52 26 ... Checks on rear seat (through-loading)

The rear seats must be checked for damage following an accident. This measure is applicable above all in the event of structural damage (engine carriers, luggage compartment floor side members) but also if large pieces of luggage were stowed in the luggage compartment. The most important checks are set out below. 

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Seat (Through-Loading)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

1. Rear seat frame: 

   Check complete frame for damage (cracking, breakage, etc.), paying particular attention to the marked areas.

   Fig 2: View Of Rear Seat Frame Inspection Areas

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2. ISOFIX cover strip: 

   Check marked areas for damage (cracking, breakage, etc.).

   Fig 3: Locating ISOFIX Cover Strip Inspection Areas

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
3. Side section: 

   Check side section for tight seating if it is loosely seated:

   1. Check retaining lugs and snap-in fixtures for damage (wear, breakage, cracking, etc.), replace if necessary.
   2. Check marked guide lugs for damage (cracking, breakage, etc.).

      Also check corresponding counter-supports on body (bending open, etc.).

      Fig 4: View Of Side Section Inspection Areas

      Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
4. Rear seat backrest: 

   Carry out function check (easy folding and snapping into place).

   1. Check center mount for damage (cracking, breakage, bending, bending open, etc.).

      If damage is identified at one of the following points, the center mount must also be replaced.

   2. Check backrest mount (oval head screw, bushing) for damage (cracking, breakage, bending, etc.), replace if necessary.
   3. Check mounting bracket for damage (breakage, cracking, bending, etc.).
   4. Check backrest head for parallelism to rear parcel shelf.

      Check whether there is deformation at backrest head and backrest molding.

   5. Check mount of center armrest for damage (breakage, cracking, bending, etc.).
   6. Check gap for parallelism and uniform distance.
   7. Check mount of backrest lock for damage (breakage, cracking, bending, etc.).

      If damage is identified at the backrest supporting points, the mounting points on the body must also be checked (bending open, function, etc.).

   Fig 5: Locating Rear Seat Backrest Inspection Areas
   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
5. Center armrest: 

   Carry out function check (easy folding and snapping into place).

   1. Check armrest shafts for damage (cracking, breakage, etc.).
   2. Check armrest vertically and diagonally for deformation.
   3. Check folding cover for exact operation.
   4. Check armrest buckle for damage (cracking, breakage, bending etc.).

      If the backrest structure is damaged, the center armrest must also be replaced.

      Fig 6: Identifying Center Armrest Inspection Areas

      Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
6. Ski bag: 

   Carry out function check (easy snapping into place).

   Check marked areas for damage (cracking, breakage, etc.).

   Fig 7: View Of Ski Bag Inspection Areas

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
7. Head restraints: 
   1. Check head restraint cushion for distortion. If the cushion is loose in relation to the tubes, replace head restraint.
   2. Check tubes for damage and parallelism to each other.

      Check guides on backrest.

      Carry out function check on new rear seat or reference vehicle.

      Fig 8: Locating Inspection Areas On Head Restraints

      Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.