seat fix

[garryblueboy]

Hi im new to the mini ive recently purchsed a 2002 mini cooper with leather interia and seem to have problems with both seats ie entry and reclining i read somewhere on here there is a fix im not that clever with cars so could someone explain it for me do i push the seats right forward ie towards the dash or right back and do this push and click method please help its very frustrating not being able to move the seats .
regards garry

[MINIAC]

There was a recall on the seat levers for early cars. Which seat levers do you have?

Here's the page from a 2002 Owners Manual regarding seat lever operation:

Are you seats jammed?

[garryblueboy]

Hi i have the number 1 leaver and yes they jam when put forward to let in passengers.

[MINIAC]

If you're pushing DOWN on the outside seat lever and they're still jamming, then perhaps they've been damaged by incorrect operation (pulling UP) in the past.

I suggest using the Advanced Forums Search to look for discussions on seat jams back in threads from 2002. Set up the search as below:

[Randall Raines]

Quote: Originally Posted by garryblueboy (original)

Hi i have the number 1 leaver and yes they jam when put forward to let in passengers.

As "MINIAC" said it's a common problem on the earlier style seats which you have, if your car was still in warranty they (main dealers) would have changed the seat frames for you, as there is not much that can be done with the seats once they start to fail (even the newer style can fail in a similar way ), you'll need to change your seats or the seat frames (changing the frames is quite hard for a DIY'r to do , but not impossible).

[parklaneuk]

ive got the same problem. lever wont go down fully to let passengers in the back. took to dealer, wanted close to £400 for new seat frame + fit. !!!!! ive took the back plastic cover off to have closer look, cant see nothing in terms of faulty cables etc. just lookin out for full leather used seats on ebay etc now. be a cheaper alternative.

[garryblueboy]

thanks looks like ill have to live with it for now you would of expected better from bmw.