[kitw]

Hi all,

I just picked up an M235i, and while I like the car, my neck was getting sore from the non-adjustable headrests. While most people just recline the seat a bit more to fix this, I decided to take a slightly different approach. I previous had a 2013 328i and the headrests in that car were fine. I realized that the seat back frame in the F30 and F22 is the same, so I ordered a set of headrests from GetBMWParts.com. I cheaped out and got the Sensatec headrests because I wasn't sure and luckily, they match the black leather in my m235i perfectly.

When you look at them next to each other, the F30 headrests don't look a whole lot different. The posts are slightly taller, and they have a button on the side to release the tilt functionality. They slip directly in but sit a little higher than the stock headrests, unless you release the clip on the inside headrest post and then they drop down flush with the seat.

They sit quite a bit further back, relieving the pressure on my neck, which made me very happy. You can see in the pic that it is a completely different angle than the other one and doesn't protrude nearly as much. Makes a big difference to me. The actual replacement procedure is really easy - flip the seat forward, pull the headrest out until it stops, then hold the outer latch while reaching under the cover of the one on the inner side, there is another latch that, when released, releases the headrest. (you can slide a credit card in or use a feeler gauge to release it)

52107362623 body hardware, seats & tracks, driver seat components, headrest w/o leather, black

Was a little less than $140. Probably cheaper to find one at a junk yard or to find a used one, but I decided to get a new one so no one else's greasy head would be on it.

Use at your own risk, it's not the headrest that came with the car, my recommendation is not that of a medical or automotive professional and I didn't crash test it. yadda yadda.

[siwo]

Wow. Nice job! Thanks for taking the plunge and spending the $140 (USD) and keeping the community informed about the options out there. If the headrests become an issue for me I'll know where to go to get it replaced! Awesome.

[moldcad]

Nice, OP. However, I'm not quite clear what your problem with the original 2-series headrest was - are they to close to your head (and hurting your neck), or too far back from it (and not providing support)?

Because I must say I find the headrest unable to support my head, which - together with the fact I have weak neck afer 2 unsuccessful surgeries on my neck spine - makes it ache during those long business trips of mine... In my previous BMW (528xi F10), I was able to move the headrest forward and always have them support my head; is it possible with F30 headrests?

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by kitw

Use at your own risk, it's not the headrest that came with the car, my recommendation is not that of a medical or automotive professional and I didn't crash test it. yadda yadda.

Originally Posted by moldcad

Because I must say I find the headrest unable to support my head, which - together with the fact I have weak neck afer 2 unsuccessful surgeries on my neck spine - makes it ache during those long business trips of mine... In my previous BMW (528xi F10), I was able to move the headrest forward and always have them support my head; is it possible with F30 headrests?

OP was very forthright and sincere in his motivations, right down to the "yadda yaddas" so no flaming! But, to help put this in perspective for comments such as Moldcad, inside the industry we did not refer to these as "head rests". They are "head restraints". The purpose is not to support or hold your head in position for comfort while driving. They are specifically intended to prevent hyperflexion of the neck in a rear impact. Because the performance of head restraints had not been optimal, in the US, NHTSA revised FMVSS requirements to change their position and geometry which brings them closer to the head. European regulations are likely similarly motivated. Some may sense this as intrusive, especially women with more hair who can feel the forward "push" on the back of their heads. Others who may have some spinal curvature, may still find them too rearward. They are optimized based on the standardized test dummy shapes and sizes.

Also keep in mind, due to the seatback being angled, and not 90 degrees, the head restraint position needs to be high to allow for "ramping"...the upward and rearward motion of your body when the vehicle is impacted in the rear. You slide up and back and don't want to have your head and neck folding rearward over top of the restraint, like a pivot! The owner's manual certainly has the best directions to follow, if you are so "inclined". (sorry for the obvious pun!)

[Dylan86]

Thanks for this, OP

I feel with a helmet on, that I could benefit from this adjust ability, but not for $140usd lol..

[Cyberdemon]

I contemplated doing the same thing, I too came from an F30 and the lack of tilting head rests was immediately noticed, especially on longer drives.

I don't know the rationale between switching them since the seats are otherwise identical.

Unfortunately the leather headrests are much more expensive, and I couldn't justify that amount of money on a lease mod. If I ever find someone parting out a smashed F30 with coral red interior then I might jump on it.

[kitw]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Nice, OP. However, I'm not quite clear what your problem with the original 2-series headrest was - are they to close to your head (and hurting your neck), or too far back from it (and not providing support)?

Apologies for not being clear - good question. Stock headrests protruded too much for me. I'm tall and long of torso at that, so sit very tall in the seat and the headrests forced me forward. The F30 headrests are further back to start with, but do adjust forward as well, so they might solve your problem. It's pretty easy to swap them, you might ask the dealer if you can pull a set out of the used car lot to try.

[beenthere1]

Does the swap affect the "active head restraint system"?

Does the car show a warning light on the dash?

Concerning the former, I seem to remember that there is some system where they headrest moves forward in a crash to prevent injury.

[redontheline]

I have wished for some adjustability with mine as well. Nice to know it is compatible though I'd probably never make the change.

As to your safety disclaimer, I think you're still in alright shape. It made me cringe to find out my friend removed both her front headrests completely because it messed up her hair bun. I got one out of the trunk and put it back on my seat before we moved.

[Xi-Xi]

I made this exact same switch a few months ago. But my reason was that the headrest didn't sit forward enough for my liking. With the adjustability of the new one, it's now perfect. I don't understand why the adjustable restraint wasn't standard.

And no, this swap will not trigger any warning lights.

[Cyberdemon]

I can not see this causing any safety concerns - the F2x seats and F3x seat are virtually identical in every way. I only see this being an area to save a few dollars.

[JohnnyCanuck]

I don't mind the headrest but my wife complains about it as a passenger all the time. This might solve that problem ... thanks!

[MrBucket]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

I can not see this causing any safety concerns - the F2x seats and F3x seat are virtually identical in every way. I only see this being an area to save a few dollars.

The reason they have them tilted forward a good bit is so that if you get in an accident your head doesn't have as far back to go before it hits into the headrest. Had the same issue with the headrests in an Audi RS4, but luckily with those I realized they just stuck some plastic blocks in it to lock it in place and I was able to yank them out.

[BMWKLR]

Great easy mod.

[Rayscott]

Do the rear headrests come out. I have a 228i vert and with the top up the headrests make rear viewing difficult.

[Rayscott]

Can these be replaced with black tips. I like them better since I am going with a black look on the exterior.

[MrBucket]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

Do the rear headrests come out. I have a 228i vert and with the top up the headrests make rear viewing difficult.

The ones in the coupe can fold down flat, not sure about the vert ones.

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by MrBucket

The ones in the coupe can fold down flat, not sure about the vert ones.

I will give them a try, thanks.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by redontheline

I have wished for some adjustability with mine as well. Nice to know it is compatible though I'd probably never make the change.

As to your safety disclaimer, I think you're still in alright shape. It made me cringe to find out my friend removed both her front headrests completely because it messed up her hair bun. I got one out of the trunk and put it back on my seat before we moved.

Your friend is nuts.