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Genuine VW Transporter T5 Double Front Passenger Seat Upright Folding / Adjustment Bracket – 7H0881321
Genuine Volkswagen used front double passenger bench seat upright / backrest adjustment and folding bracket, suitable for selected VW Transporter T5 models fitted with the factory-style double front passenger seat.
This metal bracket forms part of the double passenger seat backrest frame and folding/adjustment mechanism, providing the pivot/support point required for correct movement and positioning of the seat backrest.
Part Number: 7H0881321
VW OE Number: 7H0 881 321
Part Description: Adjustment Fitting / Folding Seat Bracket
Part Type: Double Front Seat Backrest Bracket / Folding Bracket / Adjustment Fitting
Position: Front Passenger Double Seat
Vehicle Side: N/S / Passenger Side – UK RHD
Application: Double Front Passenger Bench Seat
Manufacturer: Volkswagen / VAG
Condition: Used Genuine Volkswagen Part
COMPATIBILITY
Suitable for selected:
Volkswagen Transporter T5 – 2003-2009
Including vehicles equipped with the corresponding double front passenger bench seat, such as:
• Transporter T5 Panel Van
• Transporter Kombi applications
• Transporter Shuttle applications depending on seating specification
• T26 / T28 / T30 / T32 depending on vehicle configuration
• Short Wheelbase applications
• Long Wheelbase applications
• UK RHD double passenger-seat configurations
VW parts-catalogue data places 7H0881321 directly within the Transporter T5 front-seat / backrest-frame assembly. (Oemwolf)
ENGINE COMPATIBILITY
This seat bracket is not engine-specific.
It can therefore be found on Transporter T5 vehicles with various engines, provided the vehicle has the corresponding double front passenger-seat assembly.
Documented T5 applications associated with this part family include:
1.9 TDI
• AXB – 105 PS / 77 kW
• AXC – 85 PS / 63 kW
• BRR – 84 PS / 62 kW
• BRS – 102 PS / 75 kW
2.5 TDI
• AXD / BNZ – 130 PS / 96 kW
• AXE / BPC – 174 PS / 128 kW
• BLJ – 163 PS / 120 kW
The actual compatibility is determined by the seat design and bracket specification rather than engine code. (Allegro)
DOUBLE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT INFORMATION
This component is associated with the Transporter’s:
Front Double Passenger Bench Seat
On a UK right-hand-drive Transporter, this is normally located on the:
N/S / Left / Passenger Side
The double passenger seat allows two passengers to sit alongside the driver and is commonly fitted to Transporter:
• Panel Vans
• Commercial vans
• Kombi conversions
• Camper conversions
• Work vans
The bracket forms part of the seat’s backrest support / adjustment / folding mechanism.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Volkswagen describes 7H0881321 as an:
Adjustment Fitting
Within the Transporter front-seat assembly.
The component is a substantial metal fitting incorporated into the double-seat backrest mechanism.
Its functions can include:
• Supporting the double-seat backrest
• Providing a pivot point for backrest movement
• Supporting the folding mechanism
• Maintaining correct backrest positioning
• Connecting the backrest structure with the lower seat assembly
• Providing structural support to the seat mechanism
• Working with the release lever / strap and associated hardware
VW enthusiast documentation also records 7H0881321 specifically as the adjustment fitting used when converting a Transporter double seat to a folding arrangement. (TX-Board Forum)
FOLDING SEAT SYSTEM INFORMATION
The folding double passenger-seat mechanism can use several separate components, including:
• Adjustment / folding bracket – 7H0881321
• Backrest frame
• Pivot bolts / mounting hardware
• Release lever
• Release strap / loop
• Tensioning components
• Protective covers
• Seat base/frame
Associated VW references documented with the folding mechanism include:
7H0883594 – Lever
7H0882631A – Release loop / strap
7H0883835 – Tensioning component
7H0883642 – Cover
These components may vary according to seat specification and production date. (TX-Board Forum)
PART NUMBER / SUPERSESSION INFORMATION
Original reference:
7H0881321
7H0 881 321
VW catalogue information shows that the original 7H0881321 was subsequently replaced in most markets by:
7H0881321B
Depending on market, 7H0881321A was also used during the development of this seat assembly. (Oemwolf)
Later genuine folding-seat brackets are also documented as:
7H0881321C
7H0 881 321 C
The 7H0881321C version is widely identified as a genuine VW T5/T6 double folding passenger-seat bracket. (VW T6 Transporter Forum)
Do not automatically assume every revision is interchangeable without comparing the seat assembly and mounting arrangement.
