Instrument Cluster Dust and Key Fob Damage

[dbs600]

Two problems:

Has anyone ever had dust build up within their instrument cluster, behind the plastic? I just came across a very large dust ball and would like to know how to get rid of it! Note the other small dust particles at the lower edge of the cluster are not readily visible by the naked eye and have only shown up in photos, but the large one within the cluster is obvious.

Otherwise, is the lower metal portion of anyone’s key fob wearing out and showing a copper color underneath? I do not keep a key ring on my key fob and the only time same is put on is at the dealer, where I feel they damage my key each time I visit, as I've noticed that it gets worse with each visit.

Thanks.

[xDrive50i]

Don't recall having seen any dust buildup behind the cover. I'll have a look when I drive the car in half an hour ...

As to the key fob, I do have a ring on it with a tracking device and the pump key fob and don't see any scratches or any kind of damage on it...

You should ask your dealership about this. Also, take a picture of your keyfob BEFORE you bring your car into service next time, so you have a record of what it looked like before... I know that my dealership takes pictures of the car when I drop it off, so why shouldn't we do the same

[xDrive50i]

Actually, the last button looks different on your key fob compared to mine...

The symbol on my key fob looks like a dot with 3 quarter circles in a 30deg angle.

[BMWrules7]

I usually use a Swiffer sheet to get rid of the dust around the cluster.

It works really good to pick up all the dust on the dash, steering wheel, and cluster. Don't use it in on idrive screen. If you use it over the center speaker grill, just use tape from a lint roller to remove fibers that get stuck to the grill.

Now, dust behind the cluster is a problem. I was always under the impression that the cluster was sealed to prevent any potential condensation from forming on the inside lens. Once the condensation forms you would have dried water droplets that would be impossible to clean.

Have you made any complaints or otherwise had any work done on the cluster?

Originally Posted by dbs600

Two problems:

Has anyone ever had dust build up within their instrument cluster, behind the plastic? I just came across a very large dust ball and would like to know how to get rid of it! Note the other small dust particles at the lower edge of the cluster are not readily visible by the naked eye and have only shown up in photos, but the large one within the cluster is obvious.

Otherwise, is the lower metal portion of anyoneÂ’s key fob wearing out and showing a copper color underneath? I do not keep a key ring on my key fob and the only time same is put on is at the dealer, where I feel they damage my key each time I visit, as I've noticed that it gets worse with each visit.

Thanks.

[TheBry]

I use a small (and simple) chain instead of a key ring. I prefer to keep my key in my front pocket, the key ring made an unsightly bulge The chain lays flat.

Also, I've noticed your key has a diamond where mine has a horn symbol. Is that button programmable on your fob? I snapped a quick shot of my key with my iPhone to show you the difference.

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by xDrive50i

As to the key fob, I do have a ring on it with a tracking device and the pump key fob and don't see any scratches or any kind of damage on it.

I think the problem is that I do not keep a key ring / chain of any kind on my key and the dealer's constant attaching and removing of one has caused this, whereas if one already has a key ring / chain, the dealer probably attaches what they need to same and not they key itself; whatever the case, not cool.

Originally Posted by xDrive50i

Actually, the last button looks different on your key fob compared to mine. The symbol on my key fob looks like a dot with 3 quarter circles in a 30deg angle.

Strange; please snap a photo of same and share.

Originally Posted by BMWrules7

Have you made any complaints or otherwise had any work done on the cluster?

No, not that I know of.

Originally Posted by TheBry

Also, I've noticed your key has a diamond where mine has a horn symbol. Is that button programmable on your fob?

You'd think the symbol means it's programable, right!? But, no, not to my knowledge, as all it does on my car is activate the alarm. I WISH I would be able to fold in the side view mirrors! I wonder what accounts for the differences between xDrive's, yours and mine...?

[the-pm]

Originally Posted by dbs600

I WISH I would be able to fold in the side view mirrors! I wonder what accounts for the differences between xDrive's, yours and mine...?

You can fold the mirrors by pressing and holding the lock button when you lock the car.

[dbs600]

Originally Posted by the-pm

You can fold the mirrors by pressing and holding the lock button when you lock the car.

Not in the United States; our programining is different.

[Jblackbelt]

the last button is for a convience key. they changed it from the panic key at least in 2012, if not before. hitting that button brings on the pathway lighting of the car. if you hold it in, it sounds the alarm

[dbs600]

I found this version as well. So what are the differences between the three? xDrive's is the 'signal transmission' (MY2009) , mine is the diamond (MY2011), and Bry's is the horn (MY2012)...

[xDrive50i]

^^^ That's what mine looks like

[Jblackbelt]

there is only two versions of the key...see my post above for the explanation.

[TheBry]

Originally Posted by Jblackbelt

there is only two versions of the key...see my post above for the explanation.

Well, there may be only two sets of features available for the key (per your post) but there are certainly more than two versions of the key -- there are three different versions photographed in this thread alone (MY2009, MY2011, MY2012 are all different "looking").