Cruise Control +/- button worn out

BMW i3 Forum

Help Support BMW i3 Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
The plastic feels a bit "rubberlike", although a bit harder than the original. But it seems to be one piece. So not a base of plastic with a rubber layer over it.
To me it seems OK, but I have no idea how many years it will be OK to use. On the other hand € 3,59 is not much. So if I have to replace it after a few years, it's no problem (when the amount of work involved is reasonable).
I am in the middle of replacing the +/- button and found that I ordered the wrong one. I am not putting it back together until the correct one arrives. The airbag removal for me was beyond difficult, a few choice words were uttered. I wish I had tried to remove the rubber coating before I tore the steering wheel apart. If anyone is experiencing the rubber coating deteriorating maybe use an exacto blade and carefully remove the rubber coating. I put the switch back together with the rubber coating removed and it appeared to be working. I would not try this until others chime in with possible unforeseeable issues. For me the switch was sticking from the rubber getting jammed.(and it was ugly)
 
In the meantime I know that exchanging the button unit does cost around € 450,- (including labour).
I also know that I can order just the button at Ali Expres for around € 5,- (including shipping).
At youtube I found a few video's on how to replace the button, but because of the airbag, I should disconnect the 12V minus first. Sounds logical (and safe).
But I don't know what happens to the i3 when I disconnect the 12V minus.
How does it start up again? Just reconnecting the 12V- ? Or does it require some reset after that? Anyone who replaced a battery
I am having the same problem with mine now. What was the part number of the adjustment wheel?

I could be wrong but is it even required to remove the air bag or could you get to the back of the switch board like in this video.

 
I installed the TJA myself and there is no need to remove the airbag. It was easier than I thought that it would be. Not as easy as the video, but they have had more experience than I have. The button modules on both sides have to be removed because it is one assembly.
 
I installed the TJA myself and there is no need to remove the airbag. It was easier than I thought that it would be. Not as easy as the video, but they have had more experience than I have. The button modules on both sides have to be removed because it is one assembly.
Did you happen to take any pictures of removing the assembly?
 
I installed the TJA myself and there is no need to remove the airbag. It was easier than I thought that it would be. Not as easy as the video, but they have had more experience than I have. The button modules on both sides have to be removed because it is one assembly.

And just so anyone reading this in the future is clear -- apples/oranges -- installing *just* the TJA if ordered from PremiumRetrofit is a 10 minute operation, consisting of screws and plug/play. I'm pretty much a moron and had no trouble.

If someone is installing TJA *and* the correct OEM buttons (rather than re-purposing the distance button as the PremimumRetrofit does) then that is what is more involved.

Didn't want anyone to get put off from TJA which is a major upgrade to this vehicle, especially if you are involved often in stop/go traffic.
 
And just so anyone reading this in the future is clear -- apples/oranges -- installing *just* the TJA if ordered from PremiumRetrofit is a 10 minute operation, consisting of screws and plug/play. I'm pretty much a moron and had no trouble.

If someone is installing TJA *and* the correct OEM buttons (rather than re-purposing the distance button as the PremimumRetrofit does) then that is what is more involved.

Didn't want anyone to get put off from TJA which is a major upgrade to this vehicle, especially if you are involved often in stop/go traffic.
I think we got off topic a little. I had used the TJA video as a reference for getting to the switches for the ability to replace the cruise control wheel with the possibility of not removing the airbag. I haven't tried opening up my steering wheel yet as I haven't ordered the replacement parts.
 
I did not take pictures. Other than removing the screws, the only tool I used was a plastic auto trim tool. The two sets of switches are connected by a wire wrap that runs under the steering wheel.
 
Back
Top