I have a 2011 Autobiography and whilst it is fully loaded it is missing the rear reclining seat option.

So I was wondering if it is something that can be retrofitted if you find a set of reclining rear seats and the rear door control switches. Is the wiring completely different and a pig of a job to even try?

I know it only gives a small adjustment for the rear passengers, but on the other hand it is another mod to get the car fully optioned out.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Tom Tom

Current Drive
2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Santorini Black - Ivory Leather

Previous Drives
2004 Model Vogue Td6 (Touchscreen) - Java Black - Parchment Leather
1994 RR Classic 3.9 V8 Soft dash - Niagara Grey - Grey Leather
1972 Series III SWB Safari - Green (Hand Painted) - Black Plastic

I did it on my previous 322. A 2011/12. I simply found someone breaking a front end damaged model with reclining rear seats. Everything was bolt on and simple enough… If you go and search my 2011/12 grey 322 then I’m sure I included it in my story? Feel free to come back and reach out if you need more information sir…

Great info Craig, I'll keep my eyes out at the breakers, would be interesting to try out. Tom

Current Drive
2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Santorini Black - Ivory Leather

Previous Drives
2004 Model Vogue Td6 (Touchscreen) - Java Black - Parchment Leather
1994 RR Classic 3.9 V8 Soft dash - Niagara Grey - Grey Leather
1972 Series III SWB Safari - Green (Hand Painted) - Black Plastic

isn't the rear cargo cover / parcel shelf slightly different to allow for the movement 2011 L322 Autobography - a lot of bells and some of the whistles...owner with no idea!

The parcel shelf is different (that's unicorn too), you would also need new door cards and that assumes the wiring loom is the in the doors already (that's both doors), as recline on rear seats is controlled via door cards, also its both door cards.

Remember if its an Autobiography you have, they are leather door cards, I suspect rare as rocking horse S**t. I suspect quite a job to do. Also don't forget the passenger side has front seat away as well. When I ordered my 5.0 Autobiography 2010, I ticked every option, 4 zone climate, Logic HD, recline rear seats etc, etc. I ordered mine from from factory and is a nice touch, although never used, but was nice to have.

I assume also you would need to get coded or at least get modules flashed or what ever one calls it.

Also, there are two types of reclining rear seats in the L322, one with heated and cooled seats and one without, not sure if you would need to update the rear vents heating as I had 4 zone climate in mine which had three knobs in the back rather than two, so maybe worth checking as heated seats on the option I had was operated from the door cards.

I was correct, just checked photos, you will need new knobs in the centre console as well. see pics. (not my car but just found these pics)

Click image to enlarge

I've managed to source some matching AB door cards with the full heat cool option switches. Not sure if the existing door card loom has the plug blanked off but will find out soon.

I have read that the four zone rear climate option is a nightmare as it needs an additional centre console aircon unit. Happy not to go that route, but would be interesting to see if I can upgrade my rear seats from old school heating elements to the heat cool option.

From what I can gather I would need to source:

- Door cards with switches.
- Possible door looms.
- Two dial centre console control without the heating option (as it is now on door card) or just leave old one in place.
- Motorised brackets with boot trims.
- Seats with the build in heat / cool modules.
- Seat looms.

Seems to be quite a minefield and might be easier to find a totalled car, buy it strip it for complete range of parts and then move it on. Tom

Current Drive
2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Santorini Black - Ivory Leather

Previous Drives
2004 Model Vogue Td6 (Touchscreen) - Java Black - Parchment Leather
1994 RR Classic 3.9 V8 Soft dash - Niagara Grey - Grey Leather
1972 Series III SWB Safari - Green (Hand Painted) - Black Plastic

Last edited by Flashman on 22nd Jul 2025 9:15am. Edited 1 time in total

Don’t forget the rear parcel shelf, as someone mentioned, to add to your list. It has two hinged flaps to allow the seats to recline. I have them in mine, no 4 zone climate. Shout if you need any pics. 2010 Supercharged

I was thinking it might be possible to butcher a standard parcel shelf and cut in a hinge flap in line with the seat divide.

Would be great to see a pic of the side brackets and trim that are just behind the rear door pillar. Cannot seem to find any pics online for the reclining seat option.

Also am I right in assuming it is only the back rest that moves and the seat base remains static? Tom

Current Drive
2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Santorini Black - Ivory Leather

Previous Drives
2004 Model Vogue Td6 (Touchscreen) - Java Black - Parchment Leather
1994 RR Classic 3.9 V8 Soft dash - Niagara Grey - Grey Leather
1972 Series III SWB Safari - Green (Hand Painted) - Black Plastic

Currently an Autobiography up on Copart with rear reclining seats, would probably make the retrofit a lot easier!

https://www.copart.co.uk/lot/65940145/clea...e-westbury