What are these blank buttons for? - New 2009 2010 BMW Z4

BMWCali · 02-05-2013, 02:02 AM

See the below image. What option is missing on this car that would give it a working button for the button in between the heated seat button and the park assist button, as well as the blank spot on the other side?

Seems like the perfect spot for a ventilated seats button, but I don't think you can get ventilated seats on the Z4?

morfinx · 02-05-2013, 02:07 AM

I could be wrong but I don't think those spaces are used for anything. And ventilated seats are not available on the Z4.

BMWCali · 02-05-2013, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morfinx

I could be wrong but I don't think those spaces are used for anything. And ventilated seats are not available on the Z4.

That sucks! Why would it be designed with blank buttons? There must be some purpose to it. Perhaps a euro-only option? Still would like to know what it is.

Would be so fantastic if BMW adds ventilated seats for the 2014. They added front parking sensors, so it seems to reason they might of added a few other goodies, too!

ManiacGT · 02-05-2013, 04:05 AM

There are, as far as I know, no uses for these blank buttons. They may have been designed for features that were in the end never used or indeed for retrofit options should they be developed later.

Asbjorn · 02-05-2013, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCali

They added front parking sensors, so it seems to reason they might of added a few other goodies, too!

Mine has both front and rear parking sensors?

Anyway, I could also be wrong, but I think blank buttons are normal on most cars. Like if the car has auto-leveling headlamps then there will be no need for a switch to adjust that manually and therefore a blank spot.

VailM3 · 02-05-2013, 04:38 AM

I have Euro Z4 35iS with all options. I have these 2 as missing on my car. So far as i know there is no options that use those buttons.$

Also all cars have front and rear parking sensors except the US models. Why I dont know.

BMWCali · 02-05-2013, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VailM3

I have Euro Z4 35iS with all options. I have these 2 as missing on my car. So far as i know there is no options that use those buttons.$

Also all cars have front and rear parking sensors except the US models. Why I dont know.

Wow, that's ridiculous. Why would they design a car with two empty buttons when they could just remove them all together?

And yes, the euro-spec Z4 has had the parking sensors for a while, but the US is just now getting them starting with the 2014 model.

ManiacGT · 02-05-2013, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCali

Wow, that's ridiculous. Why would they design a car with two empty buttons when they could just remove them all together?

To be honest, I really don't think its that important.

Frogg · 02-05-2013, 05:53 AM

I think too... The plate is for several car, same has e9x series for exemple...

BMWCali · 02-05-2013, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

To be honest, I really don't think its that important.

Totally difference of opinion. I think it's incredibly important and indicative of other decisions BMW might of made with the car. Instead of recycling parts from other models, they should of make it perfectly for this car. Instead of adding in blank buttons, why not just stretch the size of the buttons and either make the heated seat buttons larger or the open and close top buttons larger. What would that of cost BMW? All of about 5 cents per button to produce them larger.

ManiacGT · 02-05-2013, 07:11 AM

I see your perspective and your opinion. I envy you if this is what concerns you though, I have much larger concerns in my life than the size of buttons on a car.

BMWCali · 02-05-2013, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

I see your perspective and your opinion. I envy you if this is what concerns you though, I have much larger concerns in my life than the size of buttons on a car.

I probably do, too, I'm just a perfectionist and believe that design should be very well thought out. Seems like BMW did a great job on the Z4, but missed this part of it. I strive to live my life to a level of top excellence in everything I do (whether it's running a business or just cleaning up a mess on the table), thus I tend to like the products I buy to match that MO.

SchweiZ4 · 02-05-2013, 10:00 AM

It is designed for "ejection seat" option, available with the "Emergency pack".
Left blank button for driver seat, and right blank button for passenger seat.
Only working with the roof open.

Maybe it is just designed if you need add you own option button:
like Remote exhaust valve switch or Universal Garage door remote.

laz4 · 02-05-2013, 10:49 AM

[quote=BMWCali]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VailM3

I have Euro Z4 35iS with all options. I have these 2 as missing on my car. So far as i know there is no options that use those buttons.$

Also all cars have front and rear parking sensors except the US models. Why I dont know.

Quote:

Wow, that's ridiculous. Why would they design a car with two empty buttons when they could just remove them all together?

And yes, the euro-spec Z4 has had the parking sensors for a while, but the US is just now getting them starting with the 2014 model.

Not true. US cars have already had front and rear parking sensors as an option. I have them.

ManiacGT · 02-05-2013, 11:15 AM

I do find it amusing when NON OWNERS tell us what is and is not on the cars we own... Its "FACT" until we point out it isn't...

SchweiZ4 · 02-05-2013, 11:52 AM

It must be sad to wander on Bimmer forums with no bmw .. and a cancelled order ..
Now, criticizing Z4.. U mad bro?

nicknaz · 02-05-2013, 01:11 PM

those buttons for the "NOS" option for people who live life a 1/4 mile at a time

BMWCali · 02-05-2013, 04:03 PM

[quote=laz4;13429480]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCali

Not true. US cars have already had front and rear parking sensors as an option. I have them.

