Red Start/Stop Engine Button Installation Guide for BMW 5 Series F10/F11/F07 Models

I’ve always believed small changes can transform a cabin. Case in point: swapping the factory start/stop button for a red one in a BMW 5 Series F10. It sounds trivial, almost toy-like. But the first time I pressed that crimson cap on a grey Monday morning, the whole car felt livelier—like pulling on a pair of red sneakers with a navy suit. If you’ve got a BMW 5 Series F10, F11 Touring, or F07 Gran Turismo, this is a quick, satisfying upgrade you can do at home in under 30 minutes. No coding. Minimal tools. Maximum vibe.

What you need to install a red start/stop engine button on a BMW 5 Series

• Compatible red start/stop engine button (F10/F11/F07 fitment; OEM or quality aftermarket)
• Plastic trim removal tools (skip the butter knife, your trim will thank you)
• Small flathead screwdriver (to release tabs)
• Microfiber cloth and painter’s tape (to protect piano black trim)
• Optional: nitrile gloves to keep fingerprints off the new button

Compatibility and install time

Step-by-step: Red start/stop engine button install on BMW 5 Series F10/F11/F07

Honestly, I wasn’t sure the first time. Trim pieces make me sweat—one wrong pry and you’re ordering new piano black. But take it slow and it’s straightforward.

1) Prep the area

• Park on level ground, switch off the ignition, remove the key/fob, and open a door to let the electronics go to sleep.
• Protect surrounding trim with painter’s tape and a microfiber.
• For extra caution, you can disconnect the negative battery terminal. Not strictly necessary here, but it prevents accidental ignition cycles.

2) Remove the trim around the start/stop button

• The start/stop button on the F10/F11/F07 sits in the upper dash panel near the steering column.
• Use a plastic pry tool to gently release the surrounding trim panel. Work slowly around the edges—feel for the clips.
• Once loose, pull the panel forward just enough to access the back of the switch. Don’t yank; there are wiring connectors for adjacent buttons (hazard, door lock, etc.).

3) Access and release the button

• On the back of the start/stop switch, you’ll see small retaining tabs.
• Use a small flathead to depress the tabs while pushing the original button cap out from behind.
• If your replacement is a full switch face, it’ll pop out as a single piece. If it’s a cap-style, you’ll be removing only the face plate.

4) Install the red start/stop engine button

• Snap the red button into place. It should click firmly and sit flush—no wobble.
• Before reassembling everything, press the button lightly (no foot on brake) to confirm the switch action feels normal.

5) Refit the trim and test

• Reconnect any wiring you unplugged, align the trim, and press to engage the clips.
• Start the car normally. The red start/stop button should function exactly like the original.

Real-world impressions after the swap

First drive after the install, I noticed it right away. The red start/stop engine button adds a subtle motorsport wink to the BMW 5 Series F10’s businesslike cabin. At night, the backlighting still matches BMW’s amber/red theme, so nothing looks out of place. Minor gripe: glossy red buttons show fingerprints, so keep a microfiber in the door pocket.

I tried it on a cold morning commute and later on a quick blast down a B-road; it’s a tiny change that made the 5 feel a touch more special each time I thumbed it. A few owners told me they paired it with red M-style paddle shifters. I get it—slippery slope territory.

BMW 5 Series red start/stop button: quick highlights

• Fits BMW 5 Series F10, F11, and F07 (pre-LCI and LCI)
• No coding or dealer visit required
• 15–30 minute DIY with basic plastic trim tools
• OEM-style fit; keeps factory backlighting
• Small mod, big visual payoff

Pro tips and small gotchas

• Protect piano black surfaces—one slip can leave a permanent scuff.
• Don’t press the brake pedal while testing the button with trim removed.
• If your hazard switch or lock button stops working afterward, a connector is loose. Pop the trim back off and reseat.
• Buy from a reputable source; cheap caps can fade under UV after a summer or two.

Is this mod right for your BMW 5 Series F10/F11/F07?

If you like subtle, OEM-plus tweaks, absolutely. It’s cheap, reversible, and doesn’t mess with the car’s electronics. For those who prefer a stealthy cabin, the standard black or silver button is already neat and tidy—so this is more about personality than performance. Either way, it’s a mod I recommend to any 5 Series owner who enjoys the little rituals of ownership.

FAQ: BMW 5 Series red start/stop engine button

Will a red start/stop button void my warranty?
No. It’s a cosmetic part and reversible. If a dealer frowns, you can refit the original in minutes.

Do I need to code anything after installation?
No coding required. The switch function is unchanged.

Does it fit both pre-LCI and LCI BMW 5 Series F10/F11/F07?
Yes. All F10/F11/F07 model years listed above use compatible switch housings. Just buy a part listed for your chassis.

Can I install it without removing the whole trim piece?
You need to loosen the trim enough to access the rear of the switch. Don’t try to pry the button from the front—you’ll mar the faceplate.

What if my new button feels loose?
It should click in positively. If it wiggles, check that the retaining tabs are fully seated and the cap isn’t rotated off-axis.