COMMON REASONS FOR REPLACEMENT
Replacement may be required due to:
• Damaged double-seat folding mechanism
• Bent bracket
• Excessive movement in the seat backrest
• Damaged pivot point
• Backrest not locking correctly
• Folding mechanism becoming difficult to operate
• Missing bracket
• Damaged mounting points
• Accident-damaged seat
• Seat-frame refurbishment
• Double-seat folding conversion / retrofit
• Camper conversion requiring improved passenger-seat access
IMPORTANT DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION
If the double-seat backrest does not fold, release or lock correctly, the bracket should not automatically be assumed faulty.
Also inspect:
• Release lever / strap
• Pivot bolt
• Locking mechanism
• Backrest frame
• Associated springs / tensioning components
• Mounting hardware
• Seat base/frame
• Plastic guides and covers
A bent seat frame or damaged release mechanism can produce similar symptoms.
FOLDING SEAT CONVERSION INFORMATION
The 7H0 881 321 adjustment fitting is documented as one of the principal genuine VW components used to make certain T5 double passenger seats fold.
VW Transporter owners have documented retrofits using 7H0881321 together with the corresponding lever, release strap and associated hardware. (TX-Board Forum)
Later 7H0881321C brackets are also commonly sold specifically for T5/T6 double passenger-seat folding conversions. (eBay UK)
If purchasing for a retrofit rather than a direct replacement, additional components and modification/installation work may be required.
INSTALLATION
The bracket installs within the double front passenger-seat backrest/frame assembly.
Installation can require:
• Removal of the double passenger seat
• Partial removal of seat upholstery
• Access to the internal backrest frame
• Removal of pivot hardware
• Correct installation of the adjustment bracket
• Reconnection of the release mechanism
• Correct alignment of the backrest
• Checking the locking/folding operation
Because this component forms part of the seat structure, all mounting hardware must be correctly installed and tightened.
SAFETY INFORMATION
The front passenger seat is an occupant-safety component.
After installation:
• Confirm the bracket is securely mounted
• Confirm the backrest locks correctly
• Check for excessive movement
• Check the complete seat frame
• Inspect associated seat-belt mounting components
• Confirm the seat cannot unexpectedly fold or release
A damaged or incorrectly assembled seat mechanism should not be used.
PROGRAMMING / CODING
Programming Required: No
Coding Required: No
Diagnostic Adaptation Required: No
This is a mechanical seat component.
IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY NOTE
Before ordering, please compare:
7H0881321
7H0 881 321
Also check:
• Double front passenger-seat configuration
• Existing bracket/revision number
• Bracket shape
• Pivot arrangement
• Mounting-hole positions
• Backrest-frame design
• Folding / non-folding seat configuration
• Vehicle production date
• Listing photographs
Do not purchase solely because the vehicle is a VW Transporter T5.
Different single and double front-seat configurations were available, and VW revised the adjustment fitting during T5 production.
For direct replacement, matching the OE number and physical bracket design with the original component provides the strongest basis for correct compatibility.
CONDITION
Used Genuine Volkswagen / VAG Part.
Normal cosmetic marks, scratches, paint wear and signs of previous installation may be present.
Please inspect all listing photographs carefully for the exact condition, pivot points, mounting holes, mechanism and components included in the sale.
Ideal genuine VW replacement double front passenger-seat upright / backrest adjustment and folding bracket for a compatible Volkswagen Transporter T5.
Brand: Volkswagen
Manufacturer Part Number: 7HD.881.631.A
Placement on Vehicle: Passenger Side
Country of Origin: Germany