Adjusting the head restraints

Correct adjustment of the head restraints in the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) is a decisive factor for the safety of all occupants. Whether manual or electric, the manual explains step by step how the height and tilt should be optimally set. This reliably protects the neck area and minimises the risk of injury in an accident.

Important Safety Notes

WARNING

You can lose control of the vehicle if you, while driving,

• adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steering wheel or mirrors
• fasten the seat belt.

There is a risk of accidents!

Adjust the driver's seat, head restraint, steering wheel or mirrors and fasten your seat belt before starting the engine.

WARNING

If head restraints are not installed or are not correctly adjusted, they cannot protect as intended. There is an increased risk of injury to the head and neck area, for example in an accident or during braking manoeuvres!

Always drive with the head restraints installed. Before each journey, make sure for every vehicle occupant that the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level.

Do not swap the head restraints of the front and rear seats. Otherwise you will not be able to adjust the height and tilt of the head restraints correctly.

Use the longitudinal adjustment to position the head restraint as close as possible to the back of your head.

Observe the important safety information on the seats.

Adjusting the Head Restraints Manually

Adjusting the height of the head restraints

Vehicles without rear seat entertainment

Vehicles with rear seat entertainment

To raise: Pull the head restraint up to the desired position.

Lowering: Press the release buttonin the direction of the arrow and press the head restraint down into the desired position.

Adjusting the Head Restraint Angle

Pull or push the upholstery at the bottom edge of the head restraint in the direction of the arrow.

Adjusting the Head Restraint Height Electrically

The button for adjusting the head restraint heightSlide it up or down in the direction of the arrow.

Adjusting the Comfort Head Restraint

Adjusting the side bolsters: Pull or push the right and/or left side bolsterinto the desired position.

Adjusting the head restraint tilt: Pull or push the head restraint in the direction of the arrow.

Info

Adjust the head restraint so that the distance between the back of your head and the head restraint is as small as possible.

Rear Head Restraints

Lowering the rear head restraints from the front (estate model)

Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.

Press the buttonpress.

Adjusting the Height of the Rear Head Restraints

On certain vehicles, only the outer head restraints can be adjusted for height.

To raise: Pull the head restraint up until the desired position is reached.

Lowering: Press the release buttonand press the head restraint down until the desired position is reached.

Comfort Head Restraint (vehicles with comfort individual rear seats)

On certain vehicles, only the outer head restraints can be adjusted for height.

To raise: Pull the head restraint up until the desired position is reached.

Lowering: Press the release buttonand press the head restraint down until the desired position is reached.

Info

If you pull the head restraint slightly forward, less force is required for adjustment.

Adjusting the Angle of the Rear Head Restraints

Pull or push the top of the head restraint until the desired position is set.

Removing and Installing the Rear Head Restraints

WARNING

If head restraints are not installed or are not correctly adjusted, they cannot protect as intended. There is an increased risk of injury to the head and neck area, for example in an accident or during braking manoeuvres!

Always drive with the head restraints installed. Before each journey, make sure for every vehicle occupant that the center of the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level.

The rear head restraints can only be removed and installed on vehicles with a pass-through feature.

Unlock the rear seat backrest and fold it slightly forward (sedan) or (estate).

Removing: Pull the head restraint upward as far as it will go.

Press the release buttonand pull the head restraint out of the guides.

Installing: Insert the head restraint so that the locking notches of the stem face left in the direction of travel.

Press the head restraint down until it engages audibly.

Fold the rear backrest back until it locks into place.

The head restraints of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) make a significant contribution to safety. Correct adjustment protects the head and neck area in an accident and completes the vehicle's comprehensive safety concept.

Thanks to simple manual or electric adjustment options, the head restraint can be adjusted quickly and individually – a real advantage in everyday driving.

Question: Why is correct adjustment of the head restraint so important?

Answer: It protects against injuries to the neck and head in accidents or sudden braking maneuvers.

Question: What should be observed when adjusting the head restraint?

Answer: It should be positioned as close as possible to the back of your head and at eye level to provide optimal protection.