So LOVE the cooper so far, but my only complaint so far is the horrible headrest design that pushes too far forward, so was wondering if there are any options outside of getting them redone, which obviously wouldn't be the cheapest option.

 

I've read that some folks rotate them 180 degrees. I merely raised mine to get them off my shoulders.

 

I bend the chrome posts on the headrests for all my cars except the Mini.

The steel was too strong for me to bend even using a pipe slipped over the post.

It's a free mod if you're strong enough.

 

Not sure if this is possible with the 2nd Gen MINI's or not. But, I swapped my rear head rests to the front seats on my R53. The chrome posts are identical in dimention and design.

They look better IMO in the front, are a bit smaller and easier to look around. I don't use my rear view mirror much as: "what is behind me is not my concern".

.....So having the larger headrests on the back seats is not problem for me.....

 

That headrest issue is common on many 2009+ cars across all brands as regulations changed to help reduce whiplash. Some cars use airbag-like explosives to pop the headrest forward in the event of a crash to maintain comfort.

 

Trierd rotating 180 and it works for a days now, but it bsaically makes them non existent. Ill try swapping front to rear and see how that works, but thinking I may just have them re-upholstered.

 

As others have said it seems to be a little added passive whiplash protection... the 2009+ Coopers seem to have the headrest about 1cm thicker than my 2008 Cooper.

I found it rather annoying the first time I got a 2009+ loaner but last time I had a 2010 Cooper loaner and it didn't bother me as much. Maybe I had the seat reclined a little more..

If you have access to a 2007-2008 Cooper, you could swap the headrests? I'm wondering if MINI would notice the swap to my new MINI when I return my car end of lease??

 

Congrats on getting one, WolfStrong! 4500 RPM here from Bf.C

As said, it's due to regulations. The Mini is nothing compared to the garbage seats in the 370Z, be happy with what you have!

 

Very happy, but it is the one thing that needs to be fixed!