Rear upper hatch switch button not working - tips?

[Effduration]

Originally Posted by g300d

Yes this is what I need! But what is confusing is if you google the part number what comes up is that the OE part comes with the trim right above it that needs to be painted to match. And it looks like they are bonded together?



The Ebay part you linked is just the bottom part, doesnt come with the upper trim like the OE part



How is the Ebay part installed? I thought the painted upper trim piece was bonded to the unpainted bottom switch/plate light panel? How did you separate your existing painted upper trim from your old part and put it on to your new unpainted switch/plate light panel?

Yes, my recollection is that the upper chrome-colored plastic trim is attached to the black plastic part with 2-sided trim tape. So I carefully pried it apart and I was able to get them separated with breaking either. I bought some 3M branded 2-sided trim tape and reinstalled the chrome-colored trim onto the new part...No painting.

I looked online at 2005 and 2006 X5's and it seems to me you should be able to do the same thing with your existing color-matched outer trim.

[wpoll]

Would dental floss be a good way to "cut" the 3M mounting tape, when removing the factory painted trim piece?

[g300d]

Gents, thanks for confirming my understanding on how this part is built

Originally Posted by wpoll

Would dental floss be a good way to "cut" the 3M mounting tape, when removing the factory painted trim piece?

Thats one way to try.

Also thinking of just cutting up the old unpainted portion with the dremel to make it easier to strip off the painted part?

[Fifty150hs]

Comes as a single part. You paint to match. Unscrews from the hatch, then wires unplug. I replaced mine a few months ago. Never seen one with chrome on it.

[Clavurion]

I've done this a few times and replaced the original painted cover piece. There are three versions available: base painted, black plastic and chrome plated. Check which one is currently the cheapest if you plan to use just the core with original painted cover. They are connected with visible plastic tabs, two in the middle and one on each end. You have to pry and keep them open with for example pieces of plastic card. Then there are two glued points between lights and screw holes. When removing think it like a rolling motion while prying and separating the glued points while keeping the plastic tabs free at the same time.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by Clavurion

I've done this a few times and replaced the original painted cover piece. There are three versions available: base painted, black plastic and chrome plated. Check which one is currently the cheapest if you plan to use just the core with original painted cover. They are connected with visible plastic tabs, two in the middle and one on each end. You have to pry and keep them open with for example pieces of plastic card. Then there are two glued points between lights and screw holes. When removing think it like a rolling motion while prying and separating the glued points while keeping the plastic tabs free at the same time.

Sounds like something you'd need four hands for!

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

Sounds like something you'd need four hands for!

Slices of plastic card will keep the plastic tabs unlocked while you pry out the glued points. Though wouldn't hurt to have some extra hands. And warming up those parts makes it a bit easier.