DIY: BMW E39 HVAC Button Panel Replacement

Video tutorial on how to replace the button panel assembly on the HVAC panel from a BMW E39. It is required that you remove the HVAC panel in order to replace the buttons. This tutorial also demonstrates how to split down the entire assembly to gain access to the circuit boards and clean the dust on the inside. I purchased the buttons as a kit from online and I did replace the whole assembly rather than replace the individual buttons. A similar procedure possible applies to other BMW models as well. This particular tutorial was done on a 1997 BMW 540i E39.
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Tools/Supplies Needed:
-standard/flat screwdriver
-electronic contact cleaner
Procedure:
-the hvac panel must be removed first
-first start by removing the outer faceplate which is which is clipped onto the rear portion
-the clips are on the top and bottom, this can be done by hand but a standard/flat screwdriver can be used for assistance
-once remove, the circuit board on the back portion can be slide out if needed to clean dust and the fan
-the fan can be noisy after time, so it is a good idea to clean the dust from it using a tooth brush
-now to remove the circuit board, unclip the metal insert from the outer plastic button housing
-be sure to do this over an area where the inner contacts will not get lost
-a standard screwdriver can be used to assist this
-transfer the contacts from the old button assembly to the new assembly
-transfer the clear insert as well
-elevate the new panel on the sides so it doesn't interfere with the buttons
-be sure the clean the temperature sensor with electronic contact cleaner
-insert the circuit board, make sure it fits evenly all the way around
-before clipped into place, but close, ensure all the buttons work correctly
-clip circuit board into place
-reinstall the other circuit board into the plastic backer housing
-install faceplate
-ensure the unit works before completely reinstalling in vehicle
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No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.

[@eskirvin]

Showing how the little springs fall out when opening the panel is invaluable and could save someone a LOT of time. I'm about to do this myself and have 3 extra springs I purchased just in case any are missing.

[@marioperez-kb2wl]

The video is excellent. I tried putting those contact back into the slot(?) they were unstable but worked on this for three hours trying to get it put back together. I regret beginning this odyssey going to try again but already have searched for a replacement. You have to have the patience of an angel in my opinion to do this yourself.

[@paulcarbone1969]

Great video as are your posts. A couple things I may add are, 1. another video I saw was to remove all the buttons so you can get that back plate on without so much frustration. 2. the little clips that have the contacts on them, in my case, the clip that has the spring tab slipped down under the little black plastic and it won't allow the spring to push back up. So the button won't work. I noticed this while watching your video and it helped me diagnose the issue. Thanks again for all you do. God bless you.

[@danhongell873]

Very instructional video.; the most thorough I could find. Thank you! I watched this three times before I started the replacement. Regarding the small connectors and replacing the circuit board, I held the parts against my body and reinstalled the circuit board, but ended up with two connectors that moved. So, I used the old climate face plate as my base, which allowed me to get the proper fit. Patience is key since this is like a puzzle. Also, taking the old plate out was tough because there wasn't much give with the wiring harnesses. Best to be able to access the plate from driver and passenger sides.

[@oldval225]

Excellent tutorial. I followed these instructions and successfully swapped over my climate control button panel in under an hour. Also gave me access to the auxiliary input cable that I've been wanting to plug my iPhone into for ages. Thanks heaps!

[@wholebrainla]

Thank you! This is so helpful. I wish I watched it before I tried it the first time. So many springs "sprung" out when I removed the plate the first time that I lost five and needed to locate a junker part to replace the lost springs. I'll know where to start next time - right here!

[@just4stringsnme]

Does anyone know if it’s possible to replace just the buttons themselves from the front so as to not have to remove everything?

[@HoangNguyen-dz1jy]

Thank you for your video. It is really informative and I was able to replace mine today. The most tricky part, as you have mentioned in your video, is to put the face plate with buttons back to the frame. Thank you.

[@user-jy1qs1gr6c]

Thank you very much for sharing this useful information.

[@euromob9661]

Yoooo bruuuh good looks for the vid, very informative, keep it up, looking forward for more on the same vehicle

[@RaifalM3n]

Very nice video mate. Just wanted to clean my HVAC...

[@cz0985]

This helps me a lot and I thank you a lot.

[@LukasSakalauskas]

Good video, very helpful, thank you so much!

[@ericswoles2092]

awesome! thank you

[@ggua92722]

Great video. Thank you

[@theamerican7080]

What I did was carefully break all the little aluminum tabs off so the button contacts wouldn't pop out when the unit snaps together- or one or more buttons will not work. The outer black plastic housing holds everything together just fine.

[@ACOEuroStudio]

Super amazing video, 💯 awesome took me two hours to complete everything. Thanks for giving little tips between the removing that helped not to broke everything lol. A+++

[@alexedward1250]

Hello, thank you for posting this video, it is very helpful. In my case the wire connectors in my 2003 530 have never been removed, as such the one with two tabs on each side and the one with no tab are stuck shut in there. I have tugged very hard and no budging. I was wondering if you have any solution, may be a spray of some sort that would loosen up the connectors. Thank you in advance

[@McCarthyism_by_Youtube]

I'm doing this very soon and thought about applying an acrylic conformal coat on the circuit board(not the fan) for protection. either a silicone or acrylic should be ok

[@touringusa8760]

Excellent!