This is a really dumb question. I bought some e21 recaros without head rests (the ones with the little BMW emblem on the side) and just recently found some head rests from an '82. The pattern matches, and the guy said they were recaro. Okay, the poles fit the holes, but do I just shove hard to get them down or is there some hidden button or release that I push to get the head rests to move up and down?

TIA,

Mike

Didnt this get answered in the 2002 section? :confused
Sounds like you have the wrong headrests.

My Recaros have a release lever behind the upper cushion on the left side (as your siting in it)
It is a bitch to find, you need to dig your finger up in there and it feels like a hook made of wire.
Pull it to the outside of the seat to release.
I don't remember having to use it when re-installing the headrest though, but I have "CRS" real bad... To much carb cleaner in my life...
Hope that helps,
Jeff

When I have removed the headrests they just pull out and push in.