Shifter buttons on steering wheel problem
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Joined: Mar 2004
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2003 E55
Shifter buttons on steering wheel problem
I seem to be having a problem with the shifter buttons on the back of the steering wheel. They don't always seem to work. Sometimes I have to press them numerous times before they will change gears. Is this ever happened to anyone else. Is it something in the switches or is it something more major? The car is a 2003 E55.
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
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From: Denver, CO
Formula Mazda, Beast Junior...400HP 135i
I seem to be having a problem with the shifter buttons on the back of the steering wheel. They don't always seem to work. Sometimes I have to press them numerous times before they will change gears. Is this ever happened to anyone else. Is it something in the switches or is it something more major? The car is a 2003 E55.
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
From: North Europe
E55
I have noticed the same. Randomly it will not respond. The stick left - right shifting is always working.
One thing irritating me is that it is not possible just to press buttons to engage manual shifting, you always have to switch setting on button to manual. Not very convinient when racing in the higways...
One thing irritating me is that it is not possible just to press buttons to engage manual shifting, you always have to switch setting on button to manual. Not very convinient when racing in the higways...
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Joined: Mar 2004
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2003 E55
Blacksport350:
Thanks for the reponse. Are they difficult/expensive to replace? They do seem to work if you press harder a couple times. The car has about 40000 miles on it. I am not sure how much the previous owner used them.
merixus:
I believe on the newer E55 2004+, the buttons are always active when pressed.
Thanks for the reponse. Are they difficult/expensive to replace? They do seem to work if you press harder a couple times. The car has about 40000 miles on it. I am not sure how much the previous owner used them.
merixus:
I believe on the newer E55 2004+, the buttons are always active when pressed.
Last edited by Steve 90TTZ; May 24, 2008 at 03:52 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Denver, CO
Formula Mazda, Beast Junior...400HP 135i
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 8
From: Denver, CO
Formula Mazda, Beast Junior...400HP 135i
Blacksport350:
Thanks for the reponse. Are they difficult/expensive to replace? They do seem to work if you press harder a couple times. The car has about 40000 miles on it. I am not sure how much the previous owner used them.
merixus:
I believe on the newer E55 2004+, the buttons are always active when pressed.
Thanks for the reponse. Are they difficult/expensive to replace? They do seem to work if you press harder a couple times. The car has about 40000 miles on it. I am not sure how much the previous owner used them.
merixus:
I believe on the newer E55 2004+, the buttons are always active when pressed.
Unfortunately, you can only get the buttons with the steering wheel so it is a more involved fix then it should be. On that note, the wheel is very easy to replace.
How mechanically and electronically inclined are you?
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2003 E55
I took the switch out of the wheel (pressure fit) but did not disconnect the wires to the switch. Does the airbag assembly need to be removed? I might try and clean the contacts on the switch.
Steve
Steve
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Denver, CO
Formula Mazda, Beast Junior...400HP 135i
The airbag does need to come out. I pull the airbag by telescoping the wheel all the way forward, I turn on the key, rotate the wheel 90* to the left to loosen the left torx all the way, do the same for the right, recenter the wheel and remove the key. You can then pull the airbag forward enough to easily get to the connectors without disconnecting the bag. To remove the bag all the way, DISCONNECT the battery to avoid the chance of setting a fault code. The two airbag connectors have a center "pin" that gets popped straight back with a small screwdriver and then the connector will unplug. Set the back face up on the passenger floor. Do so at your own risk, airbags are safe when handled properly but are explosive devices.
THe switch is easy to take apart but contact cleaner will probably not fix it. It is so easy that it is worth a try. When you disassemble the switch, there should be a couple of smalls screws to take it apart. Remove the grey button and set it aside as the contact cleaner can damage the finish on this part.
If this doesn't work and you are mechanically inclined, PM me and I will help further.
THe switch is easy to take apart but contact cleaner will probably not fix it. It is so easy that it is worth a try. When you disassemble the switch, there should be a couple of smalls screws to take it apart. Remove the grey button and set it aside as the contact cleaner can damage the finish on this part.
If this doesn't work and you are mechanically inclined, PM me and I will help further.
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2003 E55
Thanks Blacksport350. I tried disassembling the switch and cleaning it while still attached. no go. I ended up removing the switch last night and tested it with a ohm meter. It was not always making contact when the circuit should have been closed. I tried heating up the solder joints and it would be okay until the solder cooled. Any other ideas. I think the switch is screwed as originally mentioned by you, but I would rather pass on buying another steering wheel. I have all of the numbers copied down off the switch etc. but was unable to find anything on the net.
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: San Diego
E55
I have noticed the same. Randomly it will not respond. The stick left - right shifting is always working.
One thing irritating me is that it is not possible just to press buttons to engage manual shifting, you always have to switch setting on button to manual. Not very convinient when racing in the higways...
One thing irritating me is that it is not possible just to press buttons to engage manual shifting, you always have to switch setting on button to manual. Not very convinient when racing in the higways...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
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From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
