If you’re looking to remove the captain’s chairs from your BMW X7, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from start to finish. We’ll provide you with all the tools and materials you’ll need, as well as step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. So, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a complete novice, you’ll be able to remove the captain’s chairs from your BMW X7 without any problems.
To begin, you’ll need to gather a few tools and materials. These include a set of wrenches, a socket set, a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You’ll also need a few rags or towels to clean up any spills. Once you have all of your tools and materials gathered, you can begin the removal process. Additionally, you’ll need to remove the seat belt bolts. These are located on the side of the seat, near the floor. Once you’ve removed the seat belt bolts, you can lift the seat out of the vehicle.
Disconnecting the Battery
Before beginning any work on the BMW X7, it is crucial to disconnect the battery for safety. This step isolates the electrical system, preventing any potential short circuits or damage to components.
To disconnect the battery, follow these detailed steps:
- Ensure the vehicle is parked on a stable surface and the engine is turned off.
- Locate the battery in the engine compartment, which is typically covered by a protective casing.
- Identify the negative terminal of the battery, marked with a “-” sign. Using a 10mm wrench or socket, loosen the nut connecting the negative battery cable to the terminal.
- Gently lift the negative cable away from the terminal and secure it in a position where it will not accidentally make contact.
- Repeat the process for the positive terminal, marked with a “+” sign, by loosening the nut and disconnecting the positive cable.
With the battery cables safely disconnected, the electrical system is now isolated, ensuring a safe working environment for removing the captain chairs.
Removing the Front Seats
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
Before beginning any work, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shocks or damage to the vehicle’s systems.
Step 2: Remove the Front Seat Bolts
Front Seat Bolt Locations
| Bolt Location | Torque (Nm) |
|---|---|
| Front Left Side | 60 |
| Front Right Side | 60 |
| Rear Left Side | 60 |
| Rear Right Side | 60 |
Use a 17 mm socket or wrench to remove the four bolts that secure the seat to the floor. Be careful not to drop any of the bolts as they are small and easily lost.
Disconnecting the Seat Adjuster
Once the bolts have been removed, use a flathead screwdriver to disconnect the seat adjuster from the seat. The seat adjuster is located at the front of the seat and is connected by two plastic clips. Press down on the clips and pull the seat adjuster straight up to disconnect it.
Lifting the Seat
With the seat adjuster disconnected, grasp the seat firmly and lift it straight up to remove it from the vehicle. Be careful as the seat is heavy and awkward to handle. It is recommended to have an assistant help you lift the seat to avoid any injuries.
Removing the Rear Seats
To remove the rear seats, follow these steps:
- Locate the two release levers on the back of the front seats. Pull the levers up and forward to release the seats.
- Fold the front seats forward and out of the way.
- Locate the four bolts that secure the rear seats to the floor. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts.
- Carefully lift the rear seats up and out of the vehicle.
Disconnecting the Electrical Connections
Once the rear seats are removed, you will need to disconnect the electrical connections. Follow these steps:
- Locate the electrical connectors on the bottom of the rear seats.
- Disconnect the connectors by pressing the release buttons and pulling them apart.
- Set the rear seats aside in a safe place where they will not be damaged.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the two bolts that secure the seat belt buckle to the floor. |
| 2 | Unbolt the seat belt buckle from the seat base. |
| 3 | Locate the electrical connector for the seat belt buckle and disconnect it. |
| 4 | Lift the seat belt buckle up and out of the vehicle. |
Removing the Center Console
Step 4: Removing the Center Console Screws and Components
Once the console trim has been removed, you will need to locate and remove the screws that secure the center console to the floorboard. These screws are typically Phillips head and can be loosened using a screwdriver or socket wrench. Once the screws are removed, carefully lift the front of the console and disconnect the electrical connectors for the shifter, cup holders, and any other electronic components attached to the console.
Next, remove the cup holder inserts and the rubber grommet located at the rear of the console. This will allow you to access the screws that secure the center console to the rear floorboard. Remove these screws and lift the console straight up to separate it from the vehicle. Be careful not to damage any of the electrical connectors or components during this process.
| Component | Location |
|---|---|
| Console Trim | Around the edges of the center console |
| Screws Securing Console to Floorboard | Front and rear of the console, under the trim |
| Electrical Connectors | For the shifter, cup holders, and other electronic components |
| Cup Holder Inserts | Inside the cup holders |
| Rubber Grommet | Rear of the console |
Removing the Side Trim Panels
The side trim panels cover the edges of the carpet and provide access to the seat bolts. To remove them:
- Open the front doors.
