Rear Headrest Retro-fit DIY

I have been itching to do something new to my car, but maintain the clean look and German sophistication of my BMW. I wanted to start with something small. As I was surfing the web I came across a post about rear headrests that were standard on many of the later E36 models. This was not an option that was given on my year 325is. I found a smokin' deal on a set of headrests and decided to tackle this project.


1. Fold down (or remove) the folding seats. Remove the side bolster with a strong tug at the top. Carefully remove both C pillar trim covers; remember to disconnect the light wiring.

2. To remove the black trim that lines the top of the trunk opening you need to remove the four black plugs. This was the most time consuming part. i would suggest buying four new ones from BMW. Otherwise, I used a couple forks, quarters-as wedges- and a pair of pliers to remove them without sufficient damage.

3. I removed the two speaker grills, and third-brake light cover to give me more handles when I removed the rear parcel.

4. Carefully slide out the rear parcel, pulling straight out. This is what it looks like upside-down when it is out.















You will see these four of these imprints on the back of the rear parcel.















I used a utility knife to cut out the holes for the trim pieces.















When I got them in I realized how faded and nasty the real parcel was. (this has one side with the post trims and one side without)
















5. When you replace the rear parcel back into the car make sure that the four little edges on the rear of the rear parcel slip back into their place. Then, with the speaker grills out place the posts into the their slots and slip the spring washers into place by lifting up the parcel to gain acccess. This is where they go.










6. Slap on the headrests, and halfway there.

7. Return all the parts back in the reverse order.

Rear Headrest Retro-fit (cont.)

Here is the small list of things that are required to make this happen...

These are all things that I have extra. They are available, email jeremykoontz@gmail.com for more information.


4 covers that go around the headrest posts in the rear parcel. (Part numbers; Schwarz, 52 20 8 135 923; Grau, 52 20 8 190 349; Beige, 52 20 8 190 350; Klassischrot, 52 20 8 190 351; Tuerkis, 52 50 8 190 352; Blauviolett, 52 20 8 190 353; Safrangelb, 52 20 8 190 354)

4 spring washers that secure the post below the rear parcel. (Part number 52 10 928 809)







4 rear headrest posts, two left and two right. (Part numbers; left, 52 20 1 977 897; and right, 52 20 1 977 898)






The most important part, two headrests.

BMW's were meant for driving... but not in the snow!

So I risked my life the other day to make sure that my girlfriend got home safe. Here is the aftermath of Ol' Man Winter's wrath. By the way, the tires spin really well on the ice.

How to Winterize your BMW

It's starting to get pretty cold here in Provo, nothing to be too concerned about. But, for those of you that are out there where the temperatures are dropping rapidly, I thought you might like this information. I did a quick search on Bimmerforums and found these helpful tips. It should help anyone who wants to winterize their BMW(s).


1. Change the oil and filter.
2. Change antifreeze (if older than 2 years).
3. Change brake fluid (if older than 2 years).
4. Change transmission and differential oil (if older than 2 years).
5. Fill the gas tank to between 3/4 and full, adding the appropriate amount of Stabil fuel stabilizer.
6. Thoroughly wash the car and hit it with a spray detailer.
7. Thouroughly clean the interior.
8. Park in the garage on top of a sheet of plastic that is as big as the car's "footprint".
9. Place a mesh bag containing several mothballs under the hood on top of the intake manifold to repel rodents.
10. Place a mesh bag containing several mothballs in the trunk to repel rodents.
11. Place a mesh bag containing several mothballs on the floor inside to repel rodents.
12. Place a package of moisture absorber (desiccant) inside the car. You can get this from www.eastwoodco.com for about $15.
13. Plug the exaust pipes with a rag and cover the openings with a piece of fiberglass window screen.
14. Remove the battery and store it in a warm and dry place. Don't store the battery sitting directly on a concrete floor, it will ruin the battery. I place mine in my basement on top of a couple thicknesses of cardboard.
15. Connect a 'battery tender' trickle charger to the battery to maintain its charge.
16. Cover with a fitted car cover.

New M3 E92 re-engineered from 333hp to 400hp

The much anticipated E92 M3 is slated to arrive in early 2007 with a 2006 Frankfurt debut and the cabriolet will have a Geneva 2006 debut with sales beginning in summer 2007.

The M3 coupé may feature a 6-series like glasshouse with the possibility of a new distinct interior. The front will sport an aggresive yet subtle bumper while the rear will display quad exhausts like the new M5/M6.

This M will be powered by a completely new lightweight V8 producing around 400hp, similar to that of its bigger brother the M5. It will utilize the latest dual-VANOS variable valve timing system. There is speculation that with the new engine building technology and lightweight materials the engine should weith about the same as the current E46 3.2 liter 6 cylinger, but with an alarming amount of power. As for the transmission, SMG will come standard, but a seven speed transmission will also be available.

Club Alumni Returns for Parents Weekend

Brigham Young University hosted the 2006 Parent's Weekend. Many club alumni were able to attend. Some traveled from as far as Washington state to reminise their college yester-year. Responses from different alumni parents interviewed validate that the weekend was a hit! It was all wrapped up wonderfully as the BYU Cougar Football team crushed SDSU 41-17. Again, current members would like to thank those that came out and participated.

BYU BMW Club University Website in Progress

Brigham Young University offers all of its full-time students webspace to start their own websites. Earlier last year, as the BYU BMW Club was still in its infancy, I started to structure a site. Check out the 'official' Club website at webpub.byu.net/jkoontz.