Anyone ever replace a headrest motor?

[gsxrliterbikz]

I just noticed that the pass seat in my M has a powered headrest. However the drivers side doesnt. If its really quiet when I move the switch, I can hear a click noise coming from the seat, but no movement.
I assume its just the motor, just curious if its a common issue. A search here didnt come up with anything.
Its a super easy job on my other BMW's, but none of the others have built in seatbelts on the seats.

[pbonsalb]

I have had my 08M3 for 4 years and did not even know there was a headrest motor. I do have power seats. Figured that much out. I think the new guy here will be a great contributor to the DIY section.

[1MOREMOD]

Took me a bit to figure out my x5d headrest adjusted that way also. Yanking on it didn't work.

[gsxrliterbikz]

Lifting up on the reclining back button lifts the headrest.
All I get is a click.
I think I'll hit the classifieds and see if anyone has one. It's probably gonna be tough to find someone parting out a seat though. I shudder to think what a simple motor will cost new.

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by gsxrliterbikz

I think I'll hit the classifieds and see if anyone has one. It's probably gonna be tough to find someone parting out a seat though. I shudder to think what a simple motor will cost new.

Good opportunity to hotrod it and add more power.

Can never have fast enough headrests...

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I have had my 08M3 for 4 years and did not even know there was a headrest motor. I do have power seats. Figured that much out. I think the new guy here will be a great contributor to the DIY section.

I'll have to look too, I never knew about it; I rarely have passengers, which could be why.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I have had my 08M3 for 4 years and did not even know there was a headrest motor. I do have power seats. Figured that much out. I think the new guy here will be a great contributor to the DIY section.

Originally Posted by gsxrliterbikz

Lifting up on the reclining back button lifts the headrest.
All I get is a click.
I think I'll hit the classifieds and see if anyone has one. It's probably gonna be tough to find someone parting out a seat though. I shudder to think what a simple motor will cost new.

Originally Posted by thekurgan

I'll have to look too, I never knew about it; I rarely have passengers, which could be why.

Pretty sure only E93s have power headrests....

[gsxrliterbikz]

Originally Posted by jphughan

Pretty sure only E93s have power headrests....

Would seem odd. Does the vert have a different seat than the coupe? All my BMW's have powered headrests. My 7 even has rear power seats and headrests.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by gsxrliterbikz

Would seem odd. Does the vert have a different seat than the coupe? All my BMW's have powered headrests. My 7 even has rear power seats and headrests.

Agree it's odd, but looking through the seat adjustment section of the 2011 M3 manual, the rocker switch that controls the backrest angle on all M3s also moves up and down to adjust the headrests on the E93. There's even a note directly underneath specifying that the E92 has manual headrest adjustment (I think the E90 manual is another document).

The vert does indeed have different seats. For one, it has the seat belt holder collar on the side since the seat belt can't be anchored high up on the B-pillar in a vert. The E92 uses a somewhat lame seatbelt butler for equivalent functionality. As for the difference in headrests, you can see the difference visually, and my guess is that the reason for the difference has to do with rollover protection. I'm not sure why that meant the E93 got electrical adjustment and the others didn't, but whatever. Maybe BMW figured E93 owners were already putting up with their car being porked up to the tune of 400 extra pounds, so what the hell.

[gsxrliterbikz]

Good to know. Didn't realize there was different manuals. Mine doesn't mention anything about it.
Also makes sense the seats are different due to a lack of a b pillar.
Guess I'm lucky to have an extra part to replace when it fails
As if the entire roof assembly isn't enough

[Gr330zhp]

Pretty sure only the E93, I believe the sedan and coupe all have active headrests, that are non adjustable. At least mine is, but I also have manual seats altogether.

[jwzimm]

The E93 has different seats as the seatbelts are built in to the seats in it while in the others it is secured to the B-pillar.

[STooK]

Yea something is definitely not working with your driver's headrest. Mine moves up and down on both sides. Never heard of it failing though but I'm not surprised to hear about it. E90/92 has manual head rests that stick out from the top of the seat but I guess BMW figured that'd look pretty silly in an e93 due to the seat belt mechanism on the seat.

E93 seats also differ from US spec e90/92 seats because e93 gets the Euro M3 seat bottoms where the e90/92 gets the regular sport seat bottoms. You will notice the thigh support has a line in the middle where the regular sport seats do not. After sitting in both, I actually prefer the regular sport seat as it felt "cushier". I was also told e93 seats have a special coating to reduce temperatures from sunlight compared to e90/92. However, I couldn't really tell the difference last summer..

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by STooK

I was also told e93 seats have a special coating to reduce temperatures from sunlight compared to e90/92. However, I couldn't really tell the difference last summer..

I thought the dye coating/formulation was just to reduce color fade when exposed to direct sunlight, not temperature.

[gsxrliterbikz]

Do the seats require any special attn. due to the differences?
I typically use Smart brand leather conditioner on them, and lexol cleaner.

[Gr330zhp]

As far as I know it isn't a coating, it's the actual leather. And is designed to reduce temperature