Multifunction Steering Wheel Buttons and Knobs for BMW 3 Series F30/M3 F80 (2011 to 2019)

DIY-Tutorial

What you'll need: T20 Torx screwdriver, thin Torx-style tool (for the airbag springs), small tray or cup for screws.

1. Safety first: Disconnect your battery before touching anything on the steering wheel. Wait at least 1 minute after disconnecting to let the airbag system fully discharge.


2. Find the airbag access holes
On the back of the steering wheel, look for the access holes at roughly the 4:40 position (these are not the holes sitting directly behind the buttons, we will get to them later). Insert your thin tool and angle it until you feel the spring.

Once you feel the spring, push it in. The airbag releases on that side. Do the same on the other side and the airbag pops right out.




3. Unplug and set the airbag aside
Pull the connector clip to unplug the airbag from its harness. Set it face-up on a flat, stable surface. Never lay an airbag face-down or leave it somewhere it could fall.

4. Remove the upper trim panel
Use your T20 to remove the 2 screws on the upper trim panel surrounding the airbag cover (one left and one right). Watch out for the cable running through that area. There's also a screw on the back of the wheel — get that one out too before pulling the trim off.





5. Unscrew the switch panel
Turn the wheel slightly to get better access to the steering wheel switch panel screw from the back (one on each side). Remove it with the T20 and drop it in your tray.




6. Take apart the button panel
Pull the panel out and flip it over. You'll see three screws — remove all three. The button assembly will fall right out.



Then, using a flat screwdriver, push the buttons from behind until they unclip.




7. Reassemble in reverse order
Screw the button panel back together (3 screws):




Reinstall the buttons switch panel (back screws):




Then the upper trim (2 front screws and 1 back screw):




Plug the airbag back in, align it with the pointy end facing up, and press it in until it clicks.




8. Reconnect and test
Plug the battery back in. You may get a prompt to reset the time on your iDrive — that's normal. Turn the wheel all the way left then all the way right to reset the system, then test your steering wheel buttons to confirm everything works. iDrive path: My Vehicle → iDrive Settings → Date & Time → Automatic Time Settings.