DIY request: removing window switch panel

[godevilsgo17]

Hey y'all,

I just bought my first BMW a few days ago (an '08 128i 'vert), and I'm currently just in the stage where I am trying to fix the things that the previous owner neglected. One thing that i've noticed is that the switch for the power mirrors is stuck, and I want to be able to take out that switch panel to fiddle around with it and see if I can find any debris in the mechanism that would cause it to stick. Is removing the panel any more complicated than just getting a trim pry tool and leveraging it out? If so, can someone explain how to get it out properly? If it is as simple as prying it out, where are the clips located so that I don't break anything? Thanks for your help!

[miro2296]

You just need to pry the switch from the front. You can reference this thread http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=880902. Hope this helps!

[godevilsgo17]

So I ended up fixing the switch without taking the cluster out. Oddly enough, I noticed that when the switch was on the left, it adjusted the mirror on the right, and that it simply would toggle to the right. This made me think that it may not be stuck, rather it could be jammed underneath the opening for the toggle. After applying just a little bit of extra force (thinking that if I broke it I would just shell out the $100 for a new cluster anyway), I managed to pop the mechanism back into place, and the whole system works perfectly again. This, coupled with the re-application of adhesive to the peeling leather door trim means that my 1er is now in perfect shape!

[miro2296]

Glad you were able to get it resolved!