[ChesterCopperpot1]

So this has been an issue ever since I've own my 550i. The knob on my iDrive controller sticks when I move it to the right. I know I can buy a used one off eBay, but I'd rather not. Has anyone had luck cleaning them? If so, any tutorial?

TIA.

[rssazn]

did you ever find a remedy?

[spielnicht]

This is a very common issue and guaranteed to plague any used (and eventually new) iDrive controller. The culprit is a broken plastic ring that seems to serve no purpose whatsoever (maybe keeping dust out??).

All you need to do is pry the top of the knob off of the controller with a plastic pry tool. Just take your time and go around gradually. Be careful when it pops out because it's attached to a ribbon data cable but there is enough slack to maneuver. Once you do that, you'll see the broken plastic ring. Pull it out, snap the top of the knob back on, making sure to align with plastic pins and you're done.


See this video for how to remove the top part of the knob (ceramic and standard are the same). You only need to follow from 3:10 - 5:30. You don't need to take the controller out of the car or remove anything else. Also avoid using a metal screw driver like he's doing. A plastic prey bar is best.

What the culprit looks like:

[Blue Angel]

^THIS!!!

I just bought a '16 535dX and the controller had a sticky spot while spinning. I messed around with it after disassembling the console for cleaning, and saw that little ring sticking out. I grabbed it and pulled it out with pliers and it's working fine since.

I admit I've been worried ever since that the controller will fail. I'm sure that ring serves some purpose, but for now everything is working perfectly. Fingers crossed!

[spielnicht]

I think I found the main use for the ring. I helped a friend out with his stuck controller but this time paid more attention to the before and after. I believe It eliminates freeplay in the knob. It's very minimal after you remove the ring. I didn't even notice it with mine until now - not a big deal at all and I doubt it will impact life of the controller in any way.

Originally Posted by Blue Angel

^THIS!!!

I just bought a '16 535dX and the controller had a sticky spot while spinning. I messed around with it after disassembling the console for cleaning, and saw that little ring sticking out. I grabbed it and pulled it out with pliers and it's working fine since.

I admit I've been worried ever since that the controller will fail. I'm sure that ring serves some purpose, but for now everything is working perfectly. Fingers crossed!

[Blue Angel]

Quite possible. Since mine was sticking when I bought it I'm not sure what it feels like with the ring intact. It feels really good right now, spins freely and smooth with no obvious or excessive play. With the ceramic controls the knob feels excellent, it definitely has a premium feel. I don't miss that plastic ring so far!

[SWFLf10]

I just did mine today! I didn't really see a difference with or without the ring. Mine was sticky bad sometimes when spinning the knob. There was also some residue under one of the buttons from the previous owner.

[Blue Angel]

Originally Posted by SWFLf10

There was also some residue under one of the buttons from the previous owner.

THIS! The previous owner of my car must have spilled a few coffees here and there. This was an excellent opportunity to pull the entire console apart and clean every nook and cranny. The cup holders were especially grimy.

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by Blue Angel

THIS! The previous owner of my car must have spilled a few coffees here and there. This was an excellent opportunity to pull the entire console apart and clean every nook and cranny. The cup holders were especially grimy.

I got lucky and my car was pretty well maintained. But I recently did the retrofit to ceramic controls using donor parts. The parts I got were not so well taken care of.