w210 headrest repair w/ pics

[BamaMB]

I thought I would contribute to the knowledge base on this site even though my MB knowledge is not that much.

The power headrest on my 2001 e320 work intermittently so after some trouble shooting, I found that it would work if I applied slight pressure on the rear side of the headrest. Turns out that the problem was a broken solder joint in the headrest motor assembly. Removal of the motor assembly and repair was not to difficult. I took some pics during the repair. I hope this will be some help to others.


Access to the headrest motor assembly is simple. The rear cover on the seat back is held on by two screws on the bottom of the seat. Once removed, the rear seat cover slides down and can be removed. If you can get the head rest to move, extend it all the way up to help ease removal of the headrest. If not, don’t worry. The head rest is attached to the motor assembly by two plastic snap cups on the end of the headrest support posts. The headrest can be pulled out of the snap cups and pull on out of the seat back. The motor assembly is attached to the seat back frame by two snap hooks. On the driver side seat, push the motor assembly to the passenger side to unhook the motor assembly from the seat back frame.

Once you have the motor assembly removed, you will need to open it up to repair the solder joint. In my case, it was one of the solder joints that connects the motor to the small circuit board. The cover over the worm gear and pinion gear is held on by a clip pressed on the pinion gear shaft. Once the clip is removed, the plastic cover can be pried off. To remove the motor, you will need to pry out the worm gear and flex coupling between the worm gear and motor. Now you will be able to get to the broken solder joint.

Once repaired, reassemble all parts, reinstall motor assembly and reconnect head rest by pressing together the post and snap cup.




Head rest and motor assembly removed from seat back.


Head rest post separated from snap cup.


One of two plastic hooks that hold motor assembly to seat back frame.


Motor assembly with cover removed.


It is best to pry out the motor by lifting out the worm gear at the flex coupling.