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      09-15-2019, 07:21 AM   #1
Ryno 27
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Ceramic Controls retrofit

Here in the USA, the ceramic controls are unfortunately not an option. Has anyone done this mod? I really prefer the look and feel of the ceramic controls.
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      09-16-2019, 11:22 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryno 27 View Post
Here in the USA, the ceramic controls are unfortunately not an option. Has anyone done this mod? I really prefer the look and feel of the ceramic controls.
I purchased a I-Drive controller out of the G30 Classifieds section and swapped it out in about 30 minutes. I love the look and feel.
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      09-16-2019, 12:38 PM   #3
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I'm really thinking of doing this too. I also want to add the ceramic controls for the climate controls front and back. I wish there was a DYI for this, so I can feel more comfortable buying the parts used.
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      09-20-2019, 01:22 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BeamerandBimmer View Post
I purchased a I-Drive controller out of the G30 Classifieds section and swapped it out in about 30 minutes. I love the look and feel.
Can you describe the basics of the install process, please.

// EDIT: ordered one new since I have to replace the trim piece it sits since I scratched it (again) in this M5--WTF, how the hell do I keep scratching it--the labor to replace the trim exposes the iDrive controller so what the heck.

PS: I LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUV my 2020 tech.

Last edited by limeypride; 09-21-2019 at 12:20 AM..
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      10-10-2019, 01:43 PM   #5
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Here's the end result:

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      10-10-2019, 03:41 PM   #6
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Now you need to do the NBT controls as well
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      10-10-2019, 04:16 PM   #7
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Now you need to do the NBT controls as well
Which ones? The volume and tuning dials do you mean?
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      10-10-2019, 08:36 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by limeypride View Post
Can you describe the basics of the install process, please.

// EDIT: ordered one new since I have to replace the trim piece it sits since I scratched it (again) in this M5--WTF, how the hell do I keep scratching it--the labor to replace the trim exposes the iDrive controller so what the heck.

PS: I LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUV my 2020 tech.
Sorry I didn't get back to you. It's fairly simple but its easy to scratch the trim.

Looks sharp.
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      10-10-2019, 11:06 PM   #9
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I wish I hadn't seen a car with ceramic controls today, the feel really is night and day compare to the plastic silver. The controller feels heavy while you're using it too. Did a search for the controller and an OE costs about $500 when the option was $650 for the whole package
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      10-10-2019, 11:09 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach550 View Post
I wish I hadn't seen a car with ceramic controls today, the feel really is night and day compare to the plastic silver. The controller feels heavy while you're using it too. Did a search for the controller and an OE costs about $500 when the option was $650 for the whole package
Well put--it's heavy and mechanically pleasing to rotate or jog. The look is a huge step up, too.

Why this isn't standard boggles the mind on cars like these.
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      10-11-2019, 08:32 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by limeypride View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach550 View Post
I wish I hadn't seen a car with ceramic controls today, the feel really is night and day compare to the plastic silver. The controller feels heavy while you're using it too. Did a search for the controller and an OE costs about $500 when the option was $650 for the whole package
Well put--it's heavy and mechanically pleasing to rotate or jog. The look is a huge step up, too.

Why this isn't standard boggles the mind on cars like these.
It will on 2021 production, so you can jump the gun again.
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      10-11-2019, 08:37 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
It will on 2021 production, so you can jump the gun again.


But are you being serious?
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      10-11-2019, 09:18 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by limeypride View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
It will on 2021 production, so you can jump the gun again.


But are you being serious?
Knowing how BMW is, it is greatly possible.

Like F97/F98 X3M/X4M, they just added CF Strut Tower Bar on Mid October production.

