8/30/25, 6:00 AM

52 10 25_THIRD SEAT ROW ELECTRIC BACKREST ACTUATOR DESIGN CHANGE

SIB 52 10 25
THIRD SEAT ROW ELECTRIC BACKREST ACTUATOR DESIGN
CHANGE

2025-08-28

This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B52 10 25 dated August 2025.
What’s New (Specific text highlighted):

Correction, Procedure: The conversion software is only needed when using the new part number actuator in a vehicle
produced prior to March 28, 2025

☒
☐

THIS REPAIR IS MOBILE FRIENDLY
THIS REPAIR IS REMOTE SOFTWARE UPGRADE (RSU) FRIENDLY

MODEL
E-Series
G07

Model Description
X7 Sports Activity Vehicle

SITUATION
The electric actuator for the third row (3SR) seat changed design and part number, and is used in production
vehicles as of March 28, 2025.
There are two such actuators at this seat row, one for the left seating position; and one for the right

Important Note
The new actuator’s spindle driver “turns in the opposite direction from the previous design,”
thereby requiring a change/update of vehicle’s software.
The improved actuator parts fit all applicable vehicle model production dates going forward when
the installation is coupled with the correct software though a Conversion procedure if required.

CAUSE
This design improvement ensures the seat
back latches and headrest will release even
when the actuator is experiencing a low voltage
condition.

Copyright ©2025 BMW of North America, Inc.
about:blank

1/5

8/30/25, 6:00 AM

52 10 25_THIRD SEAT ROW ELECTRIC BACKREST ACTUATOR DESIGN CHANGE

CORRECTION
The improved part fits vehicles of all production dates. The new actuator’s spindle driver turns in the
opposite direction from the previous design, requiring a change in vehicle software.
52 20 9 473 697 Actuator folding backrest for vehicles built prior to March 28, 2025 (part to be discontinued). When
using this actuator DO NOT PROGRAM vehicle. The ISTA/P conversion software is NOT NEEDED.
52 20 5 B6C 6A1 Actuator folding backrest for vehicles built after March 28, 2025.
When installing this improved actuator into a vehicle built prior to March 28, 2025 you must replace
the headrest actuators in both the driver’s and passenger’s third-row seats at the same time AND
perform ISTA/P conversion "Replace 3rd row actuator".
When installing this improved actuator into a vehicle built after March 28, 2025 only replace the
defective side

PROCEDURE
These networked seats are described in detail in Service Bulletin B52 23 19. In that service bulletin all
relevant seat bulletins are listed.
For detailed diagnosis of the third-row seat see instructions in SI B52 09 20.

1. When replacing the electric actuator for the third row (3SR) seat:
See REP 67 31 645 Remove and install/replace drivetrain for backrest release of third-row
seating (left or right) (according to vehicle diagnosis)
For vehicles built prior to March 28, 2025, use up existing stock of part number 52 20 9 473 697.

Once this parts stock is depleted, this part number will be no longer available.
When using this actuator DO NOT PROGRAM vehicle. The ISTA/P conversion software is NOT NEEDED.

To install the new 52 20 5 B6C 6A1 into a
vehicle built prior to March 28, 2025, you
must replace the headrest actuators in both
the drivers and passengers third-row seats
at the same time AND perform ISTA/P
conversion "Replace 3rd row actuator". This
will add +AA3S into the Vehicle Order to
reverse the spindle drive direction.
There is a note about this retrofit added into Test
PlansDriver Rear Seat ModuleABL-DIT_AT5220_GFAHANSV
Passenger Rear Seat ModuleABL-DIT_AT5220_GBFHANSV

for the rear seat modules as of ISTA version
4.52.1x that will appear for vehicles produced
prior to April 2025.
For vehicles built after March 28, 2025, part number 52 20 5 B6C 6A1 will be the only available part number. It is
only necessary to replaceCopyright
the actuator©2025
on one side
when
performing
parts replacement.
BMW
of North
America,
Inc.
about:blank

2/5

8/30/25, 6:00 AM

52 10 25_THIRD SEAT ROW ELECTRIC BACKREST ACTUATOR DESIGN CHANGE

PARTS INFORMATION
To determine the part number that applies to the specific vehicle being repaired, enter the VIN/chassis
number into either ETK or AIR. This will consider the specific equipment and/or options that are fitted to the
vehicle.
Part Number
52 20 9 473 697
52 20 5 B6C 6A1

Description
Actuator folding backrest vehicles built prior to March
28, 2025 (part to be discontinued)
Actuator folding backrest vehicles built after March 28,
2025 (part can be retrofitted in pairs on vehicles
built pre March 28, 2025 when coupled with the
ISTA/P Conversion)

Quantity
1
max 2

CLAIM INFORMATION
This Service Information Bulletin provides technical, and repair-related information.
Damage, issues caused by outside influences and/or improper prior repairs are not covered under the BMW
limited warranties.
Eligible and Covered Work/Repairs
When used to repair a verified defect in materials or workmanship, the information provided in this bulletin is
covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.
To submit a claim, please follow the established and applicable warranty policy and procedures
(Labor/Part/Sublet) that apply to the repair being performed.
Repair Code:

Refer to AIR / SIB
(non-Recall / nonService Action)

Claim with the submission for the covered repair that
required the additional work procedure to be performed.

As applicable, use the applicable Repair Code together with the corresponding flat rate labor operation
codes (including the diagnosis that applies*).
Only one Main labor operation code can be claimed per repair visit.
Associated Vehicle Programming, Encoding and Conversion Procedure
During this workshop visit, the affected vehicle may also show one or more programming and encoding Technical Campaign
repairs open, the programming and encoding procedure may only be invoiced one time.
Select one of these open Technical Campaigns instead to perform and submit for updating the vehicle to the
required I-level, or higher when applicable to perform the conversion procedure (Includes labor operation codes 00
00 006/556, 61 21 528 and 61 00 730).
Please be sure to also perform any additional before and/or after work (including attaching labels) as required by
the other open campaigns on the vehicle. Close any remaining open programming and encoding Campaign repairs
as outlined in the corresponding Service Information Bulletin.

(*) Only when the above does not apply, and when required, the BMW software update / conversion
procedure is also covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars
and Light Trucks, or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program in conjunction with the primary repair that
required this additional work.
Based on which one applies to your center, please refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for the applicable
procedure for documenting, claiming, and explaining, on the RO and in the claim comments, your diagnosis

Copyright ©2025 BMW of North America, Inc.

about:blank

3/5

8/30/25, 6:00 AM

52 10 25_THIRD SEAT ROW ELECTRIC BACKREST ACTUATOR DESIGN CHANGE

work time (WT), job/repair work time (WT), and the vehicle repairs your center performed, unless otherwise
required by State law.

FEEDBACK REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
Technical Feedback
Warranty Feedback
Parts Feedback

To submit feedback for the technical topic of this bulletin: Submit your
feedback in the rating box at the top of this bulletin
To submit feedback for the CLAIMS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS
ticket to the Warranty Department, or use the chat available in the
Warranty Documentation Portal
To submit feedback for the PARTS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS
ticket to the Parts Department

Copyright ©2025 BMW of North America, Inc.
about:blank

4/5

8/30/25, 6:00 AM

52 10 25_THIRD SEAT ROW ELECTRIC BACKREST ACTUATOR DESIGN CHANGE

Copyright ©2025 BMW of North America, Inc.
about:blank

5/5