Hi everyone,
Like most of you I find the buttons of the side control panels for the seats are looking quite cheap in the 4.2 XKs, I would like to find metal covers but as the car is quite rare it doesn't interest much manufacturer... So I was wondering if they are similar to the ones in any other JLR production in order to find compatible ones.

Thanks.

 

Have the stock ones dipped or covered? I do agree that they sure do lack panache when compared to the later ones. Course you COULD buy the 2010+ controllers. Are the older ones also 16-way? Same wiring and connectors???

 

My lame looking 2007 ones are 16-way, but I think there are some 10-way(?) ones out there.
I guess a problem that can occur with the newer ones is that the finish can flake off or chip.

 

I "upgraded" mine as soon as the new style ones were available. At the time, 11 years ago, they were only around $100 each side from the main dealer. Very pleased with the results. Can be found frequently on eBay.

 

So you can confirm they are Plug-n-Play?

 

Thanks @jahummer and @ceejay .
I knew about the whole control plates but all the one I find are black back...My car being caramel , the back of the plate is a metalish finish which is better looking in this pale interior.
That's why I thought about just covering the buttons.
On aliexpress they have metal button covers for lot of cars, including Ranges Rovers and some jaguars..but not for the XK...That's why i thought the pieces might be shared with other cars from JLR .

I thought i could find someone to manufacture some plain aluminium buttons...and replace them..But I'm not sure the ones on the XK plates are "popable" (sorry don't know the word) as none of you did it...
Is it possible to take them Off from the door by pulling them?

 

Yes as long as they match, can't put 16-way on a 10-way seat, etc.

 

Mine have the titanium/platinum finish from 2010-2011, not black from 2012+

 

they are quite unfindable over here...

 

These buttons are a pain. When researching my car purchase I studied pictures of a dozen or more XKs for sale on line in detail and most of them had flaking on the seat buttons. I saw this on all ages of XKs, even post-facelift 2012s.

My car has flaking on the drivers side buttons but not as bad as some I saw. Given how widespread this is it's frustrating that the button covers aren't available separately. Do they even come off easily? I haven't tried.

 

That's a question I'm seeking an answer too.
Because if they are easy to pop off from the door seat control plate,I think that musn't be difficult to find someone to mill some in blocks of aluminium for a decent price.