[BMWfan73]

I've tried searching the F25 forum and maybe I'm blind but I didn't see any posts about it, so here goes....

I want to replace the stop button on my 2015 x3. I purchased a button from amazon and it came with a stick of sticky gum. I searched online for any how to videos and didn't see anything specific for the x3, only cars and other models. Some had to tear apart the dash trim to remove the whole switch and one showed someone using the sticky gum on the existing button and just yanking it off, then pop the new on on and done. Is that the correct procedure for the F25 x3? I don't want to screw this up.

[bpwj76]

Originally Posted by BMWfan73

I've tried searching the F25 forum and maybe I'm blind but I didn't see any posts about it, so here goes....

I want to replace the stop button on my 2015 x3. I purchased a button from amazon and it came with a stick of sticky gum. I searched online for any how to videos and didn't see anything specific for the x3, only cars and other models. Some had to tear apart the dash trim to remove the whole switch and one showed someone using the sticky gum on the existing button and just yanking it off, then pop the new on on and done. Is that the correct procedure for the F25 x3? I don't want to screw this up.

Yes, just put the sticky stuff on there and yank it off. That's really how it works. Here's a link to a video of me doing the start button in my wife's X3. Hopefully the link works.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9Dpb5U3cEucwCDd4A

[bpwj76]

You can't tell in the video that the button even says anything on it. Here's a still pic of the new button.

[BMWfan73]

That's great! Thanks for the video. Will be my first "mod".

Originally Posted by bpwj76

Yes, just put the sticky stuff on there and yank it off. That's really how it works. Here's a link to a video of me doing the start button in my wife's X3. Hopefully the link works.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9Dpb5U3cEucwCDd4A

[evilchargerfan]

Originally Posted by bpwj76

Yes, just put the sticky stuff on there and yank it off. That's really how it works. Here's a link to a video of me doing the start button in my wife's X3. Hopefully the link works.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9Dpb5U3cEucwCDd4A

wow, its that easy?!

mind sharing a link to the button you purchased?


(I recall another member on here purchased one that was said to fit, but in reality did not fit w/o trimming)

[bpwj76]

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

wow, its that easy?!

mind sharing a link to the button you purchased?


(I recall another member on here purchased one that was said to fit, but in reality did not fit w/o trimming)

I purchased this one: https://www.kiesmotorsports.com/prod...29512970436723

[Wgosma]

ok, I'm going to ask the dumb question: does one replace this button for cosmetic or functional reason? (that sort of light color does look bit better than stock black)
thanks/Bill

[Mikhalidis]

wow i didn't know it was this easy!

[bpwj76]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

ok, I'm going to ask the dumb question: does one replace this button for cosmetic or functional reason? (that sort of light color does look bit better than stock black)
thanks/Bill

My old black start button's rubberized black coating was starting to rub off and you could see the white plastic underneath. Sorry, I don't have a picture of the old button.

[BMWfan73]

I guess the sticky gum that came with my button isn't exactly sticky enough to grip the button and pull it out. Gonna have to come up with something else.

[littleob]

try leaving the gum on a minute then snap it out. there is not that much holding it in and it should pop right out

[pungo]

Originally Posted by BMWfan73

I guess the sticky gum that came with my button isn't exactly sticky enough to grip the button and pull it out. Gonna have to come up with something else.

Clean the button well with some rubbing alcohol, there may be finger oils on it preventing the gum from sticking well.

[BMWfan73]

I've tried the sticky gum that came with it, gorilla tape, 3M tape and nothing will get it to remove. I don't know what else to try. Epoxy a little piece of wood or plastic to it, let it cure overnight and try in the morning? This stupid little thing is annoying....

[Burnaby]

The buttons are different if you don't have the Off button next to it. If it doesn't come out, then take that vent section out. You can just pull it out. Undo the 2 connectors. Unscrew the 3 torx bolts of the button. Then you will be able to compare the original with the button you purchased.

[BMWfan73]

Mine has the auto start/stop button to the left of the engine start.

Originally Posted by Burnaby

The buttons are different if you don't have the Off button next to it. If it doesn't come out, then take that vent section out. You can just pull it out. Undo the 2 connectors. Unscrew the 3 torx bolts of the button. Then you will be able to compare the original with the button you purchased.

[evilchargerfan]

as Burnaby mentioned, for those of us who dont have the auto start/stop .... we're in a slightly diff boat. and it would appear the gum trick wont work.

I did remove my vents , and was able to access the button easily, and removed 3 screws.

more effort than the gum method, but hey ... it got results

[evilchargerfan]

Originally Posted by BMWfan73

I've tried the sticky gum that came with it, gorilla tape, 3M tape and nothing will get it to remove. I don't know what else to try. Epoxy a little piece of wood or plastic to it, let it cure overnight and try in the morning? This stupid little thing is annoying....

IMO

abandon this method, get a pry tool and remove the central vent (super duper easy to do)

this will give you access to the start/stop button and you can disassemble from the rear. much less stressful this way

[AlexF25]

This is great! Just picked up a used 2011 X3 F25 and the first thing I wanted to do is replace the worn old Start/Stop button. Thanks for the info.

Has anyone ordered one off Amazon? I saw they had a few options. Just worried about quality/fitment.

[evilchargerfan]

nice 1st post alex. welcome!

mine was purchased off amazon, and its fine. I know of a few others who ordered from ebay (china) and even they reported decent quality

biggest thing to pay attn to is buy the right button. I recommend pulling your oem one, inspect it, and that will give you an idea of what to buy from amazon

[AlexF25]

Thanks evil, will do just that. Not in a hurry, so better to make sure correct size/fitment

[BMWfan73]

I finally got the stupid bastard yanked out of there. I ended up going to the hardware store and buying some 3M tape and that did the trick. It just needed something with stronger tack/adhesive to hold it through the yank.