Oops. My mistake then! Sorry about that.

BMWCali · 02-05-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

I do find it amusing when NON OWNERS tell us what is and is not on the cars we own... Its "FACT" until we point out it isn't...

Point well taken. You're right!

Frogg · 02-05-2013, 07:47 PM

curious thread!

tirider2 · 02-05-2013, 09:40 PM

they are blanks in case you want to run wires for an aftermarket switch, such as an audio add,etc.

BMWCali · 02-05-2013, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tirider2

they are blanks in case you want to run wires for an aftermarket switch, such as an audio add,etc.

And where would you get the non-blank buttons that perfectly fit?

02-05-2013, 02:02 AM	#1
BMWCali Expect the Unusual Drives: 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 1,207 iTrader: (1)	What are these blank buttons for? See the below image. What option is missing on this car that would give it a working button for the button in between the heated seat button and the park assist button, as well as the blank spot on the other side? Seems like the perfect spot for a ventilated seats button, but I don't think you can get ventilated seats on the Z4? __________________ 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 Estoril Blue \| Coral Red Leather \| Aluminum Hexagon Trim w/Blue Highlight M Sport Package \| M Brakes \| Technology Package \| Premium Package \| Dynamic Handling Package \| Driver Assistance Package \| Sport AT \| Harman Kardon Surround Sound \| Automatic High Beams \| Parking Assistant Ordered: July 3, 2012 \| Production Start: TBD \| Delivered: TBD
	Tweet

02-05-2013, 02:07 AM	#2
morfinx Shenanigans Drives: E89 Z4 sDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,097 iTrader: (0)	I could be wrong but I don't think those spaces are used for anything. And ventilated seats are not available on the Z4. __________________ E89 Z4 sDrive35i 7DCT "Zayna", Alpine White/Coral Red E92 335i 6MT "Calixta", Space Grey/Coral Red [Retired]

02-05-2013, 04:05 AM	#4
ManiacGT Captain Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 810 iTrader: (0)	There are, as far as I know, no uses for these blank buttons. They may have been designed for features that were in the end never used or indeed for retrofit options should they be developed later. __________________ BMW Z4 E89 sDrive35i Mods: Stubby! LED Halos! DVDInMotion! GolfT! SmartTop! BMW Performance 313 Alloys! http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=265084

02-05-2013, 07:11 AM	#11
ManiacGT Captain Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 810 iTrader: (0)	I see your perspective and your opinion. I envy you if this is what concerns you though, I have much larger concerns in my life than the size of buttons on a car. __________________ BMW Z4 E89 sDrive35i Mods: Stubby! LED Halos! DVDInMotion! GolfT! SmartTop! BMW Performance 313 Alloys! http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=265084

02-05-2013, 11:15 AM	#15
ManiacGT Captain Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 810 iTrader: (0)	I do find it amusing when NON OWNERS tell us what is and is not on the cars we own... Its "FACT" until we point out it isn't... __________________ BMW Z4 E89 sDrive35i Mods: Stubby! LED Halos! DVDInMotion! GolfT! SmartTop! BMW Performance 313 Alloys! http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=265084

02-05-2013, 04:38 AM	#6
VailM3 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Geneva Switzerland Posts: 251 iTrader: (0)	I have Euro Z4 35iS with all options. I have these 2 as missing on my car. So far as i know there is no options that use those buttons.$ Also all cars have front and rear parking sensors except the US models. Why I dont know.

02-05-2013, 05:53 AM	#9
Frogg Private Drives: Z4 e89 red pearl/Black roof Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: France, Nice Posts: 73 iTrader: (0)	I think too... The plate is for several car, same has e9x series for exemple...

02-05-2013, 10:00 AM	#13
SchweiZ4 Private Drives: BMW Z4 23i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 79 iTrader: (0)	It is designed for "ejection seat" option, available with the "Emergency pack". Left blank button for driver seat, and right blank button for passenger seat. Only working with the roof open. Maybe it is just designed if you need add you own option button: like Remote exhaust valve switch or Universal Garage door remote.

02-05-2013, 11:52 AM	#16
SchweiZ4 Private Drives: BMW Z4 23i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 79 iTrader: (0)	It must be sad to wander on Bimmer forums with no bmw .. and a cancelled order .. Now, criticizing Z4.. U mad bro?

02-05-2013, 01:11 PM	#17
nicknaz Colonel Drives: 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 2,103 iTrader: (0)	those buttons for the "NOS" option for people who live life a 1/4 mile at a time

02-05-2013, 07:47 PM	#20
Frogg Private Drives: Z4 e89 red pearl/Black roof Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: France, Nice Posts: 73 iTrader: (0)	curious thread!

02-05-2013, 09:40 PM	#21
tirider2 New Member Drives: 2010 bmw 328 xdrive Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: pennsylvania Posts: 25 iTrader: (0)	they are blanks in case you want to run wires for an aftermarket switch, such as an audio add,etc.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search