They are manual, so lifting them into the locked position is the only way to do it.

 

on my S600 all 3 lower, but only the 2 outer ones raise. that standard tho. not sure about S430 tho

 

I have an 04 S430 and if i want the rear headrests up i have to manually move them up. I think it was on the later models that they had motorized rear head rests. The button on the center console will still drop them from the raised position but if you want them back up again they need to be positioned manually. Hope this is helpful.

 

Thanks so much for all replies. I read somewhere in this forume mentioned if people seat on a rear seat it will auto raise, but Now I know only for the later or higher models.

 

Mine is a MY2000, but they raise when I press the raise button on the dash. I press and hold for like 5 seconds. Also, whenever a rear seatbelt is fastened, the corresponding headrest raises.
(U.K spec car, so dunno if that makes a difference)

 

hmmmmm

on my s430 the headreast only come up in the rear by them selfs if the seat belts in the rear are inserted try that hope it helps peace

 

on my s430 the headreast only come up in the rear by them selfs if the seat belts in the rear are inserted try that hope it helps peace

what do you press after you put the seat belt? the same button that puts them down? or they just go up as soon as you put the seatbelt?

 

I should add, the middle one stays down

 

I just have to put my seat belt in and it comes up automatically.

I think I should add (don't want to insult anyones intelligence) the button on the centre console has TWO "directions" if you have to pictures on the one button. To lower them you press the top part of the button, to lower you press the lower part and hold for around 5 seconds.
However, some cars only have a one picture on the button, where (probably) its means it will only drop and not lift.

 

true that i guess i dont have it that sucks ughh but thanks for the extra explanation

 

I can get the head rests to lower after I have raised them manually - our 2015 S550 has a two direction switch, but they will not raise automatically- even with the seat belt engaged?

 

Try running it on SDS under actuations. Great, and needed, tool if you want to save a lot of money and frustration.