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| [Photo Credit: bildungblog] |
"If the customer has gotten the backrest operating mechanism out of synchronization, the backrest may not set in position. This can be corrected by utilizing the following procedure:
Ensure that the inboard and outboard levers are parallel with each other. If they are not parallel, the operating mechanism has probably been twisted out of shape, and the backrest frame (part number 52 10 7 111 527 left/528 right) will have to be replaced.
From outside the car, move the seat into the full easy entry position by pressing down the outboard lever and sliding the seat into the full forward position. The easy entry position is the home position for the inboard and outboard backrest latch mechanisms.
Sit in the other front seat, pull up on the inboard operating lever of the seat being worked on, and move the backrest to the fully reclined position before releasing the lever.
The backrest should now move to the desired position and latch in place when the inboard lever is operated.
Unfortunately, for many this process has not worked. However, many swear by the "bodyslam technique." See these threads at NorthAmerican Motoring.com - Seat recline not working and at MINI2.com - FIXED! Stuck seat recline mechanism bodyslammed!!
Apparently, the trick is brute force. The MINI dealers rather have you replace the whole mechanism for big $$$.
