Manual Seat adjustment issues

[uponone789]

So neither seat in my E30 will slide forward or backward. I examined the mechanism under the seat and everything looks like its working fine. I've tried putting lots of lateral pressure on the seat with no success. Any thoughts...Im afraid that I'm missing something simple.
Thanks!

[jlevie]

Dirt or corrosion in the sliders is the likely cause. Remove the seats from the car, turn them upside down and the cause will likely be obvious. in either case application of a light lubricant and manipulation of the sliders will restore operation.

[wodcutr]

I have also seen the plastic piece that holds the metal bar in place come out if you put stuff under the seat. Each rail has a locking mechanism that needs to be lifted in order for the seat to move. If you are only moving one mechanism and they are not tied together so to speak then the other rail is still locked in place. Look to see that you have a bar that goes under the seat and connects the two locking mechanisms so that they can work together.

[uponone789]

I'll try taking the seats out. The mechanism is working properly (moving both metal pieces). Under the seats is exceptionally clean which is why I didn't think corossion would be an issue. The paint on the sliders is still very glossy.