Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
61 35 080 Removing and installing (replacing) control unit for left or right seat adjustment (front seat)
Illustration of problem: (replacement only)
In the event of a faulty seat module, new variants with a 30 mm wider housing will be used as replacements as of 03/2005.
- Seat module up to 03/2005 approx. 135 mm
- Seat module from 03/2005 approx. 165 mm
This results (on the right seat only) in a collision with the central seat connector.
In vehicles up to 03/2005 it is therefore necessary to fit the right seat with a new seat pan (applicable from 03/2005).
The following SM variants are affected:
- SM H
- SM BA/M
- SM BA/M-HK
Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Disconnect BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD
- Remove TRIMS FOR TOP RAIL
Removal and installation:
Unlock and disconnect all plug connections in area (1).
Unlock catches (2) towards rear, feed out control unit for seat adjustment (3) in direction of arrow and remove from seat rail (4).
Installation:
Make sure mounts (1) and retaining lugs (2) of control unit for seat adjustment (3) are correctly seated.
Replacement:
REMOVE trim for top rail on outside.
Unlock central seat connector (1) and disconnect.
Unlock and disconnect all plug connections from connector strips (2).
Pull seat pan (1) forwards slightly and unclip from seat linkage.
Lift seat pan at rear left and right out of seat rail.
Turn seat pan in seat mechanism and feed out towards front.
Unclip seat wiring harnesses from seat pan.
Remove seat pan.
The new seat module is secured to the new seat pan in the area marked "R".
Wiring harness (1) must be relaid accordingly.
Pay attention to new clip positioning (2).
Carry out PROGRAMMING/CODING .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.