2023 BMW X7 Third-Row Seat Folding and Noise Issue TSB
BMW has released Service Information Bulletin SI B52 09 20 to address common issues with the third-row seats in 2023 BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. Owners may experience headrests or seats that cannot be folded down, or noise originating from the third-row seat backrest.
Owners of the 2023 BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle (G07) may encounter several problems with their third-row seats. These issues, detailed in BMW Service Information Bulletin SI B52 09 20, include difficulties with folding the head restraints or the entire third-row seating, as well as unusual noise coming from the seat backrest.
This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 8), dated November 22, 2023, replaces a prior version of SI B52 09 20 also dated November 2023. Updates include additional information on third-row seat backrest noise, revised parts and claim information, and expanded model codes for TIS filtering.
Symptoms
Owners may observe one or more of the following symptoms related to the BMW X7 third-row seat issue:
- The head restraint (headrest) on one or both sides of the third row cannot be folded down.
- The third-row seating, on one or both sides, cannot be folded down.
- A noise emanating from the third-row seat backrest when the vehicle drives over bumps.
Causes
BMW has identified several potential causes for these third-row seat malfunctions:
For head restraints that cannot be folded down:
- A faulty head restraint mechanism.
- Incorrect routing or mounting of the Bowden cable.
- The Bowden cable being too short when under tension.
- An electric motor that is not fully pulling the common housing that moves the 3 Bowden cables.
- The 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 backrest tilt adjustment.
- Incorrectly mounted Bowden cable.
- The need for seat initialization.
For noise from the third-row seat backrest:
- The Bowden cable contacting the metal seat backrest.
- Movement in the headrest mount due to insufficient weld penetration.
Important Warnings and Owner Advisories
Owners and technicians should be aware of specific warnings during diagnosis and repair to prevent further damage or incorrect repairs:
- Headrest Operation:
Galleria
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is BMW Service Information Bulletin SI B52 09 20 about?
- This bulletin addresses common issues with the third-row seats in the 2023 BMW X7 (G07) Sports Activity Vehicle, including headrests or seats that won't fold down and noise from the seat backrest.
- Why won't my BMW X7 third-row seat headrest fold down?
- Causes can include a faulty head restraint mechanism, improperly routed or mounted Bowden cables, an electric motor not fully engaging, or the need for a seat initialization procedure as detailed in TSB SI B52 09 20.
- Can I manually fold the third-row seats if they are stuck?
- No, BMW explicitly warns against manually moving the third-row seat backrest or headrest using excessive force, as "this will cause damage to the motor for backrest movement." All folding operations must be done via the motorized controls. "Raising the headrest back into the upright position must be done by pushing up on it by hand."
- What is involved in the repair for the BMW X7 third-row seat issue?
- Repairs may include performing seat initialization, replacing the head restraint mechanism, replacing or re-routing Bowden cables, or replacing the drivetrain for backrest release (actuator). The vehicle's software may also need to be updated to the most recent I-level. Specific part numbers and repair instructions (REP numbers) are provided in the bulletin.
- Are these repairs covered under warranty?
- Yes, repairs for a verified defect in materials or workmanship are covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. Damage caused by outside influences is not covered.
What BMW X7 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 8 model years.
- 314
- Owner complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 702
- Service bulletins
- 9
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 7
- Injuries reported
The 2023 model year
44 complaints, the 5th most of 8 model years on file. Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries for this year, which also has 8 recalls on file.
Seats, the system this article covers, accounts for 18 of 314 complaints (6%), including 1 for 2023.
Complaints by model year
| 2019 | 48 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 56 | |
| 2021 | 48 | |
| 2022 | 20 | |
| 2023 | 44 | |
| 2024 | 62 | |
| 2025 | 29 | |
| 2026 | 7 |
Most-reported systems
- Service Brakes — 92
- Electrical System — 67
- Engine — 43
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 42
- Power Train — 42
Latest recalls for the 2023 model year
- 26V422000 — Service Brakes, Hydraulic (Jul 2026)
- 24V739000 — Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (Oct 2024)
- 24V697000 — Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (Sep 2024)
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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