DIY - E36 window switch retrofit

[LikeCDoos]

Just posted a WTB thread at Bimmerforums. I used one of your pictures for reference to what i need if thats okay josh :)

[KenC]

Re: The E36 window switch retrofit thread

They will run about $2.25 each from the dealer, however KenCopperwheat said that he got them from BMA for about $1.80 each.

I just got them today. $3.96 for both including shipping. I guess they have them in stock because it only took about 4 days for me to get them from when I emailed Patrick w/ the part number.

Now to find some switches...

[Bryson]

Josh, it looks like there's a slight gap between your trim pieces and center console. I had the same 'problem' with one of my switches. You have to enlarge the hole a tiny bit more to get it to sit perfectly flush, but then it may not be as snug as before. I had the pleasure of using an extra console when I did my swap so it was out of the car. I opened up the holes large enough, then used hot glue on the backside of the console to hold the trim pieces in place.

this should clear up all of the questions i get pelted with when I say to use the large base switches and four door/sunroof trim pieces :roll:

haha good job Josh

[Jand3rson]

Thanks, Bryson. I noticed the gap as well, I think when I pull the shift boot to vacuum all the dust and stu ff out this week (I had to take off somewhere right when we got it done), I may open up the holes a tad larger, and glue them, like you said. But all in all, I'm very happy with them.

[Jand3rson]

If anyone wants the .pdf of the write-up, I just had it converted, so PM me and I'll email it to you.

[cramer]

Nice write up Josh