E30 OBC buttons

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camcc
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Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:42 pm

Maybe this should be in the Technical section (I don't know) but is it possible to replace just one button or buttons on an OBC?

My 'CONSUM' button is quite worn (obviously the previous owner was a bit consumption obsessive) so instead of spending a load on buying a working OBC, could I buy a faulty one and rape it for the buttons to put in my working OBC?

Maybe it's too much hassle!
Speedtouch
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Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:54 pm

You could rebuild your one, but they're quite complex inside.

You may be better off refurbishing the existing CONSUM button.
///M aurice
ECU Upgrade EPROM Chips, £40 posted within the UK. Note these are not Zone chips.
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batleyrhino
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Wed Jan 16, 2013 10:59 pm

Just tipex the word back on and BINGO, problem solved.... :D
pukar
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Wed Jan 16, 2013 11:19 pm

i'm pretty sure that consum is backlit with the black around it being the "mask"....so, the black has worn off.
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Gavla
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Wed Jan 16, 2013 11:58 pm

You won't be able to replace just 1 button unfortunately, they are all connected on 1 rubber pad.
pukar wrote:consum is backlit with the black around it .
Maybe pukar can do these?
pukar
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Thu Jan 17, 2013 12:41 am

i've been trying to think how this could be possible...

perhaps a mask of the letters which you could spray matt black over, then peel off the pask would be the best solution. the main problem is going to be getting a decal mask that small. it would not be possible to cut into regular vinyl. the only other option would be a custom transfer like "lettraset" but once sprayed over, it might be difficult to lift the lettraset easily and leave clean lines.....especially if the "paint" on the buttons is textured.

i could possibly produce a sticker which is black on clear vinyl to go over your button? don't know how it will look compared to the others, and not entirely sure if i can print that small, also i think the buttons are rounded as well, so would have to just sit on top and not wrap around the whole button....

if someone has a spare rubber pad knocking around, then perhaps they could send it to me. it might not work at all, but on the other hand, it might sort out the age old problem of button wear on these units (i have a six button unit which does not have any text on the buttons...an advantage methinks!)
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camcc
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Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:18 am

pukar, you are absolutely right, the black has worn off and the button has turned white.

Amazing idea about producing a sticker but I wonder whether it would be easier to just buy a fault OBC, take both apart and swap out the button pad?

If I source and buy a faulty OBC I will send you the pad I'm left with!
1989 325i Convertible
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camcc
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Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:19 am

batleyrhino wrote:Just tipex the word back on and BINGO, problem solved.... :D
Ha!
pukar
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Thu Jan 17, 2013 2:00 pm

cheers cam cc....pm me if you have any scraps!

ta!
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