FLSL55

The button itself feels sticky. The coating seems to have broken down.

Is the button easy to remove and replace? Anyone done this here?

diablo2112

This is a very common problem in European cars. The BMW and Ferrari interiors eventually peel away. BMW has stated the cause is hand and suntan lotions. Won't help your current circumstance, but at least you'll know what causes it. I'm fairly careful with the interior soft coatings on my cars now knowing this.

Sgooter

In case anyone else has this "sticky button" problem: I applied Goo Gone and the gunk slowly broke down enough to use a microfiber cloth to rub/wipe it off. Took about 30 minutes of several repeat applications of Goo Gone and light to moderate pressure wiping, but eventually it worked. All clean and smooth now and the button symbols are fine.
Had the same problem with the headlight switch panel on my '08 E350.
Not sure what useful purpose is served by the rubbery surface, especially if it breaks down and becomes very sticky over time.

OCKlasse

That "coating" is in fact just caked up dirt. Disgusting, I know.

Tough elbow grease with a good all purpose cleaner will remove all of it.

Sgooter

I come to forums to share, to help, and to discover. From the above post, I have now discovered the merits of the Ignore setting in the User Control Panel.
Thanks

OCKlasse

Quite douchey if I must say so myself.

What merits your knowledge? I used a good all purpose cleaner and a microfiber towel to remove years of the buildup from my buttons. Oils and dirt coagulate and turn into this disgusting coating on the buttons. I doubt it's actually a factory coating being removed.

ajr62

happens as a natural deterioration of the material used for and/or on the buttons. goo gone works really well to dislodge the goo. i followed up with 91% isopropyl alcohol and the goo gone and the goo came off easily. typical 70% alcohol sold in drug stores won't work, needs to be 90+%, also can be purchased at the drug store. now good as new!