Replace Z3 soft top button

[zedthreeplease]

Morning,

Does anyone have instructions on how to replace the soft top button on my Z3? I'm assuming you don't have to take off all the dash and it's just the centre bit where the switch is?

 

[GazHyde]

If you have blanking panels next to the switch (rather than other switches), you can prise those out carefully with a blade and push the switch out from behind. I've done that a few times before, and it's worked although you can end up skinning your fingers.

They tend to have a couple of metal tangs holding the switch in which need to be squeezed together and then the switch will come out through the hole.

Also if they are in the front, you can take the screws out which hold the whole centre console out in the foot wells and get your arm in behind the switches. You need to be a contortionist but it's easy enough to get to the back of them.

 

[zedthreeplease]

Ok thanks - I don't have the blanking switches because they are filled with heated seats/ASC. So is the only way to get in from behind?

 

[GazHyde]

This is a picture of a facelift switch, and you can see the two metal tangs which need to be pushed in to allow the switch to come through the hole. Without those being compressed then it's going to be impossible to remove the switch.

I've just checked and it's the same principle on the pre-facelift switches as well without damaging something else!

BMW Z3 Heated Seat Switches (facelift)

• GazHyde
• May 31, 2014

BMW PN 61312491477

 

[Fender2004]

When I was installing new switches,
I removed the rubber cover around the gear leaver, and this allowed me to get my hand under the plastic dash and push the switches out from behind.

 

[zedthreeplease]

OK sounds good - where are the replacement switches available from?

 

[GazHyde]

Did you get anywhere with this @zedthreeplease?

 

[zedthreeplease]

Hi, yes I pushed the switch out by going in from the gear stick skirt. Opened up the switch and put it back together again and it was good to go, but i reckon the switch is a bit old so need to find another one. Are replacement ones available?

 

[GazHyde]

Hi, yes I pushed the switch out by going in from the gear stick skirt. Opened up the switch and put it back together again and it was good to go, but i reckon the switch is a bit old so need to find another one. Are replacement ones available?

I know the facelift versions are still available from dealers (bit expensive though!) otherwise it's ebay.

 

[zedthreeplease]

Great thanks