Where is the lock for the middle headrest in the rear row of the BMW X5?
4 Answers
The lock for the middle headrest in the rear row of the BMW X5 is located below the headrest. Press the unlock button and adjust the rear seat headrest to lower it. Introduction to car headrests: A car headrest is a comfort and safety accessory designed for driving. It is mainly divided into two categories: non-adjustable and adjustable. Adjustable car headrests are further classified into manually adjustable and automatically adjustable types. The manually adjustable type can only be adjusted in height, while the automatically adjustable type can be adjusted in two dimensions automatically. Function of car headrests: In the event of a rear-end collision, the human body tends to tilt backward due to inertia. At this moment, the pressure from acceleration or deceleration is concentrated on the vulnerable neck and head. The headrest serves as a buffer, protecting the head.
Last time I helped a friend with the rear center headrest lock on a BMW X5, it was located near the seatback where the headrest posts are. If you look down at the base of the headrest on both sides, there's a small groove or button on each side—just press it with your index finger to release. While holding the button, gently lift the headrest upward and it will pop up. When lowering it back down, you need to press the button again and push the headrest all the way down until you hear a click to ensure it's securely locked. Some people get impatient and try to yank it forcefully, which can easily damage the latch and lead to costly repairs. BMW designed this folding headrest mainly to improve rear visibility for the trunk—if left extended for long periods, it might affect reversing safety. When not in use, it's best to keep the headrest lowered for more comfort when seating three people in the rear.
I've been driving the X5 for several years, and the rear center headrest is locked at the base of the headrest bracket. There are small square holes on both sides of the headrest where it meets the seat, and a key can be inserted to release it. The correct method is to press the release mechanism on the left side with your thumb while gently lifting the headrest with your other hand—avoid using excessive force. For older vehicles, the headrest might be stuck; applying some WD-40 lubricant can help. Additionally, it's important to note that child seats should not be installed in the center position, as lowering the headrest may block the ISOFIX anchors. Regularly check the locking mechanism for dust buildup, as this design was originally intended to facilitate loading large items.
The middle headrest lock for the rear seats in my X5 is quite easy to find—it's right under the headrest rods, near the backrest. There are small black plastic tabs on both sides of the headrest; just press them with your fingers to unlock it. Once unlocked, you can adjust the headrest up or down in three positions, with the lowest setting almost flush into the seat. This feature is super practical—no need to remove the headrest when transporting large potted plants. Just be careful not to let kids play with it. Once, my nephew kept pressing it randomly and got it stuck—it took half an hour at the dealership to reset it.
