There is an empty switch slot next to the fog light switch. Does anyone know what this slot is for? I want to move my tire pressure switch to that location. However, the tire pressure switch is smaller than the empty slot. The tire pressure switch looks out of place in the factory location. I was hoping to buy a switch for the empty slot and rewire the tire pressure switch to it. Wondering if this is possible.
I'm going to use the empty spot for a switch for other gadgets.
You can see the wire harness from this hole so it should be easy to re-route that wire up to that spot.
Might I suggest you use a blade, drill or dremel to carefully route a hold out of that "blank hole cover" to mount the tire switch into?
You can buy replacement "blank hole covers" from your friendly BMW parts department for only a few dollars. Wise for if you slip while cutting. Also good if you want to go back to the way it was before.
My question to you is... what do you plan to do with the hole you create in the lower panel after removing the button?
The blank plate is there because all instrument binnacles on E39 5 series cars are the same. On the lesser (non-M) models, there is a rotary switch in that position which controls the dip angle for the headlights. Since the M5 has auto-levelling lights, this is redundant and not used on our cars.
I would not recommend relocating the tpc switch. You can, use that space for a number of aftermarket switches. I have my Lidatek jammer switch installed there - here is a photo:
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Ashok
2002 E39 Carbonblack/Caramel M5 (best car I ever owned)
2005 E60 Blue Onyx/Caramel/Light Figured Ash M5 (worst car I ever owned)
2007 E90 Montego Blue/Black Alpina D3 (sublime) Let me tell you what SMG stands for...
... That's similar to what I'm planning to use that space for, however I have found a semi-flush all-black plastic switch to use that will blend with the other panel switches... I'll try to post some pics when my project is done.
Oh, and by the way, you can use the tire pressure push-button as a momentary-contact button for any other device that requries a momentary contact (especially since we rarely have to use that button anyway). I plan to use a wire connector from a computer motherboard, one that usually connects the red & black speaker wire to the mobo (two pins) - it will plug right into the back of the tire pressure switch - the third pin on the switch is simply for 12v to light up the little tire icon at night. I left that pin open, no need to light up the tire icon, especially while the switch doesn't perform its usual function!
(leave the wire harness in the hole for periodic hook-up and usage as necessary when changing tire pressures).
If it helps anyone - I have also spyed out a location to install gadget switches... In the blank panel to the left of the useless cupholders.
If you remove the front cupholders you will see that there is an opening leading under the dashboard at the upper part of that blank panel. This is a good location because if you make a mistake, or want to "uninstall" your switch(es) then you can simply replace the front cupholders and you're back to stock...
I have the V1 remote volume/power control knob from Beastpower (AI Designs custom I believe) in that spot and I love it. Very subtle and exact color as the rest of the dash.
I have the V1 remote volume/power control knob from Beastpower (AI Designs custom I believe) in that spot and I love it. Very subtle and exact color as the rest of the dash.
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Regards,
Marion
ACS Roof Spoiler
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Also good if you want to go back to the way it was before.
I have a spare center panel wood trim without a tire pressure hole.
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