BMW E36 folding latch seat cable replacement diy. The latch cable, also called a bowden cable runs from the plastic latch at the top of the seat, down to the mechanism at the bottom of the seat.
This is a common issue on e36's as the cable breaks on higher mileage vehicles. 
Replacement of the e36 latch cable involved removing the entire seat assembly, and then removing the back cover. The back cover has two torx screws at the bottom. The headrest must be removed, and the latches on the sides must be pulled.
After removing the back cover you will have access to the bowden cable. Simply pop it off the bottom piece and then remove it from the latch mechanism.
This is a relatively quick job and should take about 45 minutes.
Be careful when working with the plastic latch mechanisms as they have smalls tabs that are somewhat fragile.