And added M Seatbelt on Mid September production.
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      10-12-2019, 12:45 AM   #14
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🤦*♂️, seriously? Who cares about ceramic controls? It’s so interesting how people create problems for themselves out of nothing. 😅 Enjoy your plain controllers as they don’t leave finger prints and look cleaner! How do they feel? I have both, ceramic and regular in my cars and they feel exactly the same...
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      10-12-2019, 09:31 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by av.7447 View Post
🤦*♂️, seriously? Who cares about ceramic controls? It’s so interesting how people create problems for themselves out of nothing. 😅 Enjoy your plain controllers as they don’t leave finger prints and look cleaner! How do they feel? I have both, ceramic and regular in my cars and they feel exactly the same...
I do.
I will.
I don't care.
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      10-12-2019, 10:05 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by av.7447 View Post
🤦*♂️, seriously? Who cares about ceramic controls? It’s so interesting how people create problems for themselves out of nothing. 😅 Enjoy your plain controllers as they don’t leave finger prints and look cleaner! How do they feel? I have both, ceramic and regular in my cars and they feel exactly the same...
Agreed, not that big of a deal, however, having a M550 with ceramic controls and now a M5c without, they absolutely do feel different. But again not a deal breaker. If one can elect the option, I say yes go for it because it adds a more luxurious higher-end look and feel to the interior
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      03-26-2020, 04:21 PM   #17
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I managed to buy one for 220 on eBay a little while back. Perfect condition, likely pulled from another car, who knows. Simple replacement, looks/feels so much better than the standard one and works perfectly.
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      03-26-2020, 11:13 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by limeypride View Post
Well put--it's heavy and mechanically pleasing to rotate or jog. The look is a huge step up, too.

Why this isn't standard boggles the mind on cars like these.
Actually, it is possible to special order ceramic controls (Option 4U1 US$600) on USA market MY2020 F90 M5, as well as the laser headlights (Option 5AZ US$1200).

It seems to depend on the motivation/clout/luck of your CA, and unfortunately, one apparently has to commit to buying a car before getting a commitment that the factory will install these options.

Don't know why they make it so hard on their the largest and most important market for ///M cars. They seem to be perfectly happy to sell these as standard options in other countries.
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      03-26-2020, 11:19 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by S91320 View Post
Actually, it is possible to special order ceramic controls (Option 4U1 US$600) on USA market MY2020 F90 M5, as well as the laser headlights (Option 5AZ US$1200).

It seems to depend on the motivation/clout/luck of your CA, and unfortunately, one apparently has to commit to buying a car before getting a commitment that the factory will install these options.

Don't know why they make it so hard on their the largest and most important market for ///M cars. They seem to be perfectly happy to sell these as standard options in other countries.
I didn't know it was an option--neither did my sales guy at the time since I asked (repeatedly). Good to know, though.

The M8 I have now kinda renders it moot since the jog dial is so different. Certainly feels more modern but I'd say it could still benefit from the ceramic treatment.
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      03-27-2020, 04:20 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S91320 View Post
Actually, it is possible to special order ceramic controls (Option 4U1 US$600) on USA market MY2020 F90 M5, as well as the laser headlights (Option 5AZ US$1200).

It seems to depend on the motivation/clout/luck of your CA, and unfortunately, one apparently has to commit to buying a car before getting a commitment that the factory will install these options.

Don't know why they make it so hard on their the largest and most important market for ///M cars. They seem to be perfectly happy to sell these as standard options in other countries.
I don't know man - I tried and tried when I made my order. I even cut and pasted instructions from this forum and sent it to my CA. He had no luck...none whatsoever. this was from Valencia BMW so not a small dealership either.
I was really pushing for the ceramic controls but no luck.
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      03-30-2020, 10:51 PM   #21
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Originally Posted by DNGRTOM View Post
I don't know man - I tried and tried when I made my order. I even cut and pasted instructions from this forum and sent it to my CA. He had no luck...none whatsoever. this was from Valencia BMW so not a small dealership either.
I was really pushing for the ceramic controls but no luck.
That is a bummer. I don't know what determines who succeeds and who fails, but one of their nearest competitors was able to deliver both of these options.
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      04-02-2020, 10:35 AM   #22
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I found the part on eBay for $240 in perfect condition and bought it, definitely worth $240 for me and easy install.
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