E46 issues... GRRRR!!!!

[TroyV]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh ... ?t=1416939

For anyone looking for the root cause...I did an autopsy of the old switch..

[John F]

Nice job, Troy! You ought to send a copy to the dealer. It's amazing how many design engineers are so distanced from the actual conditions their design has to meet. They just work to a spec. It's a slick design, but is definitely lacking weather protection.
Did you do anything about sealing the replacement now that you know the cause?

[TroyV]

I just covered over the top seam with water proof gaff tape. The bottom and latch side of the housing is open so you can't really keep moisture from gathering up there from condensation. If there there was a reliable way of pulling the housing apart without breaking it, you could put paint or sealer over the pickups, but I didn't to risk damaging it.