52 13 886 Replacing gas cartridge for crash-active headrest on left or right (up to 06/2010)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW X6 and 2010 BMW X6. 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:

Adjust head restraint towards top to maximum extent
Disconnect BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE

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.

NOTE: Pyroactivator can only be removed in the triggered state.
The complete crash-active head restraint must be replaced in the event of a head restraint fault message and an untriggered pyroactivator.

Fig 1: Identifying Head Restraint And Pyroactivator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing cover:

Raise cover (1) and pull rearwards.

Fig 2: Removing Head Restraint Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing pyrotechnics:

Press together mounting (1) for pyrotechnics at tabs.

Feed out pyrotechnics.

Fig 3: Pressing Pyrotechnics Mounting Tabs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removing pyroactivator:

Pull pyroactivator (2) out of mount (1) for pyrotechnics.

Unlock PLUG CONNECTION (3) and disconnect.

IMPORTANT: Dispose of plastic element and pyroactivator.

Fig 4: Identifying Pyroactivator, Mounting And Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Procedure for installing pyrotechnics:

Bringing head restraint together - version without button (multifunction seat):

Pull apart spring catches and push together head restraint.

Maintain position.

Fig 5: Pulling Spring Catches From Head Restraint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bringing head restraint together - version with button (basic version):

Press button (1) and push head restraint together.

Maintain position.

Fig 6: Pushing Head Restraint Button

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Locking release plate:

Hold pushed-together head restraint in position and push release plate (1) upwards up to limit position.

Release plate (1) must audibly snap into place.

Fig 7: Identifying Head Restraint Release Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking head restraint lock:

Check end position of release plate (1).

All four springs must be engaged (snapped into place).

Fig 8: Locating Head Restraint Release Plate Springs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacing pyrotechnics:

Connect connector (1) to new pyroactivator (2) and LOCK .

Clip pyroactivator (2) into new mount (3).

Fig 9: Identifying Pyroactivator, Mount And Connector

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installing pyrotechnics:

Press together mounting for pyrotechnics at tabs.

Insert mounting for pyrotechnics into release plate and tilt in upward direction.

Mounting for pyrotechnics must audibly snap into place.

NOTE: Check seating of retaining lugs in mounting.

Fig 10: Inserting Pyrotechnics Mounting Into Release Plate

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Laying wiring harness:

Secure wiring harness in support section with strain relief.

Fig 11: Identifying Wiring Harness Support Section

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mounting cover:

Clip cover onto support section.

Cover must audibly snap into place.

Fig 12: Removing Support Section Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.