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Brief component description

The following components are described:

Crash-active head restraint 

The crash-active head restraint is available for the driver's and front passenger seat. From the outside the Crash-Active Head Restraint is distinguished by its two sections, which give it an easily recognized appearance. The Crash Active Head Restraint is available in two versions:

Spring force instantaneously propels the head restraint's front section into place in response to rear impacts. It moves forward by up to 60 millimeters, and upward up to 40 millimeters (depending upon the momentary height adjustment). This reduces the distance to the head.

Fig 1: Removing Crash-Active Head Restraint
G09908281Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Index Explanation
A Crash-active head restraint (not triggered)
B Crash-active head restraint (triggered)
1 Front section of the head restraint
2 Head restraint support
3 Button for setting the head restraint (depth adjustment)
4 On activation, max. total path forwards: 60 millimeters
5 On activation, max. total path upwards: 40 millimeters
6 Mechanical system for setting the head restraint as well as for motion of the head restraint in a triggering process

When the Crash Active head restraint module or MRS control unit transmits a trigger signal, the Crash Active head restraint deploys as follows:

Index Explanation
1 Front section of the head restraint
2 Springs
3 Release plate
4 Head restraint support
5 Bracket for mounting the head restraint support
6 Holder for the pyrotechnic component
7 Pyrotechnic component (contains ignition squib and propellant charge)
8 Linkage for the head restraint adjustment
9 Button for setting the head restraint (depth adjustment)
10 Mechanical system for motion of the head restraint in a triggering process
11 Pin (Crash Active head restraint triggered)
NOTE: Deativating the Crash Active head restraint with the passenger airbag deactivation feature

If SA470 "ISOFIX child-restraint mountings" or SA5DA "front passenger airbag deactivation" is installed it will be possible to deactivate the airbags and the Crash Active head restraints on the passenger side. The switch setting is selected using the integral code in the remote-control unit or the ID transmitter.

In the switch position "OFF", the following airbags on the passenger's side are not inflated:

The indicator lamp for front-passenger airbag deactivation lights up.

ACSM or MRS: Crash safety module/multiple restraint system 

The crash safety module or multiple restraint system has the following tasks:

All gas generators, pyrotechnic components and sensors are connected directly to the crash safety module or MRS control unit. The crash safety module or MRS control unit evaluates the data of the sensors. In the case of a crash, the crash safety module or MRS control unit decides whether it is necessary to trigger the seat belt tensioner and airbags and what airbags need to be deployed. The crash safety module or MRS control unit also triggers the Crash Active head restraints.

Fig 3: Crash Active Head Restraint - Circuit Diagram
G09908283Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Index Explanation
1 Crash-active head restraint, front left (designation in the wiring diagram: Alternator, front left active head restraint)
2 Crash safety module (ACSM: Advanced Crash Safety Module) or MRS control unit (MRS: multiple restraint system).
3 Crash-active head restraint, front right (designation in the wiring diagram: Alternator, front right active head restraint

Airbag control lamp 

The airbag indicator light indicates the operability of the crash safety system. The airbag indicator light in the instrument panel is activated by the crash safety module or MRS control unit via the K-CAN.