Shifter Button Broken
 

I just picked up my new-to-me 2008 X5 that was purchased at a dealer auction in Florida. Now I'm in the process of doing everything needed top bring it to perfect condition. Luckily for me, it's in fantastic shape, with just a few broken/missing plastic bits here and there, plus needing an overall service.

One item has me pretty stumped:

When I first saw the car, the button for the left side of the shifter was sitting in the cup holder. Uh-Oh. I examined the button, and saw one of the corner tabs looked like it was broken off. I was able to wiggle it back in, but it's kind of loose and looks like it will fall out again.

Real Oem does not show this button as a separately available part. They show a "Repair Kit for the Gear Selector Switch Cover" (Part No. 61316975467 $67.13) which appears to show the silver cover, and the display lens, but there's no sign of it includes the button. And even if I was able to buy the button, I have no idea if this will do the trick...is the button supposed to be permanently attached internally. If I could get the button, is this possible to fix??? I'm REALY hoping I don't need to replace the very expensive shifter to fix a little button.

Anyone been down this road that can offer any help?

The button is not an individual item and is part of the assembly; the expensive part. You might try to see what a salvage yard wants for one. It may not be much cheaper but worth a shot.

I was able to operate the shifter without the button on at all. If I stuck my finger into the hole, there's a button inside. It seems that the button you normally press is a cover for the internal momentary contact switch. Even with the loose button, the shifter functions normally.

The majority of the shifter is not considered a serviceable part and thus parts are not sold separately except for the cover and the front display.

You can check eBay for a replacement.
2008 BMW x5 Gear Shifter Selector Switch iDrive Controler CIC | eBay
BMW E70 x5 E71 x6 Genuine M Shifter Trim Shift Knob New 2007 Up | eBay

You could find one that has other damage and use it to repair yours or repair the replacement or buy a functional replacement.

If I replace the shifter, will it need to be coded to the car?