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

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 tasks

Remove head restraint . See 5224388 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR MIDDLE HEAD RESTRAINT or 5224390 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT REAR HEAD RESTRAINT from rear seat

NOTE: Guide sleeves cannot be removed without being damaged.
Guide sleeves with locks 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 rear gap on retaining lug (1).

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

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

On guide sleeves with locks, unlock the second retaining lug with a screwdriver.