Radio Knob gummy

I was wondering if anyone else has the same problem I have with my stereo knob.
It's seems like it is all gummed up and melting somehow. Feels sticky and leaves black residue on my fingers when I use it.
Has anyone ever replaced this? Is it even possible?




One other off topic question I was looking in my glove box and I noticed on the inside top there is a little compartment door and when I open it there is a sort of sensor or fiber optic with a red light on the tip.
Any idea what that is?

Originally Posted by Nitrogen

One other off topic question I was looking in my glove box and I noticed on the inside top there is a little compartment door and when I open it there is a sort of sensor or fiber optic with a red light on the tip.
Any idea what that is?

That is a fiber connector for programming the main computer for the dealer. There is nothing we can do with it.

You can order the knob separately for about $8. It's part #2 in this diagram.

Originally Posted by Yorgi

You can order the knob separately for about $8. It's part #2 in this diagram.

Great thanks Yorgi , i'm gonna order it now. Only problem is getting to it.

On my previous porsche the rubberized button was just a "cover" that you could pull off. I wonder if this is the same?

Many would repair it by putting it on the end of a pencil and dipping it into a can of black plastidip. For $8 the part is a viable option.

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Little off topic but related...
My button for the drivers window, and the nav button next to the round part on Idrive - both have done edges worn white (they are black).
Options?

Got my knob today looks a little different than the one on there now.
Anyone know how to change this thing out ?

I am scared to guess with your knob, but if I had to make an assumption it would be that it pulls straight off...

I don't know it seems as if it will break off and if the new one is not the same then what? It's also a push button to mute the radio when looking at this new one I don't know how that would work.

Here's my current knob

Tried to pull on it looks like its gonna snap off .

I have never seen a knob that does not pull straight off.

Don't worry about affecting the knobs functionality. The part you are changing is just a rubber cover attached to the metal shaft of a potentiometer, which looks something like this:

Thanks yorgi not to worried about functionality as you said it's a potentiometer. It's not really pulling its doing more of stretching. I don't want it to break off and have the rest stay inside. I would rather pull the front cover off and see what's inside. Do you know where the hidden screws are to pull this thing apart?

Originally Posted by Nitrogen

Thanks yorgi not to worried about functionality as you said it's potentiometer. It's not really pulling its doing more of stretching. I don't want it to break off and have the rest stay inside. I would rather pull the front cover off and see what's inside. Do you know where the hidden screws are to pull this thing apart?

There are several threads around on removing the radio.

I believe you carefully remove the Hazard/door lock switch and there is one screw behind there. I think everything else is snap in.

Don't pull it apart. In the interest of board solidarity I just pulled off my knob. I can confirm a solid yank will yield positive results....

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Originally Posted by tampamark

Don't pull it apart. In the interest of board solidarity I just pulled off my knob. I can confirm a solid yank will yield positive results....

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Nice, thanks Mark. I was about to try the same thing, you saved me the effort.

Originally Posted by Yorgi

Nice, thanks Mark. I was about to try the same thing, you saved me the effort.

haha, beat you to the punch! My human techron, Vodka, gave me the bravery to give it a try

Originally Posted by tampamark

haha, beat you to the punch! My human techron, Vodka, gave me the bravery to give it a try

LOL, my enabling poison at the moment is Chivas Regal 18.

Originally Posted by tampamark

Don't pull it apart. In the interest of board solidarity I just pulled off my knob. I can confirm a solid yank will yield positive results....

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Nice one Mark. Now that's a solid board member. Taking apart his car to confirm how to change a part!

While it's off, I know where you can get a great deal on a gummy knob replacement.

Originally Posted by Yorgi

LOL, my enabling poison at the moment is Chivas Regal 18.

I wish I had known, I thought you only drank beer!

I would have done better...

Originally Posted by Yorgi

LOL, my enabling poison at the moment is Chivas Regal 18.

Nice!

Originally Posted by roseng

Nice one Mark. Now that's a solid board member. Taking apart his car to confirm how to change a part!

While it's off, I know where you can get a great deal on a gummy knob replacement.

That knob picture was all tore up! Nitrogen must have sandpaper for fingers...

Originally Posted by roseng

I wish I had known, I thought you only drank beer!

I would have done better...

Beer good, Scotch better.

Next time.

Originally Posted by tampamark

Don't pull it apart. In the interest of board solidarity I just pulled off my knob. I can confirm a solid yank will yield positive results....

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Bimmer App

Ouch! Thanks for the heads up Mark.

Originally Posted by Yorgi

LOL, my enabling poison at the moment is Chivas Regal 18.

Fine choice of liquor Yorgi as my dad just bought the same

Sand paper fingers huh I should have used that as my name not nitro. It looks bad because its almost as if it melted. I pulled on it and it was about to tear off. So I stopped I pulled it all apart and took some pics.

Bottom line the new knob is not the same and will not fit correctly.
Don't know why it calls for part 65 12 6 923 294 it's to short.

Originally Posted by Nitrogen

Sand paper fingers huh I should have used that as my name not nitro. It looks bad because its almost as if it melted. I pulled on it and it was about to tear off. So I stopped I pulled it all apart and took some pics.

Bottom line the new knob is not the same and will not fit correctly.
Don't know why it calls for part 65 12 6 923 294 it's to short.

That sucks. How old is your car?