2024 BMW X7 Second Row Seat Flex Cable Issue

Owners of 2024 BMW X7 vehicles equipped with the second row 60/40 split seat may experience an issue where the seat stops moving forwards and backwards. This problem is addressed by BMW Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 52 19 23, which outlines the causes and corrective actions for this specific concern. The bulletin, identified as SIB 52 19 23 (Revision 3), supersedes a previous version dated March 2025 (SI B52 19 23).

Symptoms

The primary symptom is the 2024 BMW X7 second row seat flex cable preventing the second row 60/40 split seat from moving forwards and backwards. Additionally, if the seat rails are not properly timed after a repair, a "helicopter type noise" may occur during seat operation.

Cause

The issue typically arises when the flex cable assembly, which controls the seat's movement, comes out of the seat rail mechanism. This can be triggered by several factors:

• Obstruction: A foreign object can mechanically jam the seat movement, causing the flex cable to pop loose.
• Broken SLV Motor Carrier Tray: The plastic tray that houses the flex cable can break.
• Damaged Flex Cable: The flex cable itself can become damaged.
• Loose Flex Cable: The flex cable may pop loose from the U-shaped flex shaft hooks.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

BMW has provided several critical advisories within SIB 52 19 23 that owners should be aware of:

• Do Not Reuse Damaged Parts: "If the flex cable end has been damaged, do not reuse it." Attempting to reuse damaged components will not resolve the issue and could lead to further problems.
• Locking Clip Availability: "The locking clip will be available in July 2025. Until then reuse the existing locking clip." This means that for repairs performed before July 2025, technicians will need to carefully re-secure the original locking clip if it is still functional.
• Warranty Coverage: Damage or issues caused by outside influences or foreign objects are not covered under BMW's limited warranties. Owners should be aware that if the problem is determined to be caused by an external factor, the repair costs may not be covered.
• Seat Rail Timing: When replacing the flex cable(s), it is crucial to "time the seat rails from side to side." Failure to do so can result in a "helicopter type noise" during seat operation.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process for the 2024 BMW X7 second row seat flex cable issue involves several steps, depending on the extent of the damage:

1. Initial Assessment: Technicians will first locate and remove any foreign object that may be jamming the seat movement.
2. Damage Evaluation: The extent of the damage is then assessed. This includes checking for a broken plastic SLV Motor Carrier tray, a damaged flex cable, or a flex cable that has popped loose from its U-shaped hooks.
3. Component Replacement:
   • If the plastic SLV Motor Carrier tray is broken, it must be replaced.
   • If the flex cable is damaged, the entire flex cable assembly is replaced. Damaged flex cable ends must not be reused.
   • If the flex cable has popped loose, technicians will check the U-shaped hooks on the plastic carrier. If these hooks are damaged, the SLV Motor Carrier tray is replaced. If the hooks are not damaged, the flex cable is reinstalled into the U-shaped hooks, and a new locking clip is fitted (or the existing one reused until July 2025).
4. Access: For greater access and visibility, the seat can be removed from the vehicle, and the seat cover can be removed following specific repair instructions (e.g., replacing left seat surface cover 52 25 212 for the 60% driver's seat or right seat surface cover 52 25 214 for the 40% passenger seat).
5. Flex Cable and Motor Reinstallation: The inboard flex cable and cover tube are removed from the motor carrier tray and replaced. The motor for forward/backward adjustment (SLV) may need to be disengaged and pivoted to facilitate access, but for long flex cable replacement, the motor does not need to be fully removed.
6. Seat Rail Timing: After replacing the flex cable(s), the seat rails must be timed from side to side to ensure smooth and quiet operation.
7. Final Testing: The seat operation is tested multiple times, fully forwards and backwards, to confirm correct installation and proper engagement of the flex cables with the rail gearboxes.

Required Tools or Parts

Depending on the specific repair needed for the 2024 BMW X7 second row seat flex cable problem, the following parts may be required. Technicians will use the vehicle's VIN to determine the exact part numbers based on specific equipment and options:

• Kit flexible shafts (40% seat passenger rear): Part No. 52 20 5 A9C 054
• Kit flexible shafts (60% seat driver's rear): Part No. 52 20 5 A9C 055
• Drive, Longitudinal seat adjustment (60%) includes SLV Motor Carrier tray: Part No. 52 20 7497460
• Drive, Longitudinal seat adjustment (40%) includes SLV Motor Carrier tray: Part No. 52 20 7497461
• Mounting kit clips: Part No. 52 20 5B69BD1
• Hexagon screw with flange (Seat mounting): Part No. 07 14 7424979 (4 required if seat is removed)

Specialized videos, such as BV52 06 24 Flex Cable Pops Out and BV52 07 24 Flex Cable Install, are available to assist technicians with the repair procedures.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing issues with your 2024 BMW X7 second row seat not moving, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW service center. Inform them about the symptoms and mention BMW Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 52 19 23. Be prepared that if the issue is found to be caused by a foreign object or external damage, it may not be covered under your vehicle's warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11027769