Help: What options use these buttons?

Zagor · 10-13-2006, 08:10 AM

The bottom row of buttons in the center console is different depending on the options installed in the car. I'm thinking it would be nice to use the spare buttons in that row for mods. However to order the correct part I need to know which options use which buttons.

This is the button row I'm talking about:
Name: optionbuttons.jpg
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Name: optionbuttons.jpg
Views: 37083
Size: 20.9 KB

There can be up to six buttons, from left to right:

1: Left side heated seat
2: PDC on/off
3: Rear sunscreen
4: <unknown>
5: <unknown> (not used at all?)
6: Right side heated seat

I need help filling in the 4 and 5 blanks. The parts list on RealOEM gives a hint about the 4th being something with navigation or onboard tv/monitor. There's also a LED above the 4th button.

Also the flat cable from this module looks like it contains one lead per button rather than being a digital bus. Can anyone confirm/deny this?

Josh49 · 10-13-2006, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zagor

The bottom row of buttons in the center console is different depending on the options installed in the car. I'm thinking it would be nice to use the spare buttons in that row for mods. However to order the correct part I need to know which options use which buttons.

This is the button row I'm talking about:
Attachment 42378

There can be up to six buttons, from left to right:

1: Left side heated seat
2: PDC on/off
3: Rear sunscreen
4: <unknown>
5: <unknown> (not used at all?)
6: Right side heated seat

I need help filling in the 4 and 5 blanks. The parts list on RealOEM gives a hint about the 4th being something with navigation or onboard tv/monitor. There's also a LED above the 4th button.

Also the flat cable from this module looks like it contains one lead per button rather than being a digital bus. Can anyone confirm/deny this?

4 or 5 is Hill Descent Mode. I think 4. I'll tell you once definitely after lunch...

Josh49 · 10-13-2006, 08:17 AM

Followup:

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...48&hg=61&fg=25

Looks like Hill Descent Mode is 4..

Zagor · 10-13-2006, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh49

Looks like Hill Descent Mode is 4..

Thanks. I didn't even know that was available as an option.

Oddly, the realoem conditionals don't mention hill descent...

Josh49 · 10-13-2006, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zagor

Thanks. I didn't even know that was available as an option.

Oddly, the realoem conditionals don't mention hill descent...

Yeah I don't think it's an option. It came on my car. I don't know if it comes on all US models, or maybe just all the x-models.. It might be just the x-models, that sounds about right to me..

Zagor · 10-13-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh49

Yeah I don't think it's an option. It came on my car. I don't know if it comes on all US models, or maybe just all the x-models.. It might be just the x-models, that sounds about right to me..

Ah, that would explain it.

Josh49 · 10-13-2006, 08:58 AM

Hey, so what mods are you planning on using these buttons for?

I like to install my mods this way as well, it makes for a very nice and clean look/install..

KL2DC · 10-13-2006, 09:16 AM

That still leaves the #5 spot....now I'm curious

garehaan · 10-13-2006, 09:26 AM

NOS

chongki · 10-13-2006, 10:06 AM

Wife eject seat

Zirenz2006 · 10-13-2006, 02:16 PM

It may not be used at all. In the E90 owners manual it describes and shows all the buttons except #5 spot. It is probably just a blank.

LEDZEP · 10-13-2006, 03:49 PM

Hill decent mode (the button that looks like a duck) is only available on models with x drive.

Zagor · 10-14-2006, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh49

Hey, so what mods are you planning on using these buttons for?

I'm thinking something like this, but even more discreetly:

danmandle · 06-02-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zagor

I'm thinking something like this, but even more discreetly:

Did you ever do this? Sounds like a great idea!

Zagor · 06-03-2013, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danmandle

Did you ever do this? Sounds like a great idea!

Yay, nice thread excavation!

Yes and no. I did a mod, but not using those extra buttons since I wasn't able to find a part with more buttons on it.

Instead I put the components (a rocker switch and a LED) on the underside of that panel. It is completely invisible yet easily reachable and the LED reflects nicely in the brushed aluminum below.

marcelthegreat · 10-26-2018, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zagor

Yay, nice thread excavation!

Yes and no. I did a mod, but not using those extra buttons since I wasn't able to find a part with more buttons on it.

Instead I put the components (a rocker switch and a LED) on the underside of that panel. It is completely invisible yet easily reachable and the LED reflects nicely in the brushed aluminum below.

Did we ever figure out what button #5 is for?

ultimate-tester · 07-11-2020, 07:36 AM

Sorry for reviving this topic, but I just had to reply.

