52 24... Removing and installing/replacing all guide sleeves for rear head restraints

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove HEAD RESTRAINT from rear seat

Backrest
Guide sleeve of head restraint
Retaining lug
Head restraint mount

Fig 1: Identifying Guide Sleeve Of Head Restraint, Retaining Lug And Backrest
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert special tool 52 0 070 into guide hole of sleeve (2) up to upper area of retaining lug.

Feed release tongue of special tool into rear gap on retaining lug (1).

Turn tool to release sleeve (2) and pull out towards top.

Installation:

Replace faulty sleeves.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (52 0 070)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.