52 13... Replacing guide sleeves for front left or right head restraint

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW M3, and 2009 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary work

Remove front head restraint . See 5213390 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT HEAD RESTRAINT or 5214392 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT CRASH-ACTIVE HEADREST (FROM 09/08)

NOTE: Guide sleeves cannot be removed without being damaged.
Guide sleeves with pushbuttons have two retaining lugs.

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

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

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

If necessary, on guide sleeves with pushbuttons, unlock the second retaining lug with a screwdriver.

Fig 1: Inserting Special Tool (52 0 070) Into Guide Hole Of Sleeve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Replace guide sleeves and install as follows:

Guide sleeve with pushbutton (3) and two retaining lugs, left
Guide sleeve without pushbutton and one retaining lug, right

Fig 2: Identifying Guide Sleeve With Pushbutton

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.