[dmaxdmax]

I hated that mine wouldn't go down. Someone had success reversing from one side to the other. I did not in my 2016 340i xDrive.

The 'fix' is simply to grind the top notch on the side that doesn't have the push button for lowering and raising the entire headrest. (Not 'on' the headrest itself).

You grind the top notch so as to make it slide past the top notch--which will stop from the locking pin inside the seat.

Hopefully you can see that I just added a slope to what will be a sharp cutoff that the spring inside the seat stops at. By completing a "V" the spring slips past. You just need to push the button in on the other side.

It really annoyed me--glad to have the headrest down flush with the seat, but it's still too big!

[Gen13 F36]

What is the purpose of this? Just to make it flush?

Mine have a half inch space between the headrest and back of the seat.

I'm short so I use a neck pillow...make my driving comfortable for long period of time.

[dmaxdmax]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

What is the purpose of this? Just to make it flush?

Mine have a half inch space between the headrest and back of the seat.

I'm short so I use a neck pillow...make my driving comfortable for long period of time.

I had over a 2" gap and am also short. Even tilted back it was pushing my head further forward than I wanted.

This is much more comfortable...it's not for the 'look,' but the feel.

I'd considered dying my e46 headrests since they fit in the f30 seat (loosely), but think this will do the trick.

[HFW003]

There is a much easier way to do this.

Pry off the plastic round cover where the stem goes onto the seat, when you get that done you will see two springs.

You can either remove the springs (save them if you want to reverse) or you can just push the black plastic clips in, push the headrest down and reinstall the cover.

Remember these are not new issues and you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

H

[ooshnoo]

Already been discussed here:

DIY Headrest Fix https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=727411

[dmaxdmax]

Ah...I did search but didn't find that post.

...so for those with a dremel, this is a 5 minute solution. Just pull the headrest out and grind one extra angle.

Such a big difference.

[tardboi]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

What is the purpose of this? Just to make it flush?

Mine have a half inch space between the headrest and back of the seat.

I'm short so I use a neck pillow...make my driving comfortable for long period of time.

headrests arent actually for resting your head on while driving; its for crashes. if someone is using it while driving, they're doing it wrong

[Icarium81]

Originally Posted by tardboi

headrests arent actually for resting your head on while driving; its for crashes. if someone is using it while driving, they're doing it wrong

Exactly my thoughts. I try to rest my head on them in every vehicle and it's NEVER comfortable ever. I always find myself only touching the back rest of the seat with the lower half or third of my back and that's it. Anything more feels like I'm disconnected from driving

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by tardboi

headrests arent actually for resting your head on while driving; its for crashes. if someone is using it while driving, they're doing it wrong

They're head restraints.

[Gen13 F36]

Yup...its there to prevent your neck from snapping back. That's why ti point forward and not straight up or backward.

[HarryTee]

Originally Posted by dmaxdmax

I hated that mine wouldn't go down. Someone had success reversing from one side to the other. I did not in my 2016 340i xDrive.

The 'fix' is simply to grind the top notch on the side that doesn't have the push button for lowering and raising the entire headrest. (Not 'on' the headrest itself).

You grind the top notch so as to make it slide past the top notch--which will stop from the locking pin inside the seat.

Hopefully you can see that I just added a slope to what will be a sharp cutoff that the spring inside the seat stops at. By completing a "V" the spring slips past. You just need to push the button in on the other side.

It really annoyed me--glad to have the headrest down flush with the seat, but it's still too big!

Thank you for raising the issue! I feel much better being able to lower the head-rest. The new position is more comfortable for me, and my front seats have got more clearance when folding forward.

[eleven11]

As already mentioned, the primary purpose of your headrest is to protect you in the event of a collision (prevent whiplash), not to rest your head. While lowering it may more aesthetically pleasing, you ideally want to make sure it is high enough to prevent your head from rolling over (behind) the headrest during a crash. This varies on your height, but typically you want the top of the headrest to match the top of your head. At a minimum, your occipital protuberance (mid-region of the rear of your head) should be no higher than the center of your headrest.

[dmaxdmax]

Originally Posted by eleven11

As already mentioned, the primary purpose of your headrest is to protect you in the event of a collision (prevent whiplash), not to rest your head. While lowering it may more aesthetically pleasing, you ideally want to make sure it is high enough to prevent your head from rolling over (behind) the headrest during a crash. This varies on your height, but typically you want the top of the headrest to match the top of your head. At a minimum, your occipital protuberance (mid-region of the rear of your head) should be no higher than the center of your headrest.

Mine is at a perfect height, though it's still like 3x the size of any headrest I've had...still pick it up in my rear view mirror. The headrests in the back also block my view...so I've removed them for now.

I actually do rest my head against it often...I can see both mirrors, have no blind spot. When I'm accelerating, my head is against it...when I'm on the highway, ditto.

I know it's 'also' a head restraint, but these days especially, my head needs a rest...I'll take it where I can get it.