E30.BMWdiy.INFO
E30 Rear Seat Removal
Prepared by VietSB
Modified 07.10.02


NOTE: Perform these steps at your own risk. All P/N's listed are a "best guess", so please double-check with your local dealer. These mods and repairs were performed on my US-Spec 1989 325i (12/88 prod date, M20/B25 engine) but there is no guarantee they will work on other E30's. These instructions are provided for entertainment purposes only!

BACKGROUND: I know this procedure works on my '89 2-door 325i, and I've heard the steps are pretty much exactly the same on most E30's regardless of configuration (i.e. 4-door, cabrio, etc). I haven't worked on an M3, so I don't know how similar it is.
Required Tools:
1. E30's normally have 2 types of bottom seat cushions, coil suspension and foam suspension. Coil suspension rear seats will have two plastic bolt covers where the red arrows point in the pic below. Pry off the covers and remove the two bolts to free the bottom cushion.

Foam suspension seat cushions use clips to keep them down. Reach underneath the front lip approximately where the red arrows point in the pic above and pull straight up. It shouldn't take much force. The clip looks like this:

2. Pivot the front edge of the seat cushion upwards a bit and pull the cushion out.

3. Most E30's have two 10mm bolts holding the seat back in place. These bolts are usually located on the very ends of the seat back near the bottom left and right seatbelt anchor points. The bolts pass thru two mounting arms that hang off the ends of the cushion and screw directly into the body. The mounting arm and bolt might be covered up by the vinyl body panel. Just look for it and you'll find it. I've read that some E30's have these bolts towards the center-line of the vehicle instead. Check both locations if in doubt. When reinstalling these bolts, don't over tighten as they strip fairly easily.

4. The seat back is hooked in place. Simply pull the cushion upwards an inch or two on both sides to release the hooks. Use care when removing the seat back cushion because the mounting arms have a tendency to scratch other car parts or flesh.

In the pics below, you can see the hooking portions.

5. At this point, you should be complete.

Questions? Comments? E-mail me: .

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