Disassembling a BMW iDrive Controller for Cleaning

Disassembling the BMW iDrive Controller for cleaning (Part No. 65829490069) The part has changed internally over the years and the tear down is slightly different on newer versions. This version is a bit trickier and seemingly more fragile than the older controllers. Be careful not to break the plastic clips. This version has silver dividers between the Media, Menu, and Map buttons and comes with the later generation iDrive systems. This controller is from a 2019 BMW i3S but this exact controller has been used in everything from from the BMW 1 to the X6 since late 2018.
Its easy to spill liquid around the buttons and they started to get sticky and gross. The buttons themselves work but their motion wasn’t what it used to be. Since the cup holder is right in front of this switch on the i3, many people report having this problem.
Sticky Buttons: (0:00)
Removing iDrive Controller (0:33)
Disassembly (1:58)
Re-Assembly (12:17)
Re-Installing iDrive Controller (24:33)
IMPORTANT -
** See follow up video for adjusting the magnets: • BMW iDrive Controller ...

[@menzulli]

Thank you from Italy! 👍👍👍

[@TheFargus91]

Thanks for the guide.
Few advice comments:
1) Bottom magnet plate wasn't properly installed. Magnets from two peaces should not contact each other. If magnets contact, side clicks won't be smooth. There should be a tiny gap between magnets. To do it properly slightly lift bottom magnet plate when screwing it. Ideally, when final bottom plastic cap is installed , plastic magnet plate should be on the same level or just a little bit inside. If controller hasn't been disassembled yet, remember how it was installed before disassembly.
2) When removing top sensor do not use hard tools because it easily damages edges. I was managed to pull it off just with my nails, or use plastic pry tool .
3) When disassemble buttons plate, start with MENU button (use small flathead screwdriver or pry tool to unclip it from bottom) then unclip silver ring, then black frame and rest of buttons.

[@wudjau]

How do you get the tiny gap between magnets? My left/right and up/down clicks are not smooth anymore.

[@bmw_m5925]

How i can fix this Problem with the Magnets becouse i have the same Problem with this. By my iDrive is this also Not smooth anymore. :(( please help🙏🙏

[@TheFargus91]

@@wudjau First of all remember that main part and small plastic piece has threads already. If you break it - you won't be able to keep a gap.
I see two options how to keep a gap:
1) Hold small plastic part lifted and screw it.
2) Pre-screw small plastic part with all 4 screws till the moment it gets out by 1-2 mm, and then screw it to the main piece.
After both options you probably will need to realign it a little bit to align it perfectly flat. In this case I just unscrew 1 or 2 screws, adjust the alignment and screw it back.
Hope this helps.

[@HANKYUBEOM]

@@wudjau I’ve been same problem after disassembled the controller. You have to make gap with the 4 screws between magnets. You shouldn't attach the magnet panels each other first. Screw-in 4screws into bottom panel nearly 2mm. Then, you can attach magnets but it will have tiny gap. I hope you will fix it.

[@HANKYUBEOM]

@@bmw_m5925 I’ve been same problem after disassembled the controller. You have to make gap with the 4 screws between magnets. You shouldn't attach the magnet panels each other first. Screw-in 4screws into bottom panel nearly 2mm. Then, you can attach magnets but it will have tiny gap. I hope you will fix it.

[@dr.haroldweinstein5157]

Thank you sir! The foil was coming off the bottom part of the knob and cutting my fingers. Couldn’t figure out how the hell it came apart!

[@josemanuelmorales1809]

Gracias!!!!!

[@radekdemjan2786]

Dean it! Very appreciate the video... I have padlock and broke the white plastic connector... do you think that it's possible to buy some somewhere ? I will try to repair it, but den... that's padlock, I tried to unplug it and broke some one "small plastic leg" :-(

[@nicholasamakye418]

I cannot clip my scrolled closed. Top left corner does not click in

[@tr888unruly7]

How I change mine f10

[@ahmadamawi9097]

how can fix my select (OK) button everything is is working but the select or ok button isn't. keep pressing on it nothing happend? Thanks

[@alexb2471]

Saw the video??

[@ak540i2]

Any insight into the hvac knobs? I pulled mine off by mistake and they won't get back on. They won't go all the way back in and when you turn them it's smooth. No clicking sensation.