When you work on or near airbag system components, don't save the PCM's memory in a memory-saving device. Take the power cable off the negative battery terminal. First, put the steering wheel into its lowest and furthest out position. After that, take off the steering wheel. Pull out the plastic retaining screw, then ease the sides of the trim. Lift first at the steering wheel end, and carefully release the front end. Position the column to its highest and fully extended position. Use a small screwdriver to press into the center pins of the two expanding rivets attaching the lower shroud to the base. Keep pressing while you squeeze the side of the upper shroud. The lower shroud will release. Pull and disconnect three different wiring connectors for the airbag vehicle contact unit, wiper, and indicator controls. Take out four screws holding the switch panel and lift it off the steering column's end. When removing the switches from the assembly, press out the two plastic locks holding the switches in place. During installation, you must make sure all wiring is placed back correctly, and push the airbag contact unit toward the center. Gently lift the decorative strip off the driver's side of the dash, above the light switch using a wood or plastic tool, but don't harm the dash area while you work. Release the top screws from the driver's side glove box, then lift it out of its position on the instrument panel. Carefully pull out the top edge of the switch light by removing two screws, then press the switch slightly while disconnecting the wire. Pull the whole unit with the wire out of its place. Installation is the reverse of removal. For manual transmissions, carefully lift the gear lever boot out of the center console, move it behind and over the stick shift. To remove the automatic transmission boot, carefully lift it and all its surrounding plastic trim at once. Unscrew and take out the rear tray that holds ashes and storage, then unscrew and lift away the four screws on your center console. Now gently pull up the trim panel that surrounds your gear shifting lever. Press the switches on the front edge of the rear center console while lifting it, disconnecting wires when pulling out each switch. Installation is the reverse of removal. To reach the trim screws, first unattach the gear lever/selector lever boot from its trim surround, and tip it up to see the screws underneath. Take out the two holding screws. Then lift up the back part of the trim panel. Pull each switch out of the panel by pressing down the locking mechanism and then disconnect its wiring connector as you take out the switch. Installation is the reversal of removal. Begin by gently prying out the mirror switch from its slot in the front armrest, disconnecting the electrical connector and removing the switch all together. Installation is the reverse of removal. Carefully detach the driver-side lower dash panel screws, free the panel from its place, take it off, and keep track of where all screws go. Unplug all wiring connectors when uninstalling the panel piece by piece. Take the wire connection off the cruise control switch, hit the clutch pedal down, and extend the red switch handle to its full length. Press the little clamps holding the switch into place, then push it out of its position. Installation is the reverse of removal. On cars with automatic climate control, the heated rear window switch isn't just a regular part; it's built into a control unit which dealers need to fix if the unit stops working. Other heater control panels have the switch built right into their printed circuit board. First take off the heater control panel, unplug the switch wiring connector, hit the release clips to let go of their hold, and pull the switch out of the panel. Like removal, we start by controlling the switch, then put the dashboard back on with the control panel working properly. Like for the heater control panel, find and flip the air conditioning system switches according to my instructions. Take off the middle console compartment to find and replace the heated seat, electric sunshade, and traction controls between their clips. Unplug each electrical connector, then pry on the locking clips to pull out the controls from the panel. Installation is the reverse of removal. To reach the parking brake lever, first remove the rear part of the center console. Unplug the wiring connector for the warning light setup from the console. Then take out the screw and switch from its location. To set up the center console, make sure the switch works, then put the console back together. When working on the brake light switch, use the provided guide. The door/trunk lid/tailgate lock assembly includes the controls for the courtesy lights. Use your tools to gently separate the multifunction steering wheel switch from the wheel. Unplug both of its wiring connectors while being aware that its horn connection is joined with the airbag unit. Loosen and remove the four screws holding the sports steering wheel switch carrier panel onto the wheel. Then take the electrical connection off as you carefully pull out the panel. To get to the sunroof switch under the panel, push down on the back clip and pull the switch out. Next, disconnect the wire connecting the switch. Repeat that process for the retaining clips on the switch, followed by lifting it away from its original position. Installation is the reverse of removal. When installing the ignition switch/steering column lock, follow the correct procedure.
Posted by BMWPartsDeal Specialist 
