[PJEarly]

My wife loved and really wanted the crystal controls we saw on an i7 but the i5 didn’t have them. I took a chance on some Chinese parts on eBay and after a more difficult than expected install, she now has them on her i5. $188 and about an hour of time. Well worth the smile on her face. 4 pieces include the start button, shifter, drive controller and volume knob. Thought I would share the results.

[deutsch100]

Looks great! While the crystals can blind you sometimes when the sun hits JUST right, I love them!! i7 and now again in my iX...everyone that sits in my car positively comments on the crystals!!

[DomiGijzen]

Any info on the installation?

[okankaymak]

Originally Posted by PJEarly

My wife loved and really wanted the crystal controls we saw on an i7 but the i5 didn’t have them. I took a chance on some Chinese parts on eBay and after a more difficult than expected install, she now has them on her i5. $188 and about an hour of time. Well worth the smile on her face. 4 pieces include the start button, shifter, drive controller and volume knob. Thought I would share the results.

I also would like to know more about the installation process. Did you need to disconnect any batteries like the gasoline engine cars?

[SkykingUSA]

I would have optioned the crystal on my order as well if I could do it without getting the Executive package, but it was not available as an option separately. I'd love to get a link to the product and any advice and/or pictures you can give regarding the installation.

I found some on eBay too and put the links to the videos below. Are they accurate in your opinion? Same videos you used? It seems like it would be a major install that I would be hesitant to try myself, but I really like the look of them, so I'm really considering it.

[SkykingUSA]

Here are a couple of videos I found online regarding installation of some/all of these parts.

Shift Handle Install
https://29144107.s21v.faiusr.com/58/...gYo4PTsgAE.mp4

Multimedia Knob Install
https://29144107.s21v.faiusr.com/58/...gYoj4OZpwc.mp4

[PJEarly]

Yes. That is the install video I used. The first one actually covers installing all four pieces. I order them off eBay and various distributors had the same collection with all four pieces. Cost me $188 and arrived in about a week. Most of the install is very easy and just involves removing screws and getting down to the bottom of the assembly. There is one tricky part when removing the shift lever that you need to be very careful about when prying off a plastic piece without breaking it. It’s at 5:15 in the video. So have patience and work slow on that one part. The rest is basic. You do need a star driver set as well. Took me about an hour start to finish.

[SkykingUSA]

Thanks for the info. No need to disconnect the battery or anything right? Just turn off the car and get to work?

[PJEarly]

Correct. No major power disconnection or anything weird. its all 12 volt and clip in connectors for power to that console area. If you have a star driver set this is basicaly like putting together a lego set.

[SkykingUSA]

Cool. I think I'll have to get a Torx set then - I'm thinking of making this something my wife can get me for Christmas and I can install myself. She's been asking me what I want and I told her something for the car, but I haven't decided what yet.

[okankaymak]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Cool. I think I'll have to get a Torx set then - I'm thinking of making this something my wife can get me for Christmas and I can install myself. She's been asking me what I want and I told her something for the car, but I haven't decided what yet.

Isn't it the best feeling when our wives gift us things for our cars

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Here are a couple of videos I found online regarding installation of some/all of these parts.

Shift Handle Install
https://29144107.s21v.faiusr.com/58/...gYo4PTsgAE.mp4

Multimedia Knob Install
https://29144107.s21v.faiusr.com/58/...gYoj4OZpwc.mp4

0h God, there's literally no way I'd consider this, given the risk. Just seeing it made me anxious, lol. I'm glad I ordered the Executive Package.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

0h God, there's literally no way I'd consider this, given the risk. Just seeing it made me anxious, lol. I'm glad I ordered the Executive Package.

I would totally do it. I am a Master Electronics Technician though. So this looks pretty easy to me. Except for the fact I have no desire for the glass controls.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by AiredaleDad

I would totally do it. I am a Master Electronics Technician though. So this looks pretty easy to me. Except for the fact I have no desire for the glass controls.

I don’t think it’s the difficulty that would worry me, but rather the possibility that if something snapped or broke, even by the most remote chance, what do you do?

Casually go to the parts counter and ask them, hey can you guys order me this? 🤣

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

I don’t think it’s the difficulty that would worry me, but rather the possibility that if something snapped or broke, even by the most remote chance, what do you do?

Casually go to the parts counter and ask them, hey can you guys order me this? 🤣

That's exactly what you would do! However, you'd have to walk there because your car wouldn't work.

Actually, I'm thinking of trying it. It's not usually something I would do, but with the video and knowing that PJEarly did it with no issues, I think I could do it. It might take me 2-3 hours instead of 1, but I can make the time.

