BMW E87 LCI E90 E91 Rear Seat Leather Folding Middle Headrest Black

BMW E87 LCI E90 E91 Rear Seat Leather Folding Middle Headrest Black is an original rear seat component, designed specifically for the BMW 1 Series E87 LCI and 3 Series E90 models. The folding design of the middle headrest improves safety and ergonomics in the rear cabin area, while the black leather harmoniously matches the factory BMW interior finish. This is a practical solution for drivers who want to maintain a consistent interior look while ensuring passenger comfort.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 7246697
• Mark: BMW (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 7246697
• Substitutable numbers: 52207246697, 7246697, 52207164271, 7164271
• Location on the vehicle: Rear
• Color: Black
• Category: Additional Seat Parts

Purpose and function of the headrest

The rear middle headrest is designed for installation in the rear of the vehicle, in the central position of the seat. Its purpose is to limit the strain on the cervical spine of the passenger during sudden braking or a collision. As such, it is an important element of the BMW passive safety system, complementing the side headrests and improving protection for all rear passengers.

The folding design allows for height adjustment to suit the passenger's height or for the headrest to be folded down when the middle seat is not in use. This also facilitates the use of any transport functions of the rear seat, such as carrying longer items when folded.

Materials and finish

The headrest is upholstered in black leather, consistent with the factory BMW standard for dark-toned interiors. The leather surface provides:

• a consistent look with other seat components,
• easier maintenance compared to textile materials,
• adequate durability for daily use.

The neutral black color helps maintain the interior's aesthetics even after many years of use, and the use of original upholstery avoids color discrepancies between new and existing equipment.

Comfort and ergonomics of use

The rear middle headrest is designed to provide the passenger with the most stable head support possible while maintaining proper visibility to the front and sides. The folding mechanism allows for a quick transition from the working position to the folded position, which:

• improves visibility through the rear window when the middle seat is unoccupied,
• facilitates access to the rear seat,
• reduces the risk of accidental head impact against hard structural elements.

Thanks to the factory fit for the BMW E87 LCI and E90, the headrest maintains the correct geometry relative to the backrest, which translates into more predictable behavior during a collision compared to universal aftermarket replacements.

Characteristics as a used part

The offered headrest is a used part, sourced from vehicle dismantling. Such OEM components are often chosen by BMW users who want to preserve the original character of the interior while optimizing the costs of repair or replacing missing equipment. Compared to new components, used original parts offer an excellent price-to-quality ratio while maintaining factory fit and compatibility with other seat parts.

If you want to better understand how to use the secondary market wisely and in which situations used OEM parts are particularly cost-effective, it is worth reading the article: Rising repair costs and the boom in used parts – how to save on car service?.

Integration with other BMW seat components

The rear middle headrest works with the rear seat backrest structure, guides, and the height adjustment mechanism provided by the manufacturer. As a result, installation is similar to the factory process, without the need for seat structure modifications. Properly matching the headrest to the specific body version and model year of your BMW is crucial for maintaining the full functionality of the safety system and interior aesthetics.

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the seating area in your BMW and need other components from the same group, such as side headrests, supports, or additional backrest modules, check out the available parts in the Other BMW seat parts category.