I keep seeing 2 different type of headrests on 2007 S... How can I be sure to get "2 piece" headrest Vs. One piece (which I find ugly)? Please advise...

 

I think it depends on the market you're in. Here in the US, it seems that the S600 and S65 get the two piece "luxury active" head restraints. And the S550 gets the normal one piece head restraints. And I don't know of an option on the S550 to get the active ones.

However, I've seen pictures of S350s in other countries with the luxury active restraints. So it definitely varies by market.

 

It is actually a little more complex. There are three types of headrests that can be on a W221 S-Class. The first is the standard one-piece headrest. (I agree they are ugly). These can be found on early build S550s. Any S550 that is being sold now should have the two piece headrest. The purpose of the two piece is that the headrests are "active" in that in a rear collision they come forward to help protect your head from whiplash. The last type is the two piece "luxury" headrest that is standard on both the S600 and S65 AMG. These have the rear collision safety feature as well, but also there are more adjudstments for comfort. I don't know how they adjust though...maybe there are S600 or S65 owners that can comment?

 

Oh, cool. I stand corrected. All the pictures of S550s I've seen have the one-piece head restraints. Plus the US owner's manual I have (which is old) says the active feature is "S600 only". But, now I can look forward to getting the active ones then on mine.

BTW, here is the adjustment instructions from the same, old manual I have:

 

The "luxury" ones look like the headrests on continental airplanes hah

 

Here are some pics from eBay for a visual.

Here are the standard early build S550 headrests:



The active headrests on an S550:



And finally the luxury active headrests on an S600 and S65, you can see the ripple in the leather which shows that this is the luxury one that allows you to adjust it:

 

Yes, as other stated above, the luxury headrests on our 600 have "wings" that fold forward to keep your head in the center. The entire headrest is cushions your head and it one of the most comfortable headrests I've used.

 

Thank you - Great Feedback All is Appreciated

 

Do you get the luxury headrest with the multi countour option on the 550 or is it only included in designo

 

I have it on my S600. It's ok. It does not adjest really well to the frontside.

 

I don't get the point for the front ones. Usually when you're in the front I don't have my head near the headrest anyway.

 

I think.

 

Well, as pmb600 showed, there are 3 different types of headrests on the S. The original one-piece (not active, not luxury), the later two piece active (not luxury), and then finally the luxury/active. I think he's questioning the value of the last type on the front seats.

I actually do have my head lightly touching the headrest in my normal seating position, actually. But it's so light that I can't see the value of the "luxury" feature in front either. Of course, I won't know until the next car because all I have is the two-piece "active" headrests on my 550.

 

Thank you eddietr, that is correct I was referring to the luxury/active ones.

 

Well, even if the driver may not necessarily make use of the active/luxury headrests, the passengers can enjoy it. =)

 

So is there any way to upgrade to the active luxury ones?

 

I do not believe the two piece headrests on the S550 are active.
Can someone verify this?

 

I know this is old, but it's a valid question & not yet answered...anyone knows the answer?

 

I never rest my head on headrests. Maybe it's my posture... Do you guys drive with your head on the headrest. I guess many do as they have "luxury" adjustable ones.

 

I used to never use them either because they used to be so far from my head and caused me to point my head too much to the ceiling or the sky and not on the road in front of me. However, it was a totally different/pleasant world for me when I bought my 2000 S430. The head rest wasn't too far from my head and on top of that when you pull out the flap it meets you even more and provided a comfortable easy access place to rest my head. Then when I got my BMW 750 the experience was times ten because not only was the head rest not too far it had wings that hugged my neck. Now I just got my W221 and I'm surprised that the neck pro is not standard and that the default head rest is so uncomfortable or not easy to access

 

I agree with rasheed1397. I too just came from a 750 and while I find the Mercedes seats more comfortable overall, the 750 headrests with wings were amazing. Didn't use them when I was actively driving but they were terrific in traffic. Not only are the Mercedes non-luxury headrests (both non-active and active) unattractive, they are uncomfortable especially for passengers. And I cannot believe they would do well in a crash. They are so hard and slippery that I imagine your head would slide right off.

I therefore would also like to know if my 2009 S550 can be upgraded to the new luxury/active headrests. Anyone have any success with this? I suppose there are two types -- one with the standard leather and one with the upgraded Nappa leather that my car has.

 

I wouldn't agree with that comment. As far as I know the purpose of the headrests are to eliminate the head snapping back in case of an accident.
How would your head slip off while it's attached to your body and you have seat belt on? Of course god forbid if someones head gets severed off they would slide but then comfortable and non-slippery headrests would be useless as well.

In motorcycling world we are always cautious about helmets. A good helmet is not one that looks the coolest, but one that would absorb the impact the best.

 

lol...fbracer you're hilarious! I don't think Benzie63 meant that your head would slip off your body, rather what he intended is that your head would slip right off the "headrest."