I just remember how very high-end I thought the crystal controls looked when I first saw the car. I definitely would have gotten them if they could have been had without having to get the glass roof and window blinds.

We'll see, maybe I'll get the nerve and try it after Christmas. One good thing is that I can change only the parts I want to change. The only part I'm not sure I would change is the Start button. Then again, I bet it's harder to see finger prints on the crystal button, than on the gloss black button so I'd probably change them all out.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

I don’t think it’s the difficulty that would worry me, but rather the possibility that if something snapped or broke, even by the most remote chance, what do you do?

Casually go to the parts counter and ask them, hey can you guys order me this? 🤣

Lol. Electrical tape and super glue.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

That's exactly what you would do! However, you'd have to walk there because your car wouldn't work.

Actually, I'm thinking of trying it. It's not usually something I would do, but with the video and knowing that PJEarly did it with no issues, I think I could do it. It might take me 2-3 hours instead of 1, but I can make the time.

I just remember how very high-end I thought the crystal controls looked when I first saw the car. I definitely would have gotten them if they could have been had without having to get the glass roof and window blinds.

We'll see, maybe I'll get the nerve and try it after Christmas. One good thing is that I can change only the parts I want to change. The only part I'm not sure I would change is the Start button. Then again, I bet it's harder to see finger prints on the crystal button, than on the gloss black button so I'd probably change them all out.

It looks like the hardest part is not breaking off those little tabs that hold the cover on.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

That's exactly what you would do! However, you'd have to walk there because your car wouldn't work.

Actually, I'm thinking of trying it. It's not usually something I would do, but with the video and knowing that PJEarly did it with no issues, I think I could do it. It might take me 2-3 hours instead of 1, but I can make the time.

I just remember how very high-end I thought the crystal controls looked when I first saw the car. I definitely would have gotten them if they could have been had without having to get the glass roof and window blinds.

We'll see, maybe I'll get the nerve and try it after Christmas. One good thing is that I can change only the parts I want to change. The only part I'm not sure I would change is the Start button. Then again, I bet it's harder to see finger prints on the crystal button, than on the gloss black button so I'd probably change them all out.

Something tells me that that whole thing is a “unit”. BMW assembly’s total involvement is probably to simply seat it into the slot, plug in the harness, and eventually put in the bottom of the center console.

So, here’s the worst case situation I’d have to line up. Ask the parts counter what the P/N is for that thing. I bet there’s one with and without crystal. And then have that as Plan ‘B’ if things went south, so that you could Fed Ex it online and they’d never be the wiser! 😆

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by ToddRGuy

Something tells me that that whole thing is a “unit”. BMW assembly’s total involvement is probably to simply seat it into the slot, plug in the harness, and eventually put in the bottom of the center console.

So, here’s the worst case situation I’d have to line up. Ask the parts counter what the P/N is for that thing. I bet there’s one with and without crystal. And then have that as Plan ‘B’ if things went south, so that you could Fed Ex it online and they’d never be the wiser! 😆

That's a good plan too, but I bet that whole unit would cost quite a bundle! Considering the sun visor is over $300, I'm afraid to ask what the whole center console would cost.

Best Option: Don't break anything!

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by PJEarly

Correct. No major power disconnection or anything weird. its all 12 volt and clip in connectors for power to that console area. If you have a star driver set this is basicaly like putting together a lego set.

In that first video, it looks as if the knob just pulls off the console, with no disassembly required. Is that what you found when you replaced yours? I'm wondering if a pry tool is all that is needed to replace the knob, while the center console is in place.

[PJEarly]

The little tabs are not risky at all. I didnt break any of them and there are a lot and they released very easily. I did not see that as a risk or possible failure point.

Yes, I believe you could do the idrive controller knob by itself without any disassembly. I cant be sure though. I followed the video and when I go to that part and pried the knob up, the entire knob assembly pulled up through the front and I had to keep pushing it back down to find the right leverage to just pop the outer ring/top part off. If you can get the old one off, you can definitly put the new one on without any disassembly.

The ONLY part that required any finesse was a black plastic cradle over the back of the shift controller. Everything else was just basic screws and tabs. Im a lawyer, not an electrician or handyman at all and I found the whole process pretty simple. Basically its like doing legos.

They do sell each of these parts separately on ebay so if you only want a button or the idrive controller, thats an option. I did the full set of four.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

That's a good plan too, but I bet that whole unit would cost quite a bundle! Considering the sun visor is over $300, I'm afraid to ask what the whole center console would cost.

Best Option: Don't break anything!

Omg for sure. That thing is probably north of 2k.