2024 BMW X7 Third-Row Seat Folding Issues SIB B52 09 20

Owners of 2024 BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicles (G07) may encounter problems with their third-row seats, specifically related to folding functionality and unusual noises. BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin B52 09 20 (Revision 10, dated August 19, 2025) to provide technicians with diagnostic and repair instructions for these concerns. This bulletin supersedes the previous version of SI B52 09 20 dated December 2024.

The SIB highlights that this repair is both "MOBILE FRIENDLY" and "REMOTE SOFTWARE UPGRADE (RSU) FRIENDLY," indicating flexibility in how the service can be performed.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2024 BMW X7 vehicles may observe one or more of the following issues with the third-row seats (3SR):

• "Head restraint (aka headrest), on one or both sides, cannot be folded down."
• "Third-row seating, on one or both sides, cannot be folded down."
• "Noise from third-row seat backrest when the vehicle goes over bumps."

Cause

The root causes for these third-row seat malfunctions in the BMW X7 are varied, depending on the specific symptom:

For head restraints that cannot be folded down:

• A faulty head restraint mechanism.
• Incorrectly routed or unmounted Bowden cables.
• A Bowden cable mechanism that does not pull far enough when under tension.
• An electric motor that is not fully pulling on the common housing for the Bowden cables.
• A need for seat initialization.

For third-row seating that cannot be folded down:

• A faulty or internally damaged drivetrain for the backrest release actuator.
• A faulty drivetrain for the backrest tilt adjustment.
• Incorrectly mounted Bowden cables.
• A Bowden cable mechanism that does not pull far enough when under tension.
• A need for seat initialization.

For noise from the third-row seat backrest:

• Bowden cables contacting the metal seat backrest.
• Movement in the headrest mount due to insufficient weld penetration.
• Movement in the seat backrest bolt bushing.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the BMW X7 third-row seat folding or noise issues involves several potential corrections, ranging from software updates to component replacement. Technicians will first program the vehicle's Integrated Service Technical Application (ISTA) to the most recent I-level.

Following programming, a seat initialization procedure must be performed. This is accessed through ISTA by navigating to SERVICE FUNCTIONS > BODY > SEATS > SEAT ADJUSTMENT STANDARDIZATION, and then selecting the appropriate ABL test plan for the relevant seat(s). All four seat modules require initialization, noting that the third-row seat is controlled by the second-row seat module.

For head restraints that cannot be folded down, technicians will check if the headrest can be manually unlocked using the release loop. If the Bowden cable moves but the headrest doesn't fold, the folding module may need replacement (referencing REP 52 30 118). If the actuator travels its full 40 mm but the headrest Bowden cable doesn't actuate, the cable may be stretched and require replacement.

BMW notes a design and part number change for the electric actuator for third-row seat headrests and latches as of March 28, 2025. New actuators have a spindle drive that turns in the opposite direction, necessitating a vehicle software change. When installing the improved actuator into vehicles built prior to March 28, 2025, both driver and passenger third-row headrest actuators must be replaced, and an ISTA/P conversion must be performed to add +AA3S to the Vehicle Order to reverse the spindle drive direction. For vehicles built after March 28, 2025, only the defective side needs replacement (referencing SI B52 10 25).

If the third-row seating cannot be folded down, the latch mechanism is inspected. If the latch is open, the drivetrain for backrest tilt adjustment may need replacement (REP 67 31 635). If the latch is closed, the drivetrain for backrest release adjustment is checked. Stretched Bowden cables for the latches may also require replacement (REP 52 30 256 for outer, REP 52 30 255 for inner). An improperly positioned or missing compression spring can also prevent proper seat backrest locking (referencing B52 05 22).

For noise from the third-row seat backrest, the wire harness for the electric motor is checked to ensure it is routed underneath the Bowden cables, preventing contact with the metal panel. If headrest mount welds are insufficient, the seat frame assembly may need replacement. Movement between seat backrest bolts and bushings can be resolved by applying Wurth HHS penetrating lubricant to the bolts and washers.

Required Tools or Parts

To address the BMW X7 third-row seat folding and noise issues, various parts may be required. Technicians should use the VIN/chassis number in ETK or AIR to determine the exact part numbers needed for a specific vehicle. Key components include:

• Bowden Cable Release (unlocking): Part Number 52 30 7 485 444 (Qty 2)
• Actuator folding backrest (prior to March 28, 2025): Part Number 52 20 9 473 697 (Qty 1, discontinued)
• Actuator folding backrest (after March 28, 2025): Part Number 52 20 5 B6C 6A1 (Max Qty 2)
• Drive backrest folding left: Part Number 52 20 9 473 695 (Qty 1)
• Drive backrest folding right: Part Number 52 20 9 473 696 (Qty 1)
• Bowden cable actuator inboard: Part Number 52 30 5 A1E 228 (Qty 1)
• Bowden cable actuator outboard: Part Number 52 30 5 A1E 229 (Qty 1)
• Headrest leather rear (schwarz (black)): Part Number 52 30 7 941 595 (Qty 2)
• Headrest leather rear (Beige): Part Number 52 30 7 941 592 (Qty 2)
• Folding module head restraint: Part Number 52 30 9 496 669 (Qty 1)

Additionally, a locally sourced HHS Plus 500 ml aerosol lubricant (NPN) may be used for specific corrections.

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of critical advisories related to the BMW X7 third-row seat folding mechanisms:

• "Raising the headrest back into the upright position must be done by pushing up on it by hand." Attempting to use motorized controls for this specific action can cause damage.
• "This must be done using the button(s) via motorized controls and cannot be moved manually by hand or this will cause damage to the motor for backrest movement." For the third-row seating backrest, manual force can damage the internal gear of the actuator.
• If the seat was moved manually with excessive force, it may cause damage to the internal gear of the actuator. This would necessitate replacement of the drivetrain for backrest tilt adjustment, not the entire seat frame.
• When addressing noise from seat backrest bolts, "Do not remove the bolts, just add the penetrating grease." Removing the bolts is not part of the recommended procedure.

Owner Action

If you own a 2024 BMW X7 and are experiencing issues with the third-row seat headrests or backrests not folding down, or if you hear unusual noises from the third-row seat area, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. Explain the symptoms you are observing with your BMW X7 third-row seat folding. The dealership technicians will be able to diagnose the specific cause using the procedures outlined in SIB B52 09 20 and perform the necessary repairs under warranty, if applicable. This Service Information Bulletin provides technical information for diagnosis and repair, and work performed to correct verified defects in materials or workmanship is typically covered under the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

---

Source: NHTSA ID: 11022107