Loose driver's side seat back... Manual Vader

[m3f_Nate047]

Hey guys, I searched and seemed to find mostly info on power adjustable seats but not too much for manual seats. My driver's side Vader seat back is loose, it's not the rail but the actual back, and it will not recline either. Like when you stand next to the car and push the seat back, it moves an inch or so. Passenger side does not do this. My suspicion is the previous owner(s) made a habit of using the seat back as the place to put their arm and full body weight on the seat back as they pushed themselves up to get out of the car, and it must have just worn something down over time.



This has been the biggest annoyance since buying the car and I'd like to DIY this, anyone have info or part numbers? I assume it's maybe 4-8 on this diagram?



http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=52_0637



Thank you kindly

[m3f_Nate047]

Anyone? I can't be the first person who's had this issue.

[m3f_westopher]

Hey Nate. I'm out of town and just browsing from my phone, but if no one has posted by the time I'm back I on Sunday I'll search my bookmarks how to take apart the vaders. It's most likely the two Allen bolts that bolt the seat back to the base, underneath the bottom cushion/where the seat back meets.

[m3f_Nate047]

Thanks man, any input is appreciated before I tear the seat open and have to wait for parts to arrive. Would love to get some insight and order the stuff in advance.

[m3f_bhennrich]

Two things, what is your build date (or better yet last 7 of VIN) and where are you located. It may be easier and cheaper to just find a used seat on craigslist and just swap your leather and foam over.

[m3f_Nate047]

Interesting, I had not considered that option. It's April 1999 build date, I'm in LA and I'm sure there are plenty of used Vaders I can find.


Do you really think that would be faster or easier though? I think the parts I need would at most cost me 30 or 40 bucks, unless it's the actual frame inside the seat that's somehow damaged. I feel like it's the spring.

[m3f_westopher]

Hey Nate,


Heres a good thread on the assembly and disassembly of later model vaders. I'd first check the torx bolts at the lower part of the backrest piece. Is it just the backrest moving? Or is the whole seat moving on the base?

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ir-Disassembly

[m3f_Nate047]

Ahhh nice man, thank you. I will read through the thread this afternoon when I have some time to really pay attention. It's not the base of the seat, or the rail, it's the actual seat back. Like the mechanism that controls whether it will recline or not.

[m3f_bhennrich]

Interesting, I had not considered that option. It's April 1999 build date, I'm in LA and I'm sure there are plenty of used Vaders I can find.



Do you really think that would be faster or easier though? I think the parts I need would at most cost me 30 or 40 bucks, unless it's the actual frame inside the seat that's somehow damaged. I feel like it's the spring.

Just so you know, after you take westophers' advice and check the torx bolts, if they are not the culprit and you can not quickly identify the problem... ANY E36 seat built 95+ will part swap. Vaders are just the foam and leather along with head rest. You can put vader foam on lux, sport, or vader frames; because they are all the same frame. I know up in the Portland, OR market I see beat up (torn and thrashed foam) E36 seats for sale on craigslist all the time for dirt cheep. Was just trying to help you avoid guessing at parts and waiting for shipping...

[m3f_Nate047]

Interesting, I definitely did not know that and I will keep it in mind. Much appreciated. I grew up in Portland BTW