Anybody ever swap late model window motors in to an early model?

[MR 325]

So today I got to thinking, has anybody ever swapped 88+ window motors in to a early model E30? And if so, what is involved? As some of you may know, the late model motors are much smoother and quicker and all around much better than the early model crap.

Any info would be appreciated.

[Ray Smoodiver]

My car came with early model ones in a late model car, when I had my windows smashed, we replaced them with late model ones.

Easy swap to do.

[AndrewBird]

I know Jordan did it. I think it is a direct swap.

[Dave]

Mike Self did a column on this topic in Roundel a month or so ago. You can swap them over - no worries. He also explained the weak link in the early model motors and how he fixed it.

[MR 325]

Now don't the early model and late model windows themselves actually have different brackets? If so, I would need to swap the motors and windows, right?

[brandondan1]

Interesting. I now know what to buy when I replace my early model motors. Are the regulators different as well?

[Van Westervelt]

The glass is different. On my 88 I have the early style. The glass dips down towards the front with the early cable style lifters. With the later scissor style lifters, the glass is straight. I have all my stuff to swap, but other things have my focus :)