NECK-PRO head restraint/NECK-PRO comfort head restraint. PRE-SAFE (Preventive Occupant Protection)
The Mercedes E-Class (4th generation W212, 2009–2016) is equipped with the innovative NECK-PRO head restraint system and PRE-SAFE occupant protection, which raise your safety to a new level. These systems minimize the risk of injury in accidents through preventive measures. This article shows how these technologies provide maximum protection. Rely on the well-considered safety of Mercedes-Benz.
NECK-PRO head restraint/NECK-PRO comfort head restraint
Important Safety Notes
WARNINGThe function of the head restraints may be impaired if you
- attach objects such as coat hangers to the head restraints
- Do not use unsuitable head restraint covers.
In an accident, the head restraints may then not be able to support the head as intended. Objects attached to the head restraints may also endanger other vehicle occupants. There is an increased risk of injury!
Do not attach objects to the head restraints, and use only suitable head restraint covers.
For availability of suitable seat or head restraint covers, contact a Mercedes-Benz Service Center.
Function
NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO comfort head restraints increase the protective potential against head and neck injuries. In a rear-end collision of a certain severity, the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO comfort head restraints on the driver's and front passenger seats move forward and upward in the direction of travel. This provides better support for the head.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO comfort head restraints were triggered in an accident, reset the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO comfort head restraints on the driver's and front passenger seats. Otherwise, the additional protective potential will not be available in the event of another rear-end collision. Triggered NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO comfort head restraints can be recognized by the fact that they are positioned forward and cannot be adjusted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends having the function of the NECK-PRO head restraints/NECK-PRO comfort head restraints checked at a qualified workshop after a rear-end collision.
Resetting a triggered NECK-PRO head restraint/NECK-PRO comfort head restraint
NECK-PRO head restraint
Do not insert your fingers between the head restraint cushion and the cover. Take particular care when resetting the NECK-PRO head restraint.
Swivel the NECK-PRO head restraint forward at the top of the cushion in the direction of the arrow.
Press the cushion of the NECK-PRO head restraint in the direction of the arrow
down as far as it will go.
Firmly press the cushion of the NECK-PRO head restraint with the flat of your hand in the direction of the arrow
Repeat these steps on the second NECK-PRO head restraint.
Info
Resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints requires a great deal of force. If you have difficulty resetting the NECK-PRO head restraints, have this work carried out at a qualified workshop.
NECK-PRO comfort head restraint

Do not insert your fingers between the head restraint cushion and the cover. Take particular care when resetting the NECK-PRO comfort head restraint.
The reset tool
The reset tool
into the guide
Push between the cushion on the NECK-PRO comfort head restraint and the rear head restraint cover.
The reset tool
The reset tool
Pull out.
Firmly press the cushion of the NECK-PRO comfort head restraint with the flat of your hand in the direction of the arrow
Repeat these steps on the second NECK-PRO comfort head restraint.
The reset toolInfo
If you have difficulty resetting the NECK-PRO comfort head restraints, have this work carried out at a qualified workshop.
PRE-SAFE (Preventive Occupant Protection)
Introduction
In certain hazardous situations, PRE-SAFE initiates preventive measures to protect the vehicle occupants.
Important Safety Notes
NoteMake sure there are no objects in the footwell or behind the seats. The seats and/or objects could be damaged when PRE-SAFE is activated.
Although your vehicle is equipped with PRE-SAFE, the possibility of injury in an accident cannot be ruled out. Always adapt your driving to current road and weather conditions and maintain a sufficient safety distance. Drive attentively.
Function
PRE-SAFE intervenes- in emergency braking situations, e.g. when BAS is activated
- when the vehicle understeers or oversteers strongly in dynamically critical situations by exceeding physical limits
- For vehicles with Driving Assistance Package: when BAS PLUS intervenes strongly or the radar sensor system detects an immediate risk of collision in certain situations.
- The front seat belts are pretensioned.
- If the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof and side windows are closed to a gap. The panoramic sliding sunroof is closed completely.
- For vehicles with memory function: If the front passenger seat is in an unfavorable position, a more favorable seat position is set.
- For vehicles with multicontour seat or active multicontour seat: The air pressure in the side bolsters of the seat backrest is increased.
When the hazardous situation has passed without an accident occurring, PRE-SAFE releases the belt pretensioning. For vehicles with multicontour seat/active multicontour seat, the air pressure in the side bolsters is reduced again. The settings made by PRE-SAFE can now be reversed.
If the belt tension does not decrease:
With the vehicle stationary, adjust the seat backrest or seat slightly rearward.
Belt adjustment is a comfort function integrated in PRE-SAFE. For information on the comfort function, refer to "Belt adjustment".
The NECK-PRO head restraints and comfort head restraints of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) actively contribute to increased safety in rear-end collisions. They provide effective protection for the head and neck area by automatically moving into an optimal position in a collision.
Together with the innovative PRE-SAFE system, they form a preventive protection concept that detects hazardous situations at an early stage and initiates precautionary measures such as belt tensioning or closing the windows. This makes the Mercedes E-Class BR 212 one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Thanks to these advanced safety systems, the E-Class offers a reassuring driving experience, knowing that state-of-the-art technology provides maximum protection in an emergency.
Test yourself
A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.