Seat moves backward but not forward! Help
 

My 01 bmw x5 4.4i passenger seat doesn't function properly it moves backward and the seat reclines but it doesn't move forward, is it a fuse ? The motor ? Or the control panel on the side of the seat ? Please help!

check the switch that controls the movement - it might need a little bit MORE force in forward direction to engage the switch... purely mechanical issue with the switch itself

I had this problem. I re-soldered all the joints on the control panel PCB and it's been fine ever since.

The seat's movement is controlled by the seat switch (PM-SM control module)..which is the large module that behind the plastic cover that the buttons are attached to. In fact, that module controls the steering wheel movement, seat movement & entry-exit aid (convenience exit feature) AND the 123 M memory module (on the e53 x5):

I have this problem in an E46, but instead the seat would not move back, only forward. Tapping the fore/aft motor body under the seat would restore function. I'll be replacing the motor soon. Above posts are also possible problem causes as well.

You can test for voltage at the motor when you press the switch, voltage should change polarity when switching from reverse to forward. If you don't get voltage for forward, its the switch, if you get voltage in both directions, its the motor.

This was my first "mod" Happened a few days after purchase the pictured switch was the solution.

well, the OP is referring to passenger side, and that side does not have the memory module, just the switch... and depending on his options, he might have a 12-way comfort seats...

let's hear from the OP as to what he got going on, and what type of seats and seat controls he has...

Yes correct passenger seat? 12 way? I'm not sure what I have the only switches it has is back and forward, up and down with same button having lean forward and lean backwards, and front and forward back rest recline. So 8 actions in total.

ok, so you have an 8-way seats... the switch is identical to the one pictured in the link from QSilver...

the easiest test is to push harder on the switch in the desired direction, and see if the seat will move...

if that fails, than the switch might need some loving attention...

Let us know first, if pushing on the switch gives you any result at all, and then lets move to the next step - troubleshooting the switch...

how good are your technical abilities? rate them

0 - i know what a screwdriver is - it is yellow drink that makes everything look good!!

1 - ok guys, a screwdriver is a thingie that drives screws... to the left.. to the right...

....

10 - all jokes aside, I just took apart a nuclear collider and put it together with my bare hands, in under 3 minutes, that is how good i am!!!