Climate control panel

[chrisn7]

Maybe a couple of weeks ago the MAX button just fell off, as it appears that 2 out of 3 of the fine plastic retaining lips were broken off. I duly repaired it, and figured that the buttons should be fitted from behind to prevent these lips getting broken off again.

Released the climate panel, and as it was removed, another button off! Well I then checked them all, and no less than 6 are damaged. Rather strange, unless they were fitted in a ham-fisted way in the first place. Still, this panel has been out before, as I also found the drivers side heater temp sensor rattling away below the climate panel, and completely out of its hole, but luckily no damage. Hope this cures the sensation of low heat in the driver footwell...

I did take the opportunity to clean the little fan and the cabin temp sensor behind the climate panel fascia as they get quite dirty, so it wasn't time wasted, but I don't recommend dismantling it unless you have to as the little contacts behind all the buttons are very fiddly.

Are dodgy buttons a common problem?

[Horizon]

Yes, it is a common problem. You can buy a replacement set from BMW for around £120 
There are sellers on EBay that sell good used ones. I replaced a few on mine, bought them off a member on here who's mate was breaking an E39 5 series.