Ceramic knobs retrofit

[PhillyX5M]

So I finally was able to find some used AC unit with ceramic buttons on eBay.
Still it's an expensive upgrade. Bought a used unit for $80 to just use 3 small buttons but now my car ceramic package is done

Had to remove and open the AC/radio unit but it wasn't too hard and definitely can be done.

[gqgambler]

Nice
Lets see the complete install

[smashe]

What exactly is the difference? And what does the tiny button under the auto button do?

[jiggz]

I figured the X5M would have come with ceramic controls, but just checked some pics online and doesn't look like they did?

Originally Posted by smashe

What exactly is the difference? And what does the tiny button under the auto button do?

Here's a side by side. Ceramic Controls were optional on the non-M models (standalone in some cases, part of Executive Package in others, model and year dependant).

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ostcount=10064

[Violator]

Originally Posted by smashe

What exactly is the difference? And what does the tiny button under the auto button do?

Launch Control Max

[PhillyX5M]

Originally Posted by Violator

Launch Control Max

[F85MTuNED]

I wanted to do this to ever piece of silver trim throughout the vehicle.. I know the traditional thing would be to replace with carbon bits but I rather be different.

Great job PhillyX5M 💪🏽

[F85MTuNED]

Originally Posted by Violator

Launch Control Max

Oh shit 😩

[daytonaviolet]

perhaps post a before and after shot

[Blewx5m]

What about the idrive controller?! Haha is it possible?

[PhillyX5M]

Originally Posted by Blewx5m

What about the idrive controller?! Haha is it possible?

Yep and I replaced it too

[335i101]

Where did you pick up the idrive ceramic knob?

Mine is pretty cheap plastic and has a sharp nic in it that sticks out and bites your finger if you grab it in the wrong spot.

For the idrive replacement, do you just pull the other one off and snap on the new one? Or is it more involved?

[PhillyX5M]

[QUOTE=335i101;25689077]Where dod you pick up the idrive ceramic knob?

Mine is pretty cheap plastic and has a sharp nic in it that sticks out and bites your finger if you grab it in the wrong spot.

For the idrive replacement, do you just pull the other one off and snap on the new one? Or is it more?

You can find used AC units with ceramic knobs on eBay but they r usually expensive $200,300... Took me some time to find a cheaper one. Doesn't matter what model as you will be cannibalizing it anyway as you just need the knobs.
For replacement you will need to open the unit and push out the knobs from behind. Radio knob can be pulled off but you need to make sure that the metal thing inside the radio knob is the same length as the one in ceramic. Chances are it's not so you will just need to use the one from ceramic but it will fit without issues as it's only length is slightly different.

The idrive controller is eBay too. I was lucky to find one for F15 from Europe. You will need to remove the whole panel and there will be only 3 screws and one wire connector underneath holding the idrive controller.

[Violator]

Did you do the rear AC controls as well?

It blends perfect with the CF bits, looks awesome!

[PhillyX5M]

Originally Posted by Violator

Did you do the rear AC controls as well?

It blends perfect with the CF bits, looks awesome!

Funny I realized yesterday that the rears r still plastic

Will probably do them too but need to find another not overpriced set of ceramics.
Kid drives in the back and she is fine with plastic for now

[Violator]

Originally Posted by PhillyX5M

Funny I realized yesterday that the rears r still plastic

Will probably do them too but need to find another not overpriced set of ceramics.
Kid drives in the back and she is fine with plastic for now

Yeah, I can understand that.

So to be clear, you didn't replace the entire panel, you replaced the knob pieces?

I had the ceramic controls on my F16 and loved them, and have been considering doing this as one of my final interior mods. You and classic_erik have made me really consider doing it now.

The iDrive controller is so smooth compared to the standard version.

Post an update when you complete the rear, it'll be nice to see the completed package.

Cheers!

[PhillyX5M]

Yep, I only used the ceramic knobs the rest is my original equipment.

One important detail is that the radio small ceramic knob metal insert is slightly longer compared to the insert in the plastic knob so you will need to replace with the one from ceramic. It's easy as it will just slide out.

If you guys will be doing it just PM me. I can always help.

[Violator]

Sounds good thanks for the info, sounds like it would be a popular DIY thread!

[PhillyX5M]

Originally Posted by Violator

Sounds good thanks for the info, sounds like it would be a popular DIY thread!

Sounds like I wont be able to find cheap ceramic knobs for the back anymore...

[quick]

Is this option by any chance available for E70 X5M ?

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by quick

Is this option by any chance available for E70 X5M ?

There were no optional controls for the E70 platform (non-M or ///M) like there are on the newer X5's - ceramic controls for the F15, glass controls for the G05.

[Bobby_Drake]

Nice mod.

X5M should have come with this as standard vs the cheap plastic knobs.