Replacing E30 window buttons with E36 Rocker Switches

[fakeplstctrees]

Hey guys, and gals,
I'm sick of pushing my window buttons in my cabriolet, to close all four windows after putting the manual top up, only to see that one of the windows stayed open! Then sitting there an additional minute trying to push the button just right, so the connections are made and window makes it's way up inch by inch! This is a minor problem to have in life, but an annoying one none the less. Of course I can just replace that one button that keeps giving me trouble, but it's only a matter of time before it happens to one of the other buttons. I think this is the exact reason they were done away with in the next generation. I've been told that the E36 rocker switches will be compatible with my E30, so I've already had my specialist order 6 of them for me to replace them with. 4 in my cabriolet, and 2 in my coupe.

I guess my question is, what are your thoughts on it. Are there any downsides to making the change? Who else has felt the dread of a window not closing as thunder claps, and rain begins to pour?

I do think I might not be the biggest fan of the appearance of the new switches, but the added convenience they offer will surely out shadow any aesthetic decline.

[george graves]

Being I might be an expert on e30 window switches by now...Let me give a little help.

If you're having window switch issues.....you have a few options. One is to rebuild the stock switches/buy rebuilt switches. Two, (new to the market) after market switches from china. Three, e36 large base switches. Four, e36 small base switches with one touch window controllers.

(BTW - e30 window switches really don't like to be slathered in armor-all or the like)

Rebuilding: It's more-or-less taking the switches apart while trying not to break the 30 year old plastic that is super brittle) and cleaning the contacts with a light abrasive/contact fluid, maybe installing a new bulb (or led if you want to get fancy - the stock little bulb surprisingly power hungry, and it's on ALL the time when they key is in, weather your head/parking lights are on or not) and maybe bending the 30 year old contacts back into a tighter fitting. There a few threads on how to do it, so I won't bore you with the details.

Aftermarket Replacements: China, as you know is *huge* into the car parts game these days - for good or bad. They just recently they started making e30 switches. You can buy and find out more here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=384839

Large base e36 switches: Here's the kicker - they *must* be the *large base* switches. If not, no go. This thread will have about everything you need to know. http://www.strictlyeta.net/technical/e36switches.html More info here if you need it: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=52278 Again, if it's not LARGE base switches, don't bother.

The final option is one-touch, lights, e36, two step window switches. They require a lot more work, soldering and modifying switches and buying control units if you want to DIY it. Also the cost is about $70 a window plus time and materials if you can do it yourself. Not for the faint of heart. Or there's some guy on here that sells them as plug and play unit that just simply plugs in, but lets not talk about *that* guy! ;)

[reelizmpro]

Clean them internally. I'm on the fence about e36 switches and having to cut the console. I think the e39 dual stage switch suits the e30 better. Not sure how well they fit though. I'm looking into installing one touch automated windows (two Directed 535T's) in my vert soon.

[AbsorbantNut]

*that* guy

Shameless plug

[Das Delfin]

If I had a coupe I would have already done the one-touch mod for both windows. I'm still holding out on the one-touch master switch for convertibles but since that involves designing a circuit board it might be a while :|

[reelizmpro]

If I had a coupe I would have already done the one-touch mod for both windows. I'm still holding out on the one-touch master switch for convertibles but since that involves designing a circuit board it might be a while :|

It's a nice feature but even moreso on verts. Even if you made a single switch, you'd still have to interface all 4 switches and need load sensing capability or timed circuits of some sorts plus a relay for the 1 touch feature and be able to handle the load of all 4 motors running at the same time. For these reasons, I just chose to run two Directed 535T's. Each one controls 2 windows in 2 directions with one touch. Also rolls up and down by remote + venting if desired, a much better solution than having to push all 4 buttons even with one touch. Of course you'd need an alarm or keyless system to do this.

[Das Delfin]

I have a keyless. It has buttons I'm not currently using!

[TobyB]

I carry spare window switches in both of the E36's. They fail about that often.

I'm not sure they're really an 'upgrade'...

t

[fakeplstctrees]

Wait, so the E36 rocker switches aren't just plug and play in an e30? Modification of the console and/or buttons is necessary? If that's the case, I'll just replace the problem ones with new ones.

[AndrewBird]

Wait, so the E36 rocker switches aren't just plug and play in an e30? Modification of the console and/or buttons is necessary? If that's the case, I'll just replace the problem ones with new ones.

Not even slightly plug and play. Wiring has to be spliced and the holes in the center console need to be opened up because the switches are physically bigger.