Reclining struts, replace

# Gas spring strut, backrest, replace.

The seat back rest is raised from the laid back position by means of two gas struts on the hinge mechanism. These struts are only two of four on the seat, and are located on the inside of the hinge assemblies. These two struts can be replaced without removing the seat in most instances.
If seat is to remain in car, remove head rest for clearance. Pull head rest straight up to remove. Alternately, remove seat and follow instructions for removal of back rest. |
Release back rest and fold forward. Remove screw from each lower corner of backrest cover |
Pull knobs off release handles by inserting a small screw driver between the knob and the plastic base. Large knob on outside of seats shown. Shorter handle on inside of passenger seat is removed in the same way. |
Passenger seat: Remove screw from inner lever and remove. |
Push seatback cover up to disengage clips, and remove over handle on outside of seat by turning seatback cover as you remove it. |
Remove upper end of seat back release cables from both sides of the seat. Cable is held into handles with a "dog leg". Push the cable rod towards the seat padding until the "dog leg" comes through the hole in the handle. |
This photograph shows a view of the release mechanism as though looking through the cover and padding. Seat cover and padding have been removed to show the otherwise obscured side of the handle mechanism for seat back release. |
Remove the #3 Phillips screw from the back of each hinge and lift off back rest. |
Struts are now visible on the inside of each hinge. Use a small screwdriver to remove the retaining clips. Retaining clips are one time use only, removal damages them, requiring them to be replaced. Use a screwdriver to pry the spring strut off the mounting studs. |
DANGER: Even a bad spring strut will still be under considerable pressure. Keep fingers clear when removing spring strut from mounting studs.

### Installation:

Spring struts are extremely tight and difficult to compress. Use a C clamp, or large set of "water pump" pliers to compress the spring strut while installing. Photo shows seat height spring strut, installation is the same as for reclining spring struts. |

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson