Convertible window auto down/up for sealing purposes

[Codym42]

Has anyone ever thought about wiring up some sort of control device for vert windows? I'm talking about something that lowers the window an inch when the door is opened and raises it back up when the door is shut. A lot of newer convertibles and cars with frameless windows have this option. It would be really nice if someone were to adapt this to an e30. My windows never seal right.

I haven't done a whole lot of research on this yet but I wanted to gather some feedback from you guys. Let me know your thoughts and ideas.

[BrokeFastGarage]

It'd be possible but would require some type of microprocessor in each door. An arduino driving solid state relays would probably be your best bet. You'd need to tap into the door switch for an input signal and then write a bit of code for the controller so when it saw a change in voltage on the input line (from the switch opening or closing) it would trigger one of the relays to close for a predetermined amount of time and then use a counter to alternate which pair of relays was activated. I think you'd need four relays per door though because you'd have to be able to send + or - to both terminals on the motor on demand. It would be fun to do if you enjoy electronics projects but it's not a simple project. Modern cars that do that already have microprocessors built right into the door motors that handle all of that, all they need is four wires for power, ground, and can-bus signal.

Seems kind of like asking if you could put Vanos on an m20. Sure it's possible. Anything is possible. It's just a question of time, skill, and money.

[Das Delfin]

The e36 has that but not our cars. Mine seem to be fine as is though. The top leaks at the front corners, but not along the window seams. There is a way to adjust the windows so they are either angled more toward the seam, and/or fit tighter against it (as in they travel up further along their tracks). They say in the manual to lower the windows a bit to ease pressure on the seams before lowering the top, and also lower the windows before raising the top.

It's worth noting that my old subaru, which had frameless doors, did not have an auto-lowering window system.

The seal between the front and rear side windows is also important. You can adjust the tilt of the front and rear windows so that the front seals against the back in such a way that it won't let water in.

My suggestion doesn't do much for your problem other than offer an alternative solution