Rear seat Lock/Release mechanism question

kierownik · 02-19-2021, 02:34 AM

Hi everyone,
I'm trying to retrofit the rear folding seat on my f30.
I've got the seat but I'm still struggling to find the release/locking mechanisms. You know, the lock-cord-handle thing.
There are some available in US but the delivery takes ages.
I've found set (left and right) for E90 which looks pretty much the same really.
Will the set from e90 fit f30? Handle and the lock look exactly the same, however it kind of looks like the set from e30 has a slightly shorter cable.

Can anyone advice please?
Thanks.

t5pilot · 02-19-2021, 11:25 AM

I don't believe you can retrofit them, unless something has changed in the last 5 years.
My previous (2014) F30 didn't have folding rear seats. I wanted to retrofit but wasn't possible.

kierownik · 02-19-2021, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t5pilot

I don't believe you can retrofit them, unless something has changed in the last 5 years.
My previous (2014) F30 didn't have folding rear seats. I wanted to retrofit but wasn't possible.

It is doable and more than possible and easier than you think. Just need all the parts which I believe I already have found and ordered (my original post can be disregarded right now)

There's quite a few videos on YouTube where people do this exact thing. Just go on yt and search for bmw f30 folding rear seats retrofit.

Once it's all done I'll post pics.
Some parts are coming all the way from US so it might be a couple of weeks.

Ta.

kierownik · 02-19-2021, 04:30 PM

I'm trying to find one little plastic clip on reaoem but I can't. Can anyone help me to find this part number please?

Watsey · 02-24-2021, 03:53 AM

Have you called the Parts department at a BMW dealership ?

3-GT · 02-24-2021, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kierownik

I'm trying to find one little plastic clip on reaoem but I can't. Can anyone help me to find this part number please?

Can't really make heads or tails of what it is in the photo. What does the clip secure?

kitster · 02-24-2021, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3-GT

Quote:

Originally Posted by kierownik

I'm trying to find one little plastic clip on reaoem but I can't. Can anyone help me to find this part number please?

Can't really make heads or tails of what it is in the photo. What does the clip secure?

Looks like the underside of the rear seat cushion

bishbosh · 02-24-2021, 07:59 AM

Given the shape I'd suggest the side bolster.

kitster · 02-24-2021, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishbosh

Given the shape I'd suggest the side bolster.

Reminds me of The Krypton Factor for those old enough to remember!!

kierownik · 02-24-2021, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishbosh

Given the shape I'd suggest the side bolster.

Yes it's the side bolster. Couldn't find that clip literally anywhere. I even called bmw and they don't sell that clip on its own, it comes as part of the bolster.
I was trying to find a used complete booster but couldn't and the ones I found were super expensive.
I've done some more research and it turned out that that boaters on f20 are fitted using the exact same clips. I've found a complete bolster for £20 and now I've got everything I need including locking mechanisms(which are still in the post from us), centre seat belt all the clips etc etc.
Once the mechanisms arrive I'll be fitting the seats in.
The only worry are the c pillar panels which I need to remove to remove the rear window shelf to replace the centre seat belt. It's gonna be a pain to remove those panels without damaging anything but I'm hoping I'll somehow manage. I ordered a couple of spare trim clips just in case.

02-19-2021, 02:34 AM	#1
kierownik First Lieutenant 92 Rep 320 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 320i Sport Black Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Manchester, UK iTrader: (0)	Rear seat Lock/Release mechanism question Hi everyone, I'm trying to retrofit the rear folding seat on my f30. I've got the seat but I'm still struggling to find the release/locking mechanisms. You know, the lock-cord-handle thing. There are some available in US but the delivery takes ages. I've found set (left and right) for E90 which looks pretty much the same really. Will the set from e90 fit f30? Handle and the lock look exactly the same, however it kind of looks like the set from e30 has a slightly shorter cable. Can anyone advice please? Thanks.
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02-19-2021, 11:25 AM	#2
t5pilot Colonel 978 Rep 2,069 Posts Drives: M4 CP & S1000 XR Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Yorkshire - UK iTrader: (1)	I don't believe you can retrofit them, unless something has changed in the last 5 years. My previous (2014) F30 didn't have folding rear seats. I wanted to retrofit but wasn't possible. __________________ /// BM3 + M-Power ///
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02-19-2021, 04:30 PM	#4
kierownik First Lieutenant 92 Rep 320 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 320i Sport Black Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Manchester, UK iTrader: (0)	I'm trying to find one little plastic clip on reaoem but I can't. Can anyone help me to find this part number please? Attached Images
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02-24-2021, 03:53 AM	#5
Watsey Major General 6414 Rep 8,498 Posts Drives: F31 330D sDrive M Sport Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: On sabbatical. iTrader: (1)	Have you called the Parts department at a BMW dealership ? __________________ Current : F31 330sD, remapped, Ohlins Road & Track, Millway camber plates, Quaife LSD, Stoptech brakes + Pagid RSL1 pads all round, Weichers front strut brace, Eibach front & rear anti-roll bars, Michelin MP4S.
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02-24-2021, 07:59 AM	#8
bishbosh Lieutenant Colonel 840 Rep 1,993 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sheffield iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 BMW 335d [0.00]	Given the shape I'd suggest the side bolster.
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