Active Head Restraint: Notes

Used on previous BMW vehicles since 09/2007, Active head restraint are now installed on the F01/F02.

This is the version with pyrotechnical actuator and spring elements for adjustment.

There are two versions of active head restraints, depending on the seat option installed.

The memory seat (1) is designed for manual headrest adjustment.

In order to offer as much convenience as possible, the front section of the head restraint can be pulled forward or pushed backward approximately 30 mm. It is a two-stage adjustment. This allows for three different positions for the head restraint depth adjustment.

1. Manually adjustable head restraint on the memory seat. 
2. Fixed head restraint on the multifunction seat 

On the multi-function seat, (2) the headrest is adjusted by means of the headrest adjustment.

The active head restraint reduces the load on the cervical vertebrae in the event of a rear-end collision by reducing the distance between the head and the head restraint before the occupant moves backwards. This reduces the risk of injury to the cervical vertebrae.

In the event of a rear-end impact, the front section of the head restraint, driven by a spring, is moved towards the front by up to 60 mm within a very short space of time. Even before the head is jerked backwards due to the rear-end impact, the active head restraint reduces the distance to the head. The reduced distance contributes to increasing the stabilizing and securing function of the head restraints.