Adding new dash buttons in blank spots?

[cheesy9]

How hard is it to add new (OEM style) buttons where the blank spots are on the lower part of the dash (e.x. next to the auto start/stop disable button is):



In particular I'd like to add buttons for exhaust cutouts there.

Thanks.

[kmarei]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...12&hg=51&fg=30

i believe its part #22

[danmandle]

Originally Posted by cheesy9

How hard is it to add new (OEM style) buttons where the blank spots are on the lower part of the dash (e.x. next to the auto start/stop disable button is):



In particular I'd like to add buttons for exhaust cutouts there.

Thanks.

Did you end up doing this? Are there switches behind the blank buttons? I want to use one to mute my radar detector.

[danmandle]

Originally Posted by danmandle

Did you end up doing this? Are there switches behind the blank buttons? I want to use one to mute my radar detector.

Were you ever able to figure this out? I'd like to do a radar detector button mod.

[whats77inaname]

If you have *any* buttons there already that control anything, adding an add'l feature to a button won't work. There is a circuit board that runs the length of the buttons. If you have no buttons there, you can get the button kit and necessary surround, pull out the circuit board, and mod to your hearts content.

I speak from experience. I have the button kit and surround, and have disassembled them in my quest to do that which you speak. I went ahead and stuck the radar detector button in the ashtray. I have a Valentine 1 stealth install thread in this section to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

[danmandle]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

If you have *any* buttons there already that control anything, adding an add'l feature to a button won't work. There is a circuit board that runs the length of the buttons. If you have no buttons there, you can get the button kit and necessary surround, pull out the circuit board, and mod to your hearts content.

I speak from experience. I have the button kit and surround, and have disassembled them in my quest to do that which you speak. I went ahead and stuck the radar detector button in the ashtray. I have a Valentine 1 stealth install thread in this section to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

Thanks!

I do have some buttons, but have two open. Is it feasible to either solder wires on either side of the switch for an open panel or even put a different switch in front of the circuit board?

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by danmandle

Thanks!

I do have some buttons, but have two open. Is it feasible to either solder wires on either side of the switch for an open panel or even put a different switch in front of the circuit board?

I'll dig out the assembly sometime this weekend, disassemble it, and take some pics for you to see. It might be possible, if you can find a small enough micro-button switch.

[danmandle]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

I'll dig out the assembly sometime this weekend, disassemble it, and take some pics for you to see. It might be possible, if you can find a small enough micro-button switch.

Did you get a chance to look at it this weekend?

[whats77inaname]

Disassembling it now, will have pics for you shortly Had to remember where I put it *lol*

[whats77inaname]

Here you go. I adjusted the contrast to show the black piece of rubber/plastic that attaches to the circuit board. It is all one piece, so you'll have to cut out 2 of the black "post" (for lack of a better term), as there are 2 per button that you press on the front panel.

[lsal]

All the blanks are subd... Tried myself recently when installing my laser/radar kill switch... Real pain in the ass to add a functioning button. Ended up using the ashtray as well.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by lsal

All the blanks are subd....

subd?

The biggest issue is finding a SPST On/Off switch small enough to fit behind the button. If you can do that, you'll be okay. I've yet to find one after doing a ton of searching. Parts-express didn't even have anything

Edit: one of these might work! http://www.ebay.com/sch/?_nkw=tactil...d=552136585430

[danmandle]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

Here you go. I adjusted the contrast to show the black piece of rubber/plastic that attaches to the circuit board. It is all one piece, so you'll have to cut out 2 of the black "post" (for lack of a better term), as there are 2 per button that you press on the front panel.

Thanks a ton for taking the photos. You don't have an extra one of those for sale do you? If anyone sees this post and does have one for sale, PM me. I'd much rather take some time and do it right than rush through it so that I can put my car back together.

[mkPOTO]

you can also use your homelink buttons if you have the wireless setup with the cutouts, that is what I am running currently

[danmandle]

Originally Posted by mkPOTO

you can also use your homelink buttons if you have the wireless setup with the cutouts, that is what I am running currently

Are you talking about the garage door opener buttons on the mirror? I'm planning on mounting my radar detector near the mirror, so that wouldn't help me much.

[spr]

What does this mean? So what is the conclusion on using the buttons in the panel? Is it like the rear fog light where you just have to modify the existing buttons so they push and then trace the leads to the switches? Thanks.

Also, what are all the OEM button combinations for an e92/x (non-convertible) panel? Seems like heated seats, rear shade, stability off, start/stop, front parking, anything else?

Originally Posted by mkPOTO

you can also use your homelink buttons if you have the wireless setup with the cutouts, that is what I am running currently

[aorange]

I've been doing some tinkering in my car this morning, which included hard-wiring a Passport 9500ix into the fuse box, and removing the 6 dash buttons in order to take them apart and get a better look at them.
The power button needs to be SPST (on, off) switch and the mute button needs to be a NO momentary push button switch.
Plenty of those switches floating out there on amazon, but obviously not looking to turn my car into an oddity based on the mis-matched switches.
Anyone know of a success story? Been googling all morning and this was the closest thread i could find.

Will check back soon if I find anything.
Cheers-