RTM pp. 52-53. apparently not as they say to adjust the backrest to get the correct distance adjustment. See active head restraint on p. 53.

Just waded through the RTFM exercise today. Now if I can just remember about half......

 

Correct. Adjustment is only vertical. BMW calls them "restraints" not "rests". They are meant to restrain your head during a collision.

 

IS there anyway to get them go all the way down?
It bothers my OCD that there is a gap between front headrests and seats.

 

2013 X3 head restraint position is annoying! It tilts forward at a very uncomfortable angle. I noticed that the 3 series has adjustable head restraints and have actually toyed with the idea of ordering a pair. The big question is whether the mounts are exactly the same. They do appear to be the same seats.

 

Well #1: they shouldn't be "uncomfortable", head restraints are collision systems only, not for routinely resting your head on. I would suggest that if you are, you are doing it wrong.

#2: The head rests contain pyros for deployment in event of a crash, and are integrated into the seat, and car's crash safety system. That means, don't screw with then, lest you set them off or make them inoperable when they are needed. Not to mention triggering the airbag light on the dash, and lets be honest, it should be a $ light. Every time it turns on it costs money.

 

It's funny how people will virulently defend BMW's poor design features. The issue is not "me doing something wrong" (how is that even possible?). The issue is that the headrests (or call them restraints if you must) tip forward, forcing your head forward in an uncomfortable position. 3 series headrests allow you to swivel them to get them out of your way a bit but the X3 does not.

I don't think the headrests have airbags in them. Where does that info come from?

 

I don't think the headrests have airbags in them. Where does that info come from?

Now where did I say that the HR had airbags? Go check, I'll wait.....Back? Ok good. I get my infromation direct from the BMW F25 technical training manual. You can look for yourself by Googling for "F25 Passive Safety Systems." From the book (page 27):

...head restraint with a pyrotechnic actuator that optimizes the distance and height in relation to the head if a rear-end collision of sufficient force occurs.

 

Ah, I see. It sounds like the head restraint goes up or down to align with the head in a severe collision? My thought was that I could remove the entire head rest and posts and insert a 3 series item. A call to the dealer this afternoon confirmed that.

 

Here's an image of the Crash-active headrest.

 

Very cool!!! Did not know this... :thumbup:

 

From the diagram it actually looks like the headrest pushes forward in a crash. Very cool. Did not know this was in there. The question now is does the 3 series headrest have the same safety feature or is that maybe why the head restraint is not adjustable on the X3 but is on the 3 series.

 

All BMW have that feature. My guess is that the X3 doesnt have the adjustable headrest because it is a cost saving to BMW.