Sedan Rear Windows Inoperable

[MR E30 325is]

R3v,

I recently picked up an 89 325i sedan, automatic. This is my first sedan and my first automatic, and I have no experience with either of these E30 varieties.

Anways, both front windows work just fine, but neither rear window works. I have tried known working switches to no avail. I jumpered the window lock button on the right side of the center console to no avail. I pulled door cards and I have no juice at the plug for the window motor. Fuses all look good.

I have done some preliminary research, but I haven't found anything worthwhile.

I was wondering if anyone had a similar issue and discovered a solution.

Side note: there is another, smaller, circuit breaker looking button on the left side of the center console, above the front driver side window switch. Was wondering what this button was. Is it an overdrive switch for the automatic transmission? Or is it a window lock switch for the back windows?

Thanks for your knowledge.

- Mike

[M-technik-3]

You have done what I was going to suggest. Overdrive switch that's new one never have seen one on an e30, have seen the three position rotary switch on the lower console.

[taiwanesekid05]

If I recall correctly, the small square button on the left side of the gear selector is the window lock switch. I had the same issue you were having and pressing that button allowed the rear windows to work.

[MR E30 325is]

If I recall correctly, the small square button on the left side of the gear selector is the window lock switch. I had the same issue you were having and pressing that button allowed the rear windows to work.

Awesome. I will jumper this smaller switch as well and see what happens.

I'll update this thread if/when I find the solution.

[MR E30 325is]

As a heads up, the smaller square switch to the upper left of the auto tranny shifter does not have any effect on the rear windows. I jumpered it and the rear windows still did not work.

I'll continue trying to solve this but I got sidetracked over the weekend with other stuff.

[roguetoaster]

The little single square switch on sedans is a rear window control lock out. It only disables the rear window switches.

Did you verify power at the main window breaker, assuming the car has one?

[Kershaw]

Did you have some push down on the glass (1 hand on each side of the glass) while you push the switch?

[Das Delfin]

that square shaped button is the rear window lock out. If you're not getting voltage at the rear window motors you could verify the lock out switch isn't stuck open by testing it with a volt meter

[MR E30 325is]

Thanks for chiming in gents!

I wasn't sold on it being a rear window lock out switch, since there is a window circuit breaker 6 inches away. But I am sold now.

Anyways, I'll run with this idea a little more this weekend. I have the interior removed so I can have the carpet professionally cleaned, since it is nasty. Easy access to tracking down the problem.

I'll update the thread with what I find.

Thanks again.

- Mike