Need a used BMW 7 Series headrest? Request a free quote from UK vehicle dismantlers and compare offers direct.
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Used headrests vary between vehicles - and whether you call it used, second hand or a replacement, matching the right one matters. These are the details breakers need to match the right part to your car - our request form asks them so you only hear from suppliers with the correct part:
The 7 Series has run through several distinct generations — the E32 (1986–1994), E38 (1994–2001), E65/E66 (2002–2008), F01/F02 (2008–2015), and G11/G12 (2015–2022) — and headrests are not interchangeable across these generations as the seat designs, mounting points, and post configurations differ between them. A headrest from, say, an E38 will not clip correctly into an F01 seat, so you must source from the same generation as your car. Tell the breaker your generation and they can confirm the match.
The F01/F02 generation ran from 2008 to 2015 with a facelift around 2012, and while the overall seat structure was carried over, trim and upholstery details can vary across the facelift — particularly on higher-spec cars where seat designs were updated. Whether a specific pre-facelift headrest will drop straight in to a post-facelift seat is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration, as post and clip dimensions may have changed. Give the breaker your exact year and trim and they can check before sending the part.
Yes, trim level matters for 7 Series headrests because BMW offered significantly different seat styles across grades — for example, SE, Sport, M Sport, and Individual trims could feature different seat designs, headrest shapes, and upholstery, meaning the headrest from an SE car may look or fit differently to one from an M Sport. When sourcing a used headrest, tell the breaker your trim level as well as your generation so they can match the seat style correctly. Cosmetic differences in stitching or material are also common even where the post fitment is the same, so be prepared to ask about that too.
Absolutely — front and rear headrests on the BMW 7 Series are different parts with different post sizes, shapes, and in some cases active headrest mechanisms on front seats, so they are not interchangeable. The 7 Series also offered individual rear seat packages on some variants with bespoke rear headrest designs, adding further variation. Always specify to the breaker whether you need a front or rear headrest, and for rear seats whether it is a standard bench or individual seat car.
No — the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain have no bearing on headrest fitment, as interior seat components are determined by generation, trim level, and seat specification rather than what is under the bonnet. Whether your car is a six-cylinder, V8, or a 730d diesel makes no difference to the headrest you need. Focus your search on generation and trim, and let the breaker match from there.
For front headrests, side generally does not matter as they are typically the same part on both the nearside (NS, passenger) and offside (OS, driver) — but it is worth checking with the breaker, particularly on cars with ventilated or powered front seats where the headrest mechanism can vary. Rear headrests on a standard bench seat are also often symmetrical, though individual rear seat packages may have distinct left and right parts. Mention the seating position to the breaker to be safe, especially if your car has a premium rear seat configuration.