e34 power seats do fit

[Lock]

So it turns out e34 seats are a bolt-in solution for e12s up to 1980 models (after this they are e28 format, slightly different body mounts). The earlier model has a tilt function which is a separate mechanism that the passenger does not. The driver seats don't bolt to the floor, but rather to the tilt mechanism. I removed the slider and tilt lever from the mechanism, and followed this guide:

https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?p=888932

The only difference being I didn't need to slot the holes, and for bolts used Allen head M6x25mm. I ran power for the motors and seat heater from the power window breakers. I removed the seat-mounted seatbelt receiver (incompatible anyway), and used the original floor-mounted receiver.

These are comfort seats and really live up to their name. Next the back seats, and also probably re-cover them because the leather is dry and cracked.

[tlake]

Thanks for the post Lock. I recall many years ago on FirstFives someone said their boss put e28 power seats into his 1976 e12 530i. E34 might be better because you don't have that handbrake console with the seat switches.

[Lock]

Thanks for the post Lock. I recall many years ago on FirstFives someone said their boss put e28 power seats into his 1976 e12 530i. E34 might be better because you don't have that handbrake console with the seat switches.

That's a good point, I took it for granted that these seats have the seat heater button integrated into the seat, and not remote. I had to replace mine because the PO poured soda into them.

It also made power easy. I forgot to mention, despite the plug with 10 or so pins, there's just three to connect - ground (to one of the seat bolts), one + for the seat motors, and one + for the seat heater and enough length to move with the sliding seat. I linked them together and ran a thick gauge wire along each sill panel. The passenger side has a occupant sensor on the seatbelt that turns the seat heater off if the seatbelt is not inserted. I plan to swap the e12 driver and passenger seatbelt receiver and connect it up (currently I've bridged it).

Also both sides have convenient holes in the carpet already, so no need to cut anything.

I'm really enjoying heated seat drives in the cold weather. And the armrests. I ordered e28/e34 armrest adapters from E28 Goodies in October and they still haven't shipped my items. I got tired of waiting so I went to see if the e34 armrest support would fit in the e12 seats, and one thing led to another...

[528i-1981]

Bravo, Lock. They look great, too.

[Lock]

Thanks! I plan on following the guide for the back seat as well, make it matched set and will redo the parcel shelf while I'm there.