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One day the cushion for the driver seat headrest (2011 E550) gave way and no longer adjusted in/out. It's very loose, so I lifted the cushion away and took pictures. It uses an ABS molded plastic clip to attach to a metal frame bar. The photos show the metal frame bar, and the broken plastic on the back side of the cushion. You can see where the right clip 'hook' has sheared off both top and bottom, and the left one has just enough left on top that the cushion has not fallen off-but expect that day is coming soon.
In searching posts, did not find anything for this particular problem. Hoping someone here has dealt with this and can advise. It was irksome enough to realize that the Command knob shaft sheared because it was cheap ABS plastic, but this is what supports your head while driving. Just as my beloved Merc hits 100,000 miles too. I can, and want to fix it, just not sure how, or what parts to order.
Yup, mine was like that... found a used unit on eBay and replaced it. Its not a common issue, like others: broken command knob, faded wood trim, leak in Airmatic, oil separator, engine oil leaks, rear radar sensors, etc...
Yup, mine was like that... found a used unit on eBay and replaced it. Its not a common issue, like others: broken command knob, faded wood trim, leak in Airmatic, oil separator, engine oil leaks, rear radar sensors, etc...
Thank you for this. A question--did you buy something like this , and install just the cushion piece?
Yup, mine was like that... found a used unit on eBay and replaced it. Its not a common issue, like others: broken command knob, faded wood trim, leak in Airmatic, oil separator, engine oil leaks, rear radar sensors, etc...
Agreed it's not a common issue. How does a headrest break, anyway? I never touch mine.
Thank you for this. A question--did you buy something like this , and install just the cushion piece?
No, I bought the whole headrest in the same color and material (leather vs. tex).
The front headrests are more complicated with neck pro mechanism. I tried taking apart the old one, but found it difficult without further damaging it. Whereas, I also had a broken rear headrest… I simply swapped covers (simple).
Yes, I saw these as well, and the second one (MBTex) looks to be a match. I asked about swapping just the cushion b/c my understanding is it is a bit hellish to take the seat out/apart to replace the entire headrest assembly. I may be overthinking it.
Yes, I saw these as well, and the second one (MBTex) looks to be a match. I asked about swapping just the cushion b/c my understanding is it is a bit hellish to take the seat out/apart to replace the entire headrest assembly. I may be overthinking it.
On my 2010 the headrests just slid out, I guess with the power cord coming out of the one in that picture they must have changed something.
Exactly, apparently mine has the neckpro headrest, so it's a different animal with the electrical connection. Some disassembly is going to be required b/c that connects somewhere inside the seat. Had no idea it was specifically designed to pop out/be reset in event of a rear end collision.
I have the neck pro as well, just no connector. I wonder if they are heated now.
Let's see, you have a '10, and mine is '11, so we're both pre-2012 refresh with the normally aspirated 5.5L engine. I've seen a few neck pro headrests with the same P/N (assuming it's correct) for model year 2010 and 2013. Both have the connector. Think I'll ping Konigstiger and see if he can shed some light.....
Let's see, you have a '10, and mine is '11, so we're both pre-2012 refresh with the normally aspirated 5.5L engine. I've seen a few neck pro headrests with the same P/N (assuming it's correct) for model year 2010 and 2013. Both have the connector. Think I'll ping Konigstiger and see if he can shed some light.....
Looks like I am mistaken, mine does have the wire! I must have previously pulled it out but not all the way out of the seat.
I found a very inexpensive ($90) NeckPro headrest on eBay that is perfect condition, but beige, versus Alpaca Gray. I will order a leather coloring kit from Leatherworldtech.com to get that sorted. Better to have a head cushion that won't fall off while driving...
The instructions graciously sent by Konigstiger worked fine. There are some tricks that I'm putting here to help someone else:
If you disconnect the battery, depending on your size and dexterity, know up front that you may be in an awkward position to remove/replace, once it is reclined enough so the headrest can be removed
When removing the seatback cover, I used a large flathead screwdriver to push up on the retaining tabs. They pop out easily once you can see them
Don't overthink the electrical connector key when unplugging. It's small, use a metal pick to push in. Use the connector on your replacement headrest as a reference
Step 5, unclipping the headrest from the bracket--firmly pull up on the headrest while firmly holding on to the bracket
Step 7, unhooking the seat cover from the frame to gain access to the restraint guide spring--the picture does not help much. My seat has a large, black plastic clip. It looks like you must do something with this, but you don't. There are small clips sewn in to the fabric to the left and right of it. You need a good light to see them. Basically, you are unhooking the seat cover at the right and left of the large clip.
Step 8, lifting the spring to permit the headrest to slide out. I did not find the picture useful, and wasted time messing around with a metal retaining clip (that popped off and disappeared, but caused no harm b/c headrest works perfectly). There is a U shaped metal bracket above the retaining clip that you need to move with a small screwdriver. Comes out easily, once you've figured it out. Only needs to be done on the left side
09-05-2021, 02:34 PM
