I know this is a very common problem on these cars because both 8 series I looked at before I bought one had this problem. Everything on the power seats works just fine except both front seats go up and down crooked, one side moves while the other doesn't. I was told that most likely it is just a streched cord and it would cost 150$ per seat to fix. Is this something I can do myself or should I shell out the 300$ to fix it. I though a few of you have probably had this problem. Oh yeah and if it matters it is a 1995 840ci. thanks matt

Seat twist repair is here:

http://www.e31faq.com/index.htm under group 50 / Seats

Relatively easy and if you don't mind being twisted up a bit yourself you can access the cables from the front of the seat without removing the seat from the car.

The up and down portion is controlled by the motor on the front of the seat just behind the pocket and panel. You can access it without removing the seat from the car, but it is much easier with the seat removed (six bolts and a couple of plugs). Disconnect the cables from the motor and shorten them by ~1/4 in. You do this by cutting a section out of the black plastic sheath. Then use heat shrink tubing with an adhesive liner to repair the sheath. Reinstall them and you are done. You can use an electric drill (low setting) on the cables to move the seat up and down.