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The BMW Repair Guide used this 2006 530xi touring for the following article.
This article gives detailed instructions on replacing the start/stop button in a 2006-2010 BMW 5 series (E60) vehicle. Even though we used a 2006 530xi to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any 2006-2010 5 series vehicle with minor modifications to the repair steps.
A BMW E60 start button replacement is an easy way to refresh the look of your 5 series dashboard.
Please note that this article can be used to either replace the worn start/stop button cover on your “push to start” switch, or to replace the entire switch if you are having issues with starting your vehicle.
BMW enthusiasts are a strange breed; we tend to obsess over the smallest details when it comes to the interior of our vehicles. One of the more noticeable items that sticks out like a sore thumb on our dashboard is a worn push to start switch….also known as the start button.
A BMW E60 start button is notorious for wearing out right in the middle where our finger makes contact. A worn start button does not effect the performance of the vehicle in any way…it is simply a cosmetic issue. The good news is a BMW E60 start button replacement is very simple, and replacement covers are readily available for less than ten bucks. If you are interested in adding a little customization to your dashboard, now is a great time to replace your worn BMW E60 start button with a custom colored or carbon fiber version.
There have been scattered reports of BMW E60 start button issues due to failure of the internal components. Although rare in occurrence, there is a chance that the start/stop switch can stop working requiring replacement. Once again, a start/stop switch replacement is a very easy repair for even the novice mechanic and costs less than $100.
We cover both replacing the switch and the worn button in this article. We have also included a full parts list for your convenience.
1. BMW E60 replacement start button (required) – The good news is you don’t have to replace the entire stop/start switch if you are just fixing a worn button. There are many types and colors of aftermarket buttons available depending on your taste. We have listed some of the most popular choices.
2. BMW E60 start/stop switch (optional) – If your BMW E60 start/stop switch has failed completely, then you will need to order a complete new unit. Be aware that there was a part number change in 5 series sedans and wagons produced after 3/2007. Make sure to check the VIN decal in the driver’s side door jamb to verify the production date of your vehicle before ordering.
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Removing the stop/start switch from your 2005-2010 5 series is a simple procedure that is easily done with the help of a plastic trim removal tool. Avoid using a screwdriver or any type of metallic instrument to remove the switch…you can severely scratch the dashboard.
- Make sure the engine is off and the key is removed from the ignition before starting this repair.
- Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pry around the outside of the start/stop switch bezel until it partially pulls loose from the dashboard. DO NOT try and pull the switch completely out until the next step. DO NOT try and force the switch out of the dashboard…you could break its metal retaining clips.
- The switch is held inside the dashboard by two metal clips. Gently rotate the BMW E60 start/stop switch until the right metal clip pops out from the dashboard. If the clip gets stuck, try depressing it with a flat blade screw driver while pulling the switch free.
- You can now safely pull the switch free from the dashboard.
- Locate the start/stop switch’s electrical connection of the back. Use your fingers to squeeze the sides of the connection as shown below while unplugging it from the switch.
- If you are replacing the entire switch, install a new one now following the above instructions in reverse. If you are keeping the switch and just installing a new start button, then proceed to Section 2 below.
Removing the old start button from the ignition switch is easy. Just be careful when removing the bezel from main switch housing – being overly aggressive while prying off the bezel could cause the housing to crack.
- The bezel is anchored to the ignition switch with three plastic tabs. In order to remove the bezel, a flat blade screwdriver must be used to pry the bezel off of the housing. First, locate the bezel’s small plastic retaining tabs as shown below.
- Using a small flat blade screwdriver, GENTLY pry the bezel off of the switch housing.
- Remove the bezel from the switch.
- Next, use a flat blade screwdriver to gently pry the start button out of the switch housing.
- BE VERY CAREFUL not to lose the two small rubber connectors on the bottom of the start button assembly. The button will not work correctly is you lose these connectors.
- Locate the plastic retaining clips on the side of the start button.
- Using a small metal screwdriver or pick, pry the cover off of the strart button as shown below.
- You can now replace the old start button with a new one following the above instructions in reverse.