1: Left side heated seat
2: PDC on/off
3: Rear sunscreen
4: Hill Descent Control on/off
5: Start Stop System on/off
6: Right side heated seat

Mystery solved. I hope people can finally sleep at night again with this knowledge.

Aj6543 · 01-14-2021, 11:31 PM

How do you get options/buttons 4 and 5?

trl106 · 06-04-2023, 03:43 PM

Sorry to revive a really old thread, but this area of the center console is exactly what's plaguing me. I just bought a 2011 328xi E90 and it's missing the filler cover piece for the control buttons discussed here (the slot just below the climate control in my vehicle). It's just an open "hole" with nothing behind it.

Can someone tell me how to search for, or where I can find, the filler piece to cover the "hole" in my center console? With or without fake buttons, doesn't matter to me.

Thanks!

-Tom

andy_06xi · 06-05-2023, 09:00 PM

You can have mine if you want it. If you're in the Boston area you could pick it up. Otherwise pay for shipping and I'll mail it. Not sure whether you need just the switch panel or the plastic surround (which holds the climate control,too) as well. I have both. PM me.

trl106 · 06-07-2023, 12:54 PM

Hi,

Yes, I'm in the Boston area. Worcester area actually. Shrewsbury to be precise.

Nice of you to offer up that trim "piece" missing in my center console area. How is it that you can do that? You have something else going on there, or are you parting out your beemah?

Regarding my situation, not sure what was there prior to my ownership that now there is just a hole in my dash. However, rather than replace it I've been contemplating a different soln. Maybe you have some thoughts...

So, that row of buttons that's missing on my dash/center console/climate ctl area has actually just been moved to the ashtray area. (see photo) I think what I might do is move that row of buttons from the ashtray region into the void in my dash and then purchase a BMW ashtray (not that I'm a smoker but it would come with the 12V power socket) and install that where it would traditionally go. Thoughts?

-Tom

andy_06xi · 06-08-2023, 06:43 AM

You could certainly move your buttons back to stock. Odd that someone would move them to the ash tray.

My buttons are available because I replaced the Head Unit with an Android Eonon screen-based Head Unit. For this change, the buttons are removed and the climate control unit slides down to make room for the touch screen.

The Eonon unit is great. You get a rear view camera, bluetooth for both calls and music, navigation, wired CarPlay, downloadable apps - all the things you expect in a modern car. Looks very original. Only around $300. Best upgrade I've done.

