BMW E46 Stereo volume-on-off knob repair (Part 2 of 2)

BMW E46 3 series Stereo volume/power knob repair DIY. This video shows how to remove the stereo and disassemble the unit to access and repair the broken knob. You need two 2-56 machine screws that are 3/8" long, one 2-56 nut and a 1/16" drill bit.
Here is part 1: • BMW E46 Stereo volume-...

[@bearing01]

@John23gr It's difficult to explain it with few words. When you start taking it apart it will become obvious what is wrong. You may have trouble getting the face plate off because there are still screws you haven't removed. Remove all of them and the face plate will come apart easily. The broken part is a small threaded tube that the knob base screws on to. I drilled holes through the tube and through the plastic platform the tubes are part of. (to be continued)

[@bearing01]

@jaxsharon I didn't replace it with a new one. I just used longer screws to screw the old one back in place. /John

[@bearing01]

@John23gr Longer screws will reach through the knob base and past where the broken tubes used to be and will screw into the plastic platform that now have holes in them (that you drilled). Drilling the holes / putting in the screws is the easy part. The stressful part is trying to get the stereo apart. Take your time taking apart the stereo and make note of what you're doing. Take pictures along the way if you have to. If it doesn't come apart easily then keep removing screws. /John

[@davidchleeds1972]

bearing01: thanks for a very helpful set of instructions; I now feel confident enough to tackle this myself. Clearly the problem is caused by a mechanical design fault in the plastic support bracket. Your solution with extra screws looks like a good fix.

[@jaxsharon]

I am refering to the actual on/off/volume switch you installed. BWM only sells the knob. They do not sell the switch behind it.

[@bearing01]

@cesmoot1957 Yea, most likely. The knob itself if simple. The fact that it mounts to the frame by a plastic housing, which cracks, is the problem. In my case my button completely let go from the frame and I could no longer turn off (or on) the stereo by pressing the button. Volume worked great. Just couldn't press (make it it click) anymore. As you can see, fixing it is fairly straight forward... if you got the balls to do it. I hope this video helps you. /John

[@jaxsharon]

John, your video is great! Thanks for posting. Where did you come up with the switch?

[@curtkenyon]

worked for me! thanks for the video.

[@brendanbelschner]

Great Video everything with the button worked well but when I went to plug it back into my car there is no response at all...
The only thing I could think was that I didn't put the flat ribbon connection in all the way so I ensured it was in all the way, still not response.
Do you have any idea what could be inhibiting this from working?

[@bearing01]

@curtkenyon You're welcome. That's awesome. /John

[@John23gr]

Hello, I just had the identical problem with my BMW 3 series on-off knob, it no longer pushes in or out, and just spins - radio is off, no volume of course. I thought your video was great. But I need a little more detailed explanation on what was cracked (apparently the white plastic) but I did not understand HOW you fixed the cracked plastic with two screws - you drilled some holes, but where and why? Also, it was not clear how to remove the faceplate - you mentioned one screw only?
John23gr

[@nickhorton785]

The connector for the ribbon the brown holder broke off. I cant seem to fit the brown part back. Could I use super glue perhaps to connect the ribbon? Im sort of at a loss what to do?

[@bearing01]

@jaxsharon What switch?

[@bearing01]

I did call it glue did't I. I normally call it heatsink grease.

[@itemised]

Does anyone know if it works without the faceplate? specifically Aux? Thank you

[@tayagio28]

Hi bearing i have problem with ma esterio x5 2001 after 2 minute shutoff i turn on and again

[@bearing01]

@igotmybfg Awesome. Thanks /John

[@jahjahsounddutchiekilla6426]

thanks