Z4 Roadster (E85) Found out why passanger seat won't tilt

Hi fellow Zer's

I bought my first BMW this year in June and one of the issues that came with the car was the passenger seat tilt not working and was stuck in the “gangsta” position. I am planning on some road trips next year and my wife is reluctant to go unless “that dam seat is fixed”.

I searched the forum without much luck finding why my passenger seat won't tilt. I hear the motor run when I push the button but nothing moves. I have the car put away for the winter and in the process of changing a few parts on it and decided to trouble shoot the seat tilt issue.

I ended up figuring out the issue was in the gear box as the motor works and the drive shaft between the motor and the gearbox was in good shape. As you can see from the picture the bull gear has a groove cut into it and the matching pinion is also worn. Likely the previous owner had someone push the tilt button when the seat back was hitting up against the back of the car. Orrrrr he was trying to recline it too far to get a piece of tail...

I measured the gears and counted the number of teeth then contacted Odometer Gears. They got back to me the same day and told me they don’t make those gears. I ended up buying part # 52107111878 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...71&hg=52&fg=10 from Get The BMW parts guys. They had the part in stock for $155.

I should be getting the part by next weekend to reinstall and get the seat back into the car.

[QUOTE=Trapper;7234165]Hi fellow Zer's
my wife is reluctant to go unless “that dam seat is fixed”.

The previous owner was trying to recline it too far to get a piece of tail...

mmmm.....
Maybe your wife is fearful you might get some ideas from the previous owner ...
Not what you are thinking ...
It's been a while since I was brave enough ...
or more accurately ..
limber enough ..
But the Zed isn't my first choice ..
Kinda cramped surroundings ...

Best of luck with your winter repair ..