Campaign - Front Seat Backrest Lever Replacement: Overview
SI M52 03 02Seats
October 2002
Service Engineering
This Service Information bulletin supersedes the draft copy of S.I. M52 03 02 dated September 2002 which was included with the Special Tool.
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
SUBJECT
Retrofit of Front Seat Backrest Operating Levers
MODEL
R50 MINI Cooper, R53 MINI Cooper S
SITUATION
Some customers complained of confusion as to what functions could be performed by each of the operating levers on the backrest. The levers were redesigned in 5/02 to limit function to one direction only. The new style levers are visually different from the earlier levers, as shown in the illustrations.
The new style outboard lever only operates in the down direction, activating the Easy Entry function.
The new style inboard lever only operates in the up direction, activating the backrest angle adjustment.
Vehicles produced prior to 5/02 can be retrofitted with the new style levers.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S vehicles which were produced prior to 5/02.
Vehicles within the affected chassis number ranges will not be listed on DCS. The backrest levers will have to be checked visually per the above illustration to determine if they need to be replaced.
The Chassis Number Ranges listed are for informational purposes.
PARTS INFORMATION
Orders for parts specified may be placed as a VOR or stock order and can only be placed using the vehicle VIN number. Please place the VIN number in the comment field of your DCS order.
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE VIN NOT BE USED AS THE P.O. NUMBER. THIS WILL PREVENT USING THE VIN AGAIN FOR SUBSEQUENT VIN SPECIFIC ORDERS. ONLY ORDERS WITH A VIN WILL BE RELEASED. ALL OTHER ORDERS WILL BE CANCELLED.
If the VIN is within the ranges indicated above, the order will be released automatically. Please check your vehicle's VIN against the above list before entering your orders. When placing your VIN specific order, please place the last seven digits of the VIN in the text field.
NON-VIN SPECIFIC ORDERS WILL BE CANCELLED. ORDERS FAXED IN TO DIRECT SHIPMENT WILL NOT BE ENTERED. IT IS THE DEALER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENTER THE ORDERS THROUGH DCS WITH A VIN NUMBER.
This procedure will require the parts shown.
PROCEDURE
Remove the front seat backrest panels and operating levers per Repair Instructions, section 52 13 198.
Clamp the fixture portion (1) of special tool 99 00 0 003 927 to a bench, letting it hang out far enough to allow the backrest panel (2) to sit squarely on the tool. Use the hole saw portion of the tool (3) to enlarge the opening for the handle as illustrated.
After cutting both holes in the panel, de-burr the edges of the holes with a knife.
Note:
Special tool 99 00 0 003 927, consisting of items (1) and (3) was shipped to all centers the week of September 23.
Reinstall the backrest panels with the new fillers and handles.
If the customer has gotten the backrest operating mechanism out of synchronization, the backrest may not set in position. This can be corrected by utilizing the following procedure:
^ Ensure that the inboard and outboard levers are parallel with each other. If they are not parallel, the operating mechanism has probably been twisted out of shape, and the backrest frame (part number 52 10 7 111 527 left/528 right) will have to be replaced.
^ From outside the car, move the seat into the full easy entry position by pressing down the outboard lever and sliding the seat into the full forward position. The easy entry position is the home position for the inboard and outboard backrest latch mechanisms.
^ Sit in the other front seat, pull up on the inboard operating lever of the seat being worked on, and move the backrest to the fully reclined position before releasing the lever.
^ The backrest should now move to the desired position and latch in place when the inboard lever is operated.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Reimbursement for this procedure will be via regular warranty claim entry.
ATTACHMENTS
view PDF attachment M520302Letter.