GLS Class (X166) Produced from 2016 to 2019

Second row headrests difficult to push down

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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 11:08 AM
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2017 GLS450S and 2005 CLK500
Second row headrests difficult to push down

Is anybody irritated by the difficulty of pushing the second row headrests into the down position? Seems like I've seen some hacks to fix them but can't find any discussion on this forum. Please post any suggestions…Thx
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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 12:20 PM
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2019 GLS450
Which model year GLS are you referring to?
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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 05:18 PM
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2017 GLS450S and 2005 CLK500
2017 GLS 450 with power folding third row.
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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 09:49 PM
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2023 EQS 580 SUV
I have the 2nd Row Power Easy-Entry where the seats fold by pushing a button and the headrests go automatically down when I use that button
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Old Sep 4, 2018 | 10:53 PM
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Hi RussS, since you have the power folding (EASY-ENTRY) option, you need to press the button to the side of either head-rest and they will lower immediately so the seat can be folded. To lower them manually, depress the release button located on one of the metal posts.
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Old Sep 5, 2018 | 10:31 AM
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2017 GLS450S and 2005 CLK500
Thank you all for the info. Unfortunately, I had a brain fart when I made my initial post.
The difficulty is in raising the headrests, not lowering them. It appears to me that they specified a spring which is much stronger than necessary to do the job. Any suggestions?
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Old Sep 5, 2018 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by RussS
Thank you all for the info. Unfortunately, I had a brain fart when I made my initial post. The difficulty is in raising the headrests, not lowering them. It appears to me that they specified a spring which is much stronger than necessary to do the job. Any suggestions?
Not really, they are a bit of a hassle to raise, takes some muscle for sure. I think MB redesigned the headrests for the upcoming 2020 GLS so this should no longer be an issue for future owners.
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Old Sep 5, 2018 | 02:06 PM
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2024 GLS 450 AMG Package 2024 GLC 43 AMG
you need to be a body builder to lift the headrests. My wife and kids cannot do it. Very poor design in my opinion. I would have forgone the easy entry option had I known about the issues with the headrests. My lease ends next July but the new design will not be out yet........BMW X7 here I come.
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Old Sep 5, 2018 | 10:35 PM
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Amiable dealer can go into seat back and disconnect the EZ entry "return spring" - you lose headrest auto-retracting..
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Old Sep 5, 2018 | 11:38 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeMa
Not really, they are a bit of a hassle to raise, takes some muscle for sure. I think MB redesigned the headrests for the upcoming 2020 GLS so this should no longer be an issue for future owners.
My expirience too. They are rather stiff.
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