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Thread: Driver seat swap

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    66

    Default Driver seat swap

    Hi All

    I tried to do a thorough search but couldn't find a relevant answer.

    My passenger seat has a small tear in it and the driver's seat is cracked, dry and faded. I tried the leatherique products but it did help much.

    Here's the question. Can a passenger seat be used to replace the driver seat? I realize the hole for the arm rest is an issue.

    I seem to be able to come accross plenty of light gray passenger seats but no driver's seats. I also don't have a wrecker nearby but Bobby Thrash on ebay has several passenger seats in the right color.

    BTW my seats are also heated.......as my wife will be when I spend more money on the old E34.

    Thanks for the assist
    JNMIP
    '93 E34 525i A/T 9/92

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Honolulu
    Posts
    3,105

    Default It looks like they are

    they only differance that i have found is the base and the back.

    The frame for the seat back has lugs in it for both positions for the arm rest.

    Take the back panel off the seat and you'll see what I am talking about.


    Vee ave vays of dealing vid your kind...........

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    66

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Blitzkrieg Bob
    they only differance that i have found is the base and the back.

    The frame for the seat back has lugs in it for both positions for the arm rest.

    Take the back panel off the seat and you'll see what I am talking about.
    Thanks Bob.....I'll take a look
    JNMIP
    '93 E34 525i A/T 9/92

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    3,395

    Default

    Everything can be swapped over with the exception of the arm rest. You may need to graft your original driver's seat harness on to the replacement (passenger) seat, and obviously -- the outside edge trim panels and arm rest won't work from the passenger seat. Never done this one myself, but I've taken apart a few seats and am certain that it can be done.

    best, whit

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Akron, OH
    Posts
    12

    Default

    Don't swap seats, just swap the leather cushions for the back and seat. They are held on with bendable tabs, and circlips. About an hour job, per seat. I ordered some cheap passenger seat cushions off of ebay, and fitted them to my drivers seat.

    You can even get a passenger arm rest, drive out the retaining plug (drill press), and reverse the throw (flip it over) and have a brand new looking armrest.

    Tom
    1989 535i 5-speed 225,000mi
    2006 Ridgeline 10,000mi

    2007 335i 6-speed 204 mi

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    66

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by lowell
    Everything can be swapped over with the exception of the arm rest. You may need to graft your original driver's seat harness on to the replacement (passenger) seat, and obviously -- the outside edge trim panels and arm rest won't work from the passenger seat. Never done this one myself, but I've taken apart a few seats and am certain that it can be done.

    best, whit
    Thanks for the insight.......I figured I could use the existing trim panels, switches and seat backs as long as the wiring will reach to the opposite side.
    JNMIP
    '93 E34 525i A/T 9/92

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    66

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by tvurt
    Don't swap seats, just swap the leather cushions for the back and seat. They are held on with bendable tabs, and circlips. About an hour job, per seat. I ordered some cheap passenger seat cushions off of ebay, and fitted them to my drivers seat.

    You can even get a passenger arm rest, drive out the retaining plug (drill press), and reverse the throw (flip it over) and have a brand new looking armrest.

    Tom
    Now that you suggest it swapping skins may be the quicker way to go......everything else, including armrests and cushions, works just fine.

    Good idea!
    JNMIP
    '93 E34 525i A/T 9/92

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