Need help with vert back seat removal...

Sliquepimp · Sat, Oct-23-2010, 03:11:05 AM

Hello all. I've already pulled the bottom rear portion and also the speaker grill panels. I read on bimmerforums that the back seat pulls out and up..... No. I've read that all seats since e30 have 2 bolts at the bottom and then pull up.... No. I've pulled the trunk carpet and there seems to be 2 bolts(one on each side) coming through the sheet metal. So, can I get a definitive answer on how to remove the upper portion of an e36 vert m3 seat? Thanks in advance.

**PurduinaM3** · Sat, Oct-23-2010, 03:15:00 AM

Do they fold down? The fold down seats are tricky, but there's a piece in the center on the floor that unlatches the top of the back seats to be able to pull them out...

Sliquepimp · Sat, Oct-23-2010, 03:45:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurduinaM3

Do they fold down? The fold down seats are tricky, but there's a piece in the center on the floor that unlatches the top of the back seats to be able to pull them out...

nope, don't appear to fold. The lower portion velcros out, then a flap that would be used for skis is there except I have the subwoofer in the middle. It seems that either there is a bolt hiding under the side panels or maybe a bolster issue.... plus I cannot get the headrests out. I've pulled up to no avail. One post says they have to be out, the other doesn't...... arrrrghhhh....

firedancer414 · Sat, Oct-23-2010, 05:56:54 AM

Pull out and up, really. No bolts. You have to wiggle the headrests forward/backward to get them out. The headrests DO need to come out first.

**Synenergy52** · Mon, Oct-25-2010, 05:24:58 PM

The headrests come out. Stand on the seats if you have to for leverage. Directions: Pull very hard.

As far as the rear seats folding down, vert seats do not. I think BSW (bavarian sound werks) has a video on youtube on the e36 m3 vert rear seat removal. search it.

Sliquepimp · Mon, Oct-25-2010, 08:13:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firedancer414

Pull out and up, really. No bolts. You have to wiggle the headrests forward/backward to get them out. The headrests DO need to come out first.

Howdy. Thanks for the confirmation. I do have to say though, you have understated the procedure tremendously. I almost sprained my wrist pulling and yanking on the headrests.... I bent the bottom support bar of the seat pulling up and out..... So, my advice for anyone attempting this job would be: Push and wiggle the rear headrests until you can get them raised 2-3 inches. That is hard enough on it's own. Then get a 15+ inch pry bar or the bar from a floor jack (like I used). Wrap the end of it in shop towels or some kind of padding, put the bar through the gap under the headrest and put the end of the bar on the roll-over protection dome, then use the bar as a fulcrum lever to raise and ultimately pop out the headrests. Once they are out, up and out on the seat portion, just isn't enough info. It should be said specifically, grasp top of seat where headrests were just removed from and pull towards yourself sharply. It will pop out, just like the front of the bottom portion. Then and only then, can you lift up and it will slide out of the clips. Thank god my interior was junky or I would have wrecked it getting it out...

firedancer414 · Mon, Oct-25-2010, 08:15:45 PM

Can't believe you had to apply that much force. Sorry man.

Sliquepimp · Mon, Oct-25-2010, 08:36:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firedancer414

Can't believe you had to apply that much force. Sorry man.

Hey, not your fault. I really appreciate you confirming that they do indeed pop out. There is a lot of misinformation out there. But yes, the headrests do lock the back portion in place, so without them gone, it is no go on getting that back out. Also, I would recommend the top being open so you can stand up and put enough force into it.

Sat, Oct-23-2010, 03:11:05 AM	#1
Sliquepimp Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 237 Reputation: 0	Need help with vert back seat removal... Hello all. I've already pulled the bottom rear portion and also the speaker grill panels. I read on bimmerforums that the back seat pulls out and up..... No. I've read that all seats since e30 have 2 bolts at the bottom and then pull up.... No. I've pulled the trunk carpet and there seems to be 2 bolts(one on each side) coming through the sheet metal. So, can I get a definitive answer on how to remove the upper portion of an e36 vert m3 seat? Thanks in advance.

Sat, Oct-23-2010, 05:56:54 AM	#4
firedancer414 are you a dog, too? Join Date: Jan 2010 Age: 28 Posts: 553 Reputation: 0	Pull out and up, really. No bolts. You have to wiggle the headrests forward/backward to get them out. The headrests DO need to come out first. __________________ Brian - [Current] 2009 997.2 C2 Aqua/Stone Cabrio - [Sold] 1999 E36 M3 Estoril/Dove Cabrio

Mon, Oct-25-2010, 08:15:45 PM	#7
firedancer414 are you a dog, too? Join Date: Jan 2010 Age: 28 Posts: 553 Reputation: 0	Can't believe you had to apply that much force. Sorry man. __________________ Brian - [Current] 2009 997.2 C2 Aqua/Stone Cabrio - [Sold] 1999 E36 M3 Estoril/Dove Cabrio

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Sat, Oct-23-2010, 03:15:00 AM	#2
PurduinaM3 Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 15,677 In the garage: '98 BMW M3 '05 AUDI A4 Reputation: 0 Location: White Plains, NY	Do they fold down? The fold down seats are tricky, but there's a piece in the center on the floor that unlatches the top of the back seats to be able to pull them out...

Mon, Oct-25-2010, 05:24:58 PM	#5
Synenergy52 Banned Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,451 Reputation: 0 Location: Los Angeles	The headrests come out. Stand on the seats if you have to for leverage. Directions: Pull very hard. As far as the rear seats folding down, vert seats do not. I think BSW (bavarian sound werks) has a video on youtube on the e36 m3 vert rear seat removal. search it.