Note. Before removing the switch, disconnect the wire from the negative battery terminal (see chapter 5A) and reconnect it after putting the switch back in place.
Ignition/steering lock switch
1. See chapter 10.
Multifunction switch on the steering column
2. Place the steering column in the fully furled and extended position. Remove the steering wheel (see chapter 10).
3. Loosen the fixing screw of the upper part of the steering column trim and remove the screw together with the fixing. Lightly press together the edges of the trim, lift the end adjacent to the steering wheel, then detach the second end of the trim (pic. 4.3).
4. Place the steering column in the fully raised and extended position. Using a small screwdriver, press the center pins, then remove the two fasteners securing the bottom of the steering column trim. Slightly press the edges of the upper part of the cladding and remove the lower cladding (pic. 4.4).
5. Disconnect the wiring connectors from the airbag unit, wiper switches and direction indicator.
6. Turn out four screws and remove a combination of switches from a steering column (pic. 4.6).
7. If necessary, press the latches and remove the switches from the assembly (pic. 4.7).
8. Installation is made in sequence, return to removal. Make sure the wiring is routed correctly.
Headlight switch
9. Using a plastic spatula, carefully remove the decorative trim on the front panel on the driver's side (above the switch). Be careful not to damage the front panel.
10. Open the glove box on the driver's side, remove the two screws at the top corners and remove the glove box from the front panel (For more information on removing the glove box, see chapter 11, paragraph 27).
11. Remove the two screws located above the switch, slightly lift the switch, remove the top edge of the switch. then remove the switch from the front panel. Raise the latch and disconnect the wiring connector from the switch (pic. 4.11, a, b). The switch is a non-separable unit.
12. Installation is made in sequence, return to removal.
Alarm switch and central locking switch
13. On manual transmission models, carefully remove the shift lever cover from the center console and screw it onto the lever.
14. In models with an automatic transmission accurately release a cover of the selector with surrounding facing.
15. Remove the drawer/ashtray from the rear of the center console, then remove the four screws (two screws in the front and two in the back) center console mountings (see chapter 11). Raise the shift lever cover (or selector).
16. Raise the front end of the rear section of the center console and remove the switch (And). Disconnect the connector (s) electrical wiring (pic. 4.16).
17. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
Power window switches
18. Disconnect the shift lever cover (or selector) from the cladding and lift it up to access the cladding fixing screws (pic. 4.18). Please note that in models with automatic transmission, the selector cover is removed together with the trim (see chapter 7B).
19. Turn out two screws of fastening and remove a back part of facing.
20. Squeeze the stoppers and remove the switches) (pic. 4.20). Disconnect the connector (s) wiring.
21. Installation is made in sequence, return to removal.
Exterior mirror switches
22. Starting at the front edge, carefully remove the switch from the armrest (pic. 4.22).
23. Disconnect the wiring connector and remove the switch.
24 Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
System switch "Cruise control" on the clutch pedal
25. Turn out screws of fastening, then disconnect and remove the bottom panel of facing from the driver's side. Note the location of the panel and wiring connectors.
26. Disconnect the wiring connector from the switch.
27. Depress the clutch pedal and pull out the red switch sleeve.
28. Squeeze the tabs and remove the switch (pic. 4.28).
29. Installation is made in sequence, return to removal.
Rear defroster switch
Models with automatic air conditioning
30. In these models, the switch is part of the control unit and cannot be replaced separately. If the switch is faulty, contact your BMW dealer.
Other models
31. In these models, the switch is part of the printed circuit of the heater control unit.
32. Remove the heater control panel (see chapter 3).
33. Disconnect the electrical connector of the switch, release the clamps and remove the switch.
34. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Before installing the heater control panel, check the operation of the switch
Heater blower motor switch
Models with automatic air conditioning
35. In these models, the switch is part of the control unit and cannot be replaced separately. If the switch is faulty, contact your BMW dealer.
Other models
36. Remove the heater control panel (see chapter 3).
37. Turn out screws of fastening, then disconnect the switch from the control panel and remove it.
38. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Before installing the heater control panel, check the operation of the switch.
Air conditioning switches
39. See p.p. 35-38.
Switches for seat heaters, rear screen drive and traction control (ASC+T)
40. Remove the box for small items from the center console.
41. Disconnect the wiring connector, then squeeze the latches and remove the switch.
42. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
Parking brake warning light switch
43. To access the parking brake lever, remove the rear section of the center console (see chapter 11).
44. Disconnect the wiring connector from the switch, then unscrew the screw and remove the switch (pic. 4.44).
45. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Before installing the center console, check the operation of the switch. It should work when the lever is raised 1-2 clicks.
Stoplight switch
46. See chapter 9.
Interior lamp switches
47. Interior light switches are integrated into the door lock and trunk lid/tailgate assemblies. Removing the corresponding lock is described in chapter 11.
Steering wheel switches
48. Two types of steering wheels are installed on E46 cars: "multifunctional" or "sports" steering wheel. To remove the switches, first remove the driver's airbag module (see paragraph 25), then refer to the relevant subsection.
Multifunction steering wheel
49. Carefully remove the switch from the steering wheel and disconnect the wiring connectors (pic. 4.49). Pay attention to that. that the horn switch is built into the airbag unit.
Sports steering wheel
50. Remove the four screws (two screws for the top section and two screws for the bottom section) and disconnect the switch panel from the steering wheel (pic. 4.50, a, b). Disconnect the electrical connector.
Sunroof switch
51. Press the latch on the back of the switch and remove the switch from the panel (pic. 4.51).
52. Disconnect the wiring connector from the switch, then squeeze the latches and remove the switch (pic. 4.52).
53. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal.