Used BMW 4 Series Headrest

Yes, generation matters significantly for headrest fitment. The first-generation F32/F33/F36 4 Series ran from 2013 to 2020 (with a facelift in 2017), and the second-generation G22/G23/G26 launched in 2020 onwards – headrests from these two generations are not interchangeable as the seat designs differ. Stick to the same generation as your car, and confirm the exact part with the breaker against your registration.

Yes, trim level can affect headrest style on the 4 Series because seat upholstery and headrest shape vary between trims – for example, Sport and SE models typically use standard fabric or leather seats, while M Sport models often have more heavily bolstered sports seats with a different headrest profile. A headrest from the wrong trim may physically fit the seat mechanism but look or feel noticeably different. Tell the breaker your trim level so they can match the seat type as closely as possible.

The door count and body style can affect interior specification, so it is worth mentioning yours to the breaker – the 4 Series was offered as a two-door coupe (F32/G22), two-door convertible (F33/G23), and four-door Gran Coupe (F36/G26) within each generation. Seat and headrest specs are generally consistent across body styles within the same trim and generation, but confirming with the breaker against your registration is the safest approach.

Both a 2016 and a 2018 4 Series fall within the first-generation F-series range (2013–2020), but 2017 brought a facelift which included some interior updates. Whether a post-2017 facelift headrest is a direct match for a pre-facelift 2016 car is not guaranteed, so confirm compatibility with the breaker using both registration numbers before buying.

No – the engine has no bearing on headrest fitment whatsoever. Headrests are part of the interior trim and are determined by generation, trim level, and seat type, not by whether your car is a diesel, petrol, or hybrid variant. You can safely disregard engine details when searching, but do give the breaker your trim level and registration to help them match the seat style correctly.

Yes, side can matter depending on the specific seat design, and it is always worth specifying nearside (NS, passenger side) or offside (OS, driver side) when contacting a breaker, even if the headrests appear symmetrical. For the rear of a Gran Coupe this is particularly relevant as the centre rear position differs from the outer ones. Give the breaker your exact seating position and registration to make sure you get the right piece.