Notice: Updated Guide for Newer iDrive Controllers: HERE
How To Guide: Disassemble BMW i3 Touch iDrive Controller
Why: I spilled some liquid around the buttons and they started to get sticky and gross. The buttons themselves worked but their motion wasn’t what it used to be. Since the cup holder is right in front of this switch I'm guessing other people have had this problem. I couldn't find any guides on this iDrive Touch controller so here you go...
Part: 65829350723. Checking
RealOEM this is exactly the same part for many BMW's.
Time: About 45 minutes
Tools:
- Micro Flathead Screwdriver
- Torx T6
- Torx T8 (Not Required)
- Torx T15 (I think, my tool was unlabeled)
- Cleaning Solution – I used diluted rubbing alcohol
- Parts Tray (Not Required)
- 5.5 Socket (Ignore in Photo - Unused)
Guide:
The top of the center console pops up from the front edge. No tools are needed. You don’t need to (and actually can’t) remove the rubber portion of the main cup holder. Feel long the front edge and pull up along the seem
Before lifting the plate up too high, disconnect the two blue electrical connectors. Squeeze and pull straight out. No tools needed.
The panel is hooked in the rear but it should just lift out.
Three black T15 Torx screws hold the iDriver control in the top panel. Additionally there are 4 silver T6 Trox screws that need to be removed.
Flip over the iDrive unit once removed from the panel
Using a Micro flathead screwdriver gently pry around the top seam between the black rubber bezel and silver touch sensor pad. The touch sensor pad pops off.
Below the sensor pad there is PCB board with a white ribbon cable attached. On the electrical ribbon connection, pull the brown tab outward release tension on the ribbon. Very carefully pull the ribbon out from the PCB board to remove the circular PCB board from the controller knob.
Flip the iDrive controller over and remove the bottom-most black plastic cover. There are 3 clips on one side and two on the other. I used the screwdriver to unclasp the clips. Below the cover you’ll expose bottom end of the ribbon cable. The brown clip on the connector holds tension on the cable. Remove with the screwdriver and very carefully pull the cable out. You can now pull the ribbon cable through completely. This may not be required but I was worried about damaging the cable as I removed other piece of the controller. If you further remove the silver metal plate you’ll need the use T8 screwdriver but I didn’t find this to be necessary.
With the top PCB board and ribbon removed you’ll now see the rest of the black plastic knob. The center piece pops off. This can be tricky and you’ll need to pry around with the screwdriver. I found two small square ends on the center disc where I pressed in and pulled up. Eventually that center will pop up. Once the center clip is removed the whole knob lifts up. From here it should be easy to lift off the various plastic pieces, clips, buttons, and components that make up the top half of the iDrive controller.
Clean all the components as needed. I used diluted rubbing alcohol. Try to use something that won’t leave any residue. There is a little white grease on the buttons and you should probably leave that there.
For reassembly it’s the reverse of what we did. The plastic bits snap back together pretty easily. The pieces only go one way so its not hard figuring out what goes where once apart. Just make sure each piece is fully snapped in and aligned as you put everything back in.
Good Luck