another Z3 seat switch query

[robertjones]

The seat on my 01 reg z3 will move backward and forward ok but will not move up or down, other people who have posted re this problem have all said the motors make a noise but dont work, mine makes no noise, could this mean the switch is faulty, slso looking for a s/h switch as the cover has broken off mine and although I have bought a new cover there is a white plastic connector which seems to be stuck in the housing, dorry for the long first post

 

[David Cullen]

I have the same problem with mine, ie. the drivers seat dosent go up and down, also has no motor noise. I also have my cover missing from the switch and went and bought a new one but found that you need that white toggle bit of plastic, which does not seem to remove from the housing.... to me it looks like you have to take the whole switch out.... I gave up on it lol
but yes, maybe someone can shed some light for us both

 

[robertjones]

I have the same problem with mine, ie. the drivers seat dosent go up and down, also has no motor noise. I also have my cover missing from the switch and went and bought a new one but found that you need that white toggle bit of plastic, which does not seem to remove from the housing.... to me it looks like you have to take the whole switch out.... I gave up on it lol
but yes, maybe someone can shed some light for us both

Ok thought I was the only person who had a seat switch for a z3 on his mantlepiece!

 

[David Cullen]

hehe no Rob, don't ever feel left out when it comes to having minor Z problems as they are all usually common

 

[robertjones]

hehe no Rob, don't ever feel left out when it comes to having minor Z problems as they are all usually common

Yes I know, this is my 2nd z, spent a lot on my first one then decided to go for a newer one, only bmw would sell you a switch with the most importsnt bit missing , good job it was only £6.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Robert,

There is a list of things every Z3 owner will encounter at some stage, and seat adjuster switches/motors are joining the list.

There are various reasons for the seat not working correctly - faulty switch, wiring, motor. Not likely to be a fuse in this case as both motors wouldn't work. Switch seems likeliest, but you can really only tell by powering the seat motor manually, which means removing the seat.

If it is the switch, if BMW doesn't make them any more then you will have to find a working seat to strip down.

Anyway, enough of my waffle. I'm sure someone who knows what they are talking about will be along soon

Gary

 

[David Cullen]

true man, I went to the scrap yard where I found a z with a seat switch and took off the cover, then seen the white plastic bit and tried to take it out without success :-/ I then tried to take the switch unit out without taking the whole dam seat off and that didn't happen either so gave up lol will try it again some day when maybe I have some more info

 

[GazHyde]

Having stripped down a set of seats last year, you definitely need to take the seat out. The switch doesn't have a connector on it, and the loom runs from it.

 

[oldcarman]

Thanks guys, now I know what I need for mine. Robert nice to have you join in, see how important you are to the forum. Keep it coming and soon you'll be at the 500 post level before you realize. Sometimes asking the simplest question can lead to quite a list of posts, for example check out the free be thread and see where that went off the rails, good luck with the switch! JIM in soon to be snowed in Canada!

 

[oldcarman]

Having stripped down a set of seats last year, you definitely need to take the seat out. The switch doesn't have a connector on it, and the loom runs from it.

Thanks Gaz, now I'll have to remember to change the switch when the new leather goes on. JIM

 

[robertjones]

Having stripped down a set of seats last year, you definitely need to take the seat out. The switch doesn't have a connector on it, and the loom runs from it.

If you have stripped down a seat , maybe you can tell me what the white plastic piece is that is inserted inside the switch cover and also how do you get the switch off the seat, sny help appreciated

 

[GazHyde]

Blimey it was a while ago, and I'm kicking myself I didn't take better notes now!

Taking the seat out is pretty simple. Two nuts on the front of the seat rails, and two nuts at the back. Move the seat forwards to do the back nuts and then backwards to access the front bolts. Lift the seat up so you can disconnect the wiring loom (make sure you have the keys out of the ignition, and don't turn the ignition on or you will most likely trigger the airbag light. Carefully lift the seat out (note the lower seat belt fixing is bolted to the seat frame so will come out with the seat).

This is where it gets fuzzy. We have a seat bush technical workshop day towards the end of the month and we will be removing lots of seats, so I will take lots of pictures as we do.

 

[t-tony]

Hi Robert, I've not encountered this problem yet,touch wood, so I can't offer first hand experience. No doubt someone soon will be able to help. Meanwhile welcome to Z ownership again,enjoy it and all the info on this great forum. Surprised you got away with no one asking for pictures of your car. Where abouts are you?

Cheers,Tony.

 

[David Cullen]

maybe you could incorporate the electric switch in to the workshop day Gar as its another common seat issue ;-)

 

[zedonist]

@GazHyde what's this workshop?

 

[GazHyde]

@GazHyde what's this workshop?

https://zroadster.org/threads/seat-bush-workshop-day-winchester-hants-27th-of-september.5342/

A couple of us are getting together to do our bushes. It's as much social as about doing the bushes...

 

[zedonist]

That's a brilliant idea Gaz, but would not expect anything different from this forum, make sure you make a time lapse video......

 

[robertjones]

Hi Robert, I've not encountered this problem yet,touch wood, so I can't offer first hand experience. No doubt someone soon will be able to help. Meanwhile welcome to Z ownership again,enjoy it and all the info on this great forum. Surprised you got away with no one asking for pictures of your car. Where abouts are you?h

Cheers,Tony.

Hi in Middlewich, Cheshire willget a pic. Up when I can figure out how!

 

[GazHyde]

Hi in Middlewich, Cheshire willget a pic. Up when I can figure out how!

Look for the Upload a file button next to the post reply button. Then browse to where you have your photos

 

[DavidM]

Great comments and future plans on this topic. My seat switches give the impression (labouring noise) they are about to give up at anytime so I raise my weight off the seat before I adjust - if that makes any difference? I was always reluctant to remove the seats, but just hearing the above comments has given me a certain amount of confidence to have a go if anything problems did arise. A timely topic for a number of us - great stuff!

David.