[Ellmat]

Hi,

My auto hand brake switch has got more and more sticky to use over the past month. Maybe some dirt or dust is making it feel like this, but I`m sure if i could take it out and clean it, this would help...does anybody know how to remove the electronic hand brake switch...?

Thanks

[dmontg]

Just wondering if some liquId got in it? It would be a good collection point for that.

[Ellmat]

Originally Posted by dmontg

Just wondering if some liquId got in it? It would be a good collection point for that.

OK to be honest, I was eating some MacDonald fries in the car and i think maybe some sauce fell down the side of the switch..?

I have cleaned the area with hot water and a tooth pick, but it is still not perfect.

[dmontg]

Wouldn't that be McDonald "chips"?

Always wondered what a Scotsman was doing cooking pomme frites!

Can I supersize that for ya?

[ImSW1]

Originally Posted by Ellmat

Hi,

My auto hand brake switch has got more and more sticky to use over the past month. Maybe some dirt or dust is making it feel like this, but I`m sure if i could take it out and clean it, this would help...does anybody know how to remove the electronic hand brake switch...?

Thanks

Here you go

Firstly - I accept no responsability for any damage caused by anyone attempting this etc etc.. I'm sure if your not careful you could end up breaking something. If your not good at this sort of thing LEAVE IT ALONE!

1) The Console is actually only atttatched with one screw. Firstly, to get at the screw open the centre compartment by pressing the button and unclip the plastic cover that covers both the button and the key lock. You can do this with your hands and no tools. This will expose the torx screw as shown in image 1.

2) Once the screw is removed, the whole console clips out. You need to pull reasonably hard on the locations shown in image 2. I actualy leveraged the area next to the key lock under the bit where the screw goes with a large flat screwdriver taking care not to make contact with the finish of the wood. Grab the area to the side of the ashtray with your other hand (obvisouly US cars will be a mirror image of my photos!).

3) As per the image, once the console is unclipped, the whole thing lifts up. There are 5 cables to unclip as per image 3. Take care to press the relevent parts of the connectors to unclip them. There is also a module of some sort clipped behind the cup holders (sorry - don't have a photo). Think it may be the reciever for the key. I unplugged and unclipped it, but you could probably just unclip it and leave it lying.

4)Remove the iDrive controller, button panel (sport switches PDC etc), ashtray and cupholders. These are all held in with Torx screws.

5) Mask up the ashtray and cup holders so they can be polished separately and get polishing! The masking is required to stop dust from entering the internals of the parts. Didn't see the point in trying to remove the lids.

6) Refit in reverse order. Attached Thumbnails

I think it's 4 or 5 torx bolts once you get the console off. Not too hard to do really. Just be careful because the wood trim scratches very easily.

Sean

[Amleto63]

This is the right punishment for eating inside your car!

[Ellmat]

Originally Posted by ImSW1

Here you go

I think it's 4 or 5 torx bolts once you get the console off. Not too hard to do really. Just be careful because the wood trim scratches very easily.

Sean

Thank you...

[Dennisg51]

Originally Posted by ImSW1

Here you go



BMW F10 series, Console removal

Sean

Just wanted to make this a fresh post, Sean's explanation & images worked a charm for me to remove my 2015 520d console.

Not many good descriptive explanations as this one were found in my www search.....hopefully this remains a well regarded, searched post.

[The_M6]

Will following these steps allow you to replace the parking brake switch as well? Mine is cracked. I guess the PO pulled on it too hard or leaned on it and I've been wanting to replace it.

[Apples12]

It's a warranty/repairable part as it's considered part of the safety system...Book it in!

(To answer your question, yes it will. But wrap your gear selector to prevent damage, dealer damaged mine when they replaced the park brake switch and it had to go back in for a replacement)