- Locate the small plastic caps covering the trim panel bolts.
- Gently pry off the caps.
- Unscrew the exposed bolts using a 5mm hex key.
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Carefully pull the trim panels towards you and lift them upwards. The panels are held in place by clips, so some force may be necessary.
Trim Panel Number of Bolts Front Left 2 Front Right 2 Rear Left 1 Rear Right 1 - Once the trim panels are removed, you will have access to the seat bolts.
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Remove the Headrests: Gently pull the headrests upwards to release them from their sockets.
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Unclip the Back Panel: Locate the plastic clips holding the back panel of the seat in place. Use a trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry them open and detach the panel.
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Disconnect the Lumbar Support: If your captain chairs have lumbar support, locate the electrical connector and gently pull it apart to disconnect the power supply.
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Remove the Side Bolsters: On both sides of the seat, locate the plastic clips holding the side bolsters in place. Use a trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry them open and detach the bolsters.
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Unzip the Cushion: Locate the zipper at the bottom of the seat cushion and carefully unzip it towards the back of the chair.
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Remove the Seat Foam: Once the cushion is unzipped, carefully lift the foam padding out of the seat frame.
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Detaching the Side Panels (300 words)
- Locate the Torx Screws: Using a T40 Torx screwdriver, remove the eight screws securing the side panels to the seat frame.
- Gently Pry the Panels Away: Use a trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry the side panels away from the frame. Start from the bottom and work your way upwards, being mindful not to damage the panels or the fabric.
- Disconnect the Wiring: If your captain chairs have power-adjustable features, such as seat warmers or ventilation, carefully disconnect the electrical connectors to release the side panels completely.
- Remove the Panels: Once all connections are severed, gently lift the side panels away from the seat frame and set them aside carefully.
- 10mm socket wrench
- T30 Torx wrench
- 13mm socket wrench
- 15mm socket wrench
- 17mm socket wrench
- 19mm socket wrench
- 21mm socket wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Disconnect the battery before beginning any electrical work.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Locate the two bolts at the base of the chair. These bolts are usually covered by a plastic cap.
- Remove the plastic cap and then use a wrench to loosen the bolts.
- Once the bolts are loose, you can lift the chair up and out of the vehicle.
Removing the Captain’s Chair Frame
Unbolting the Seat Frame
Locate the bolts securing the seat frame to the floor. There are typically four bolts per frame, located at the corners. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts.
1. Lifting the Seat Frame
Gently lift the seat frame straight up. Be careful not to damage the floor or the seat frame. If the frame is stuck, you may need to use a pry bar to carefully pry it loose.
2. Disconnecting the Electrical Cables
Disconnect any electrical cables that are connected to the seat frame. These cables typically include the seat belt sensor, seat heater, and seat position memory.
3. Removing the Headrest Posts
Locate the headrest posts on either side of the seat frame. Use a Torx wrench to loosen and remove the bolts that secure the posts. Pull the posts straight up to remove them.
4. Removing the Seat Cushion
Locate the levers on the front of the seat cushion. Pull the levers outwards to release the seat cushion. Lift the cushion straight up to remove it.
5. Removing the Seat Back
Locate the bolts that secure the seat back to the seat frame. There are typically two bolts per side. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts. Pull the seat back straight up to remove it.
6. Removing the Lumbar Support
If your captain’s chair has a lumbar support feature, you will need to remove it before you can remove the seat frame. The lumbar support is typically attached to the seat back with two bolts. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts. Pull the lumbar support straight out to remove it.
| Tool | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Socket wrench | 1 |
| Torx wrench | 1 |
| Pry bar | (Optional) |
Detaching the Upholstery
Detaching the upholstery of the captain chairs requires meticulous care to prevent damage to the fabric or underlying components. Here’s a detailed guide:
Detaching the side panels of the captain chairs is a delicate process that requires patience and precision. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
Installing New Upholstery
1. Unbolt the Captain’s Chair
Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to unbolt the chair from the floor. There are four bolts, two at the front and two at the back.
