Crash Sensitive Head Restraint -- Overview: Introduction

The crash sensitive head restraints will be fitted in the following vehicles as of 09/07:

• E60
• E61
• E63
• E64
• E83
• E70 (from 10/07)

The crash sensitive head restraint will replace the active head restraint on the luxury seat (multifunction seat).

Why crash sensitive head restraints? 

The crash sensitive head restraints reduce the stresses on the spinal column in the neck area in the event of an impact from the rear.

For the vehicle occupants, correct adjustment of the head restraints and the distance between the head and the head restraint of decisive importance. Depending on the seat position and design, the distance between head and head restraint can be as much as 100 mm.

The crash sensitive head restraints have primarily been designed for rear impacts at moderate speeds, e.g. in urban traffic. Even in urban traffic conditions, injuries to the cervical vertebral column can occur with a conventional head restraint.

In the event of a rear impact, the front section of the head restraint is moved up to 60 mm forward by spring action within a split second.

Even before the head is thrown backwards by the force of the rear impact, the crash sensitive head restraint has already shortened the distance between it and the head.

The shorter distance helps to increase the stabilizing and restraining function of the head restraint. As a result, injuries to the neck and cervical vertebral column can be reduced or even entirely prevented.

The new head restraints are easy to identify. On the multifunction seat, the head restraint side panels now extend over the entire head restraint cushion. All other seats have a button on the side of the head restraint for adjusting the head restraint reach.

Fig 1: Identifying Crash Sensitive Head Restraint - E6X

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.