52 14 886 Replacing gas cartridge for crash-active headrest on left or right

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Read and comply with SAFETY REGULATIONS for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners.
Incorrect handling may result in triggering of the crash-active headrest and thereby cause injury.

Switch off the ignition!

Necessary preliminary tasks

Disconnect BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE .
A second person is required for this task.

IMPORTANT: Renewal of pyrotechnics may be carried out up to 5 times.
Triggering frequency is denoted on the sticker on the head restraint carrier.
Labels are available as spare parts.

Starting situation:

Head restraint is in the crash position after activation.

Fig 1: Identifying Head Restraint Is In Crash Position

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Unclip the pushbutton (1).

NOTE: Preloaded spring behind pushbutton.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Pushbutton

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Removing cover:

Press the cover (1) at the top and bottom simultaneously and pull towards rear.

First the left-hand side, then the right-hand side.

Fig 3: Pressing Cover At Top And Bottom

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Disconnecting the pyrotechnical unit:

Unlock plug connection(1) AND DISCONNECT .

Fig 4: Identifying Plug Connection

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Removing pyrotechnical unit:

Unclip pyrotechnical unit (1) from the attachment points.

Fig 5: Removing Pyrotechnical Unit From Attachment Points

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Procedure for installing pyrotechnical unit:

Bringing head restraint together:

Pull out the complete release mechanism for pushbutton with a screwdriver (1).

Hold position of release mechanism.

Fig 6: Pulling Out Release Mechanism For Pushbutton Using Screwdriver

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NOTE: A second person is required for this task.

Firmly press the front section of the head restraint (1) towards rear until limit position.

Keep position pressed.

Fig 7: Pressing Head Restraint Front Section

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Press the head restraint until the marked deployment range of the pyrotechnical unit is uncovered.

Fig 8: Locating Pyrotechnical Unit Deployment Range

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Inserting the pyrotechnical unit:

Insert cotter pin of pyrotechnical unit (1) in the uncovered area.

Firmly clip in the pyrotechnical unit (1).

Installation note:

Make sure the pyroactivator is correctly seated in the latch mechanism.

Fig 9: Removing Pyrotechnical Unit From Attachment Points

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Laying wiring harness:

Secure wiring harness (1) in carrier section with strain relief.

CONNECT AND LOCK plug connection.

Make sure once again that the pyrotechnical unit (1) is correctly seated in the retaining lugs.

Fig 10: Locating Pyrotechnical Unit Retaining Lugs

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Mounting cover:

Clip cover onto support section.

Fit the cover and listen for it to snap into place on the left and right.

Fig 11: Identifying Headrest Support Section Mounting Cover

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Mounting the pushbutton:

Insert the pushbutton with spring.

Fig 12: Identifying Pushbutton And Spring

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Perform function check:

Check the comfort adjustment.

Installation note:

Correct assembly can be checked by looking at the distance between the front section of the head restraint and the pushbutton.

Move the front section in completely and compare the distance.

Fig 13: Checking Comfort Adjustment

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