2. Disconnect the Electrical Connectors
Carefully disconnect all the electrical connectors from the chair. These include the seatbelt, airbag, and power controls.
3. Remove the Seat Cover
Lift the front and back edges of the seat cushion to unhook the hog rings that secure the fabric. Carefully pull the fabric over the headrest and remove it.
4. Inspect the Frame
Inspect the chair frame for any damage or rust. If there is any damage, it should be repaired before installing the new upholstery.
5. Install the New Cover
Place the new seat cover over the frame and hook it onto the hog rings. Pull the fabric tight and ensure it is securely fastened.
6. Connect the Electrical Connectors
Connect all the electrical connectors to the chair. Make sure they are securely connected to prevent any electrical issues.
7. Bolt the Chair Back in Place
Bolt the chair back in place using the 10mm socket and ratchet. Tighten the bolts securely but do not overtighten.
8. Test the Chair
Sit in the chair and test the seatbelt, airbag, and power controls. Ensure everything is working correctly before driving the vehicle.
Tools Required:
Safety Precautions:
Reinstalling the Captain’s Chair Frame
Now that the captain’s chair base has been removed, it’s time to reinstall the frame.
1. Locate the two bolts that secure the front of the frame to the floor.
2. Thread the bolts into place by hand, then tighten them using a 13mm socket wrench.
3. Locate the two bolts that secure the back of the frame to the floor.
4. Thread the bolts into place by hand, then tighten them using a 15mm socket wrench.
5. Locate the two bolts that secure the side of the frame to the B-pillar.
6. Thread the bolts into place by hand, then tighten them using a 17mm socket wrench.
7. Locate the bolt that secures the seat belt buckle to the frame.
8. Thread the bolt into place by hand, then tighten it using a 19mm socket wrench.
9. Connect the electrical connector to the seat belt buckle.
| Color | Pin | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 1 | Ground |
| Green/Violet | 2 | Pretensioner |
| Green/Yellow | 3 | Buckle switch |
| Brown/White | 4 | Airbag |
| Brown/Black | 5 | Airbag |
| Blue/Red | 6 | Seat belt minder |
| Blue/Black | 7 | Seat belt minder |
10. Locate the two bolts that secure the seat to the frame.
11. Thread the bolts into place by hand, then tighten them using a 21mm socket wrench.
12. Reconnect the seat belt to the buckle.
13. Install the headrest.
14. Reconnect the battery.
Reassembling the Interior
Now that the captain’s chair has been removed, it’s time to reassemble the interior. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a proper installation:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Install the new captain’s chair back into its original position. |
| 2 | Secure the chair using the bolts that were removed earlier. Tighten the bolts securely. |
| 3 | Connect the wiring harness to the chair. |
| 4 | Install the floor mat over the exposed area where the captain’s chair was removed. |
| 5 | Reinstall the center console. |
| 6 | Secure the center console using the bolts that were removed earlier. |
| 7 | Connect the wiring harness to the center console. |
| 8 | Install the dashboard trim. |
| 9 | Secure the dashboard trim using the clips that were removed earlier. |
| 10 | Carefully inspect the interior to ensure that all components are properly installed and secure. Pay close attention to the following areas: |
| – Ensure that the captain’s chair is securely mounted and does not wobble. | |
| – Check that all wiring harnesses are connected properly and there are no loose wires. | |
| – Inspect all trim pieces and ensure they are correctly aligned and secured. | |
| – Verify that the floor mat is securely in place and does not interfere with any controls. | |
| 11 | Once satisfied with the reassembly, test the functionality of the captain’s chair and all other interior components to ensure they are operating correctly. |
How To Remove Bmw X7 Captain Chair Removal
To remove the captain’s chair in a BMW X7, you will need to follow these steps:
People Also Ask
How do you remove the back seat of a BMW X7?
To remove the back seat of a BMW X7, you will first need to fold down the seats. Once the seats are folded down, you will need to locate the two bolts that are located at the base of each seat. Once the bolts are removed, you will be able to lift the seat up and out of the vehicle.
How do you remove the third row of seats in a BMW X7?
To remove the third row of seats in a BMW X7, you will first need to fold down the seats. Once the seats are folded down, you will need to locate the two bolts that are located at the base of each seat. Once the bolts are removed, you will be able to lift the seat up and out of the vehicle.