10-13-2006, 08:10 AM	#1
Zagor . 11 Rep 141 Posts Drives: 330i Touring Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i Touring [0.00]	Help: What options use these buttons? The bottom row of buttons in the center console is different depending on the options installed in the car. I'm thinking it would be nice to use the spare buttons in that row for mods. However to order the correct part I need to know which options use which buttons. This is the button row I'm talking about: There can be up to six buttons, from left to right: 1: Left side heated seat 2: PDC on/off 3: Rear sunscreen 4: <unknown> 5: <unknown> (not used at all?) 6: Right side heated seat I need help filling in the 4 and 5 blanks. The parts list on RealOEM gives a hint about the 4th being something with navigation or onboard tv/monitor. There's also a LED above the 4th button. Also the flat cable from this module looks like it contains one lead per button rather than being a digital bus. Can anyone confirm/deny this?
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10-13-2006, 08:17 AM	#3
Josh49 Major General 252 Rep 6,664 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (33)	Followup: http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...48&hg=61&fg=25 Looks like Hill Descent Mode is 4.. Attached Images __________________ E90 325XI, MYSTIC BLUE ON BLACK/ALUM, STEP, NAV, PDC, CWP, XENON, SIRIUS, ALARM, MUD GUARDS, CLEARBRA, CHROME GRILLS AND TIPS, VALENTINE 1 (HARDWIRED), HO CERAMIC 40%, 161'S, REAR FOG MOD, LUX 4.0, BLACKLINES, OEM PEDALS, MTEC FOGS, GRUPPE-M REP INTAKE. 156'S AND RUBBER MATS FOR THE WINTER.
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10-13-2006, 08:58 AM	#7
Josh49 Major General 252 Rep 6,664 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (33)	Hey, so what mods are you planning on using these buttons for? I like to install my mods this way as well, it makes for a very nice and clean look/install.. __________________ E90 325XI, MYSTIC BLUE ON BLACK/ALUM, STEP, NAV, PDC, CWP, XENON, SIRIUS, ALARM, MUD GUARDS, CLEARBRA, CHROME GRILLS AND TIPS, VALENTINE 1 (HARDWIRED), HO CERAMIC 40%, 161'S, REAR FOG MOD, LUX 4.0, BLACKLINES, OEM PEDALS, MTEC FOGS, GRUPPE-M REP INTAKE. 156'S AND RUBBER MATS FOR THE WINTER.
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10-13-2006, 09:16 AM	#8
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	That still leaves the #5 spot....now I'm curious __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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10-13-2006, 09:26 AM	#9
garehaan Private 1 Rep 83 Posts Drives: E61 535d, mini cooper, 320d Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	NOS __________________ 320d Ti Silver, Rim 193, factory window tint, sport suspension, Xenon, rear pdc, Nav Pro, bluetooth, heated seats, sensatec, M steering wheel, foldable rear seats, alarm etc.
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10-13-2006, 10:06 AM	#10
chongki Anyaketdin! 24 Rep 517 Posts Drives: AW E90 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3)	Wife eject seat __________________ "The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering"
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10-13-2006, 02:16 PM	#11
Zirenz2006 Brigadier General 1535 Rep 4,555 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: US - NE iTrader: (0)	It may not be used at all. In the E90 owners manual it describes and shows all the buttons except #5 spot. It is probably just a blank. __________________ Current: 2021 ///M3 Competition Isle of Man Green Ordered: 2024 ///M2 Zandvoort Blue Past: 2018 X3 ///M40i \| 2012 *328i* \| 2009 *335i* \| 2007 *335i Coupe* \| 2005 *545i* \| 2001 *325i*
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10-13-2006, 03:49 PM	#12
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Hill decent mode (the button that looks like a duck) is only available on models with x drive. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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07-11-2020, 07:36 AM	#17
ultimate-tester Enlisted Member 13 Rep 32 Posts Drives: BMW F25 xDrive28i Join Date: May 2019 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	Sorry for reviving this topic, but I just had to reply. 1: Left side heated seat 2: PDC on/off 3: Rear sunscreen 4: Hill Descent Control on/off 5: Start Stop System on/off 6: Right side heated seat Mystery solved. I hope people can finally sleep at night again with this knowledge.
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01-14-2021, 11:31 PM	#18
Aj6543 Private First Class 30 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2022 G26 Gran Coupe 430i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	How do you get options/buttons 4 and 5?
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06-04-2023, 03:43 PM	#19
trl106 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328xi Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Filler piece? Sorry to revive a really old thread, but this area of the center console is exactly what's plaguing me. I just bought a 2011 328xi E90 and it's missing the filler cover piece for the control buttons discussed here (the slot just below the climate control in my vehicle). It's just an open "hole" with nothing behind it. Can someone tell me how to search for, or where I can find, the filler piece to cover the "hole" in my center console? With or without fake buttons, doesn't matter to me. Thanks! -Tom
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06-05-2023, 09:00 PM	#20
andy_06xi Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	You can have mine if you want it. If you're in the Boston area you could pick it up. Otherwise pay for shipping and I'll mail it. Not sure whether you need just the switch panel or the plastic surround (which holds the climate control,too) as well. I have both. PM me.
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06-07-2023, 12:54 PM	#21
trl106 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328xi Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Shuffling things Hi, Yes, I'm in the Boston area. Worcester area actually. Shrewsbury to be precise. Nice of you to offer up that trim "piece" missing in my center console area. How is it that you can do that? You have something else going on there, or are you parting out your beemah? Regarding my situation, not sure what was there prior to my ownership that now there is just a hole in my dash. However, rather than replace it I've been contemplating a different soln. Maybe you have some thoughts... So, that row of buttons that's missing on my dash/center console/climate ctl area has actually just been moved to the ashtray area. (see photo) I think what I might do is move that row of buttons from the ashtray region into the void in my dash and then purchase a BMW ashtray (not that I'm a smoker but it would come with the 12V power socket) and install that where it would traditionally go. Thoughts? -Tom Attached Images
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06-08-2023, 06:43 AM	#22
andy_06xi Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 249 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	You could certainly move your buttons back to stock. Odd that someone would move them to the ash tray. My buttons are available because I replaced the Head Unit with an Android Eonon screen-based Head Unit. For this change, the buttons are removed and the climate control unit slides down to make room for the touch screen. The Eonon unit is great. You get a rear view camera, bluetooth for both calls and music, navigation, wired CarPlay, downloadable apps - all the things you expect in a modern car. Looks very original. Only around $300. Best upgrade I've done.
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