2021-2024 BMW X5, X6, X7 Seat Noise and Malfunction TSB

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin (SIB) B52 23 19, dated November 22, 2023, to provide comprehensive information regarding seat operation, potential noise concerns, and various malfunctions in 2021-2024 BMW X5, X6, and X7 models. This bulletin, which is Revision 18 and replaces previous versions including SI B52 23 19 dated November 2023 and TRI B52 23 19, highlights new details concerning noise from the third-row seat backrest.

The SIB covers BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (G05), X6 Sports Activity Vehicle (G06), X7 Sports Activity Vehicle (G07), X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle (F95), and X6 M Sports Activity Vehicle (F96) models from their start of production (SoP), including LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) models. This detailed document serves as a crucial reference for technicians to diagnose and resolve a wide array of seat-related issues, ensuring proper functionality and addressing customer concerns like the BMW X5 seat noise.

Symptoms and Operational Characteristics

Owners of affected vehicles may notice several symptoms related to seat operation. These can include unexpected noises, particularly from the third-row seat backrest, or seats that do not move as expected. The bulletin explains that the networked seat system, introduced with the G05 (X5) in August 2018, means all three rows of seats communicate with one another. A problem with one seat can therefore impact the operation of others, designed to prevent interference during movement.

Another characteristic owners might observe is a time delay between pressing a seat adjustment button and the seat responding. If a button is pressed a second time before the seat completes its initial movement, the operation may be canceled, leading to confusion. Additionally, opening a front door while seats are in motion but before they reach their home position can cause the seat to stop for safety reasons.

Important Warnings and Owner Advisories

BMW has outlined several critical warnings and advisories for both technicians and owners to prevent damage and ensure proper seat function:

• Do not operate seats unless they are initialized. Improperly initialized seats can lead to functional limitations and interference.
• Seats will not fold if the vehicle sees an occupant in the seat. This applies to 2nd and 3rd-row seats and is monitored by the safety belt receptacle. Foreign objects in the buckle can mimic an occupant, inhibiting seat movement.
• The center section (20%) of the second-row seat is a monitored status. If folded down, it can influence the front seat backrest position if the vehicle detects potential interference.
• When torquing seat rail fasteners, the seat must NOT be in Easy Entry position and must NOT be fully forward. This ensures correct fastener installation and seat alignment.
• Folding of the seat backrest must be done using the button(s) via motorized controls and cannot be moved manually by hand. Manual force can cause damage to the motor for backrest movement.
• The white plastic plate is for pinch protection and must be installed as per the picture. This plate, though its color may vary, is crucial for safety and proper function.
• When replacing a seat rail, the mechanical end stop must be transferred to the new rail. Failure to do so will prevent the seat from initializing correctly.
• Always replace the 16-point internal seat mounting bolts after removal. These bolts are designed for single use.
• The metal bracket that holds the headrest assembly is welded to the seat backrest assembly. This indicates that the bracket is not a separate, replaceable component.
• To remove the rear seat headrest assembly, the headrest leather cover must be removed and will be destroyed. Owners should be aware that this will necessitate replacing the cover.

Fault Codes and Warning Messages

Several fault codes and Check Control Messages (CCMs) can indicate seat-related issues: