut the plastic then re-fit it all. Here are some pics I took while I did the job. They are a little blurry but I think you will get the idea.

BBenedict · 04-26-2010, 05:03 PM

Your method of effectively lengthening the inner cable is exactly what I did. It's also the method shown in the video.

cjscopp · 04-26-2010, 05:25 PM

Since I did not buy the video I don't know what's in it. Guess I should have thought of it first, than I could be selling instructional videos.

Synesthesia · 04-28-2010, 02:41 AM

I bought the video too. Best investment, I think. No problems . . . yet . . . keeping my fingers crossed.

Huwman · 10-10-2011, 11:09 PM

I am trying to diagnose the exact same seat twisting problem in my 2003 540i with the sport seats. I have the passenger seat out but I don't see any sign externally that the cable is not engaging the motor or gearbox. Should I be able to see it if it is not engaging? Second, how do I know if it's the motor interface of the rear/gearbox interface that's FUBAR'd?

cjscopp · 10-11-2011, 11:15 AM

You will not be able to see anything from the outside. You can check the operation of the gearboxes by removing the cable ends at the electric motor end and manually operating them with an electric drill. This also allows you to balance each side back to equal. If the manual cable operation works and the seat back moves correctly, apply this cable modification as described above to put more of the metal cable into the electric motor and you will be good.

Huwman · 10-12-2011, 12:01 AM

Hey thanks much!

By the way, should I do both sides of the cable/motor while I'm in, just to head off any future problems?

cjscopp · 10-12-2011, 11:12 AM

Glad to help. I suggest you do both cables while you are there. You will see the two cables come out of either end of the same motor and go to each side of the seat. Good luck.

Al

cjscopp · 10-12-2011, 11:14 AM

Yes, you should do both sides while you are there. As soon as you don't the other side will malfunction. Good luck

raybmw · 10-25-2011, 06:54 PM

i have the same problem,where do i get the video,thanks guys.

Huwman · 11-05-2011, 07:10 AM

Thx again-did both sides of the motor, reinstalled and it's good as new. What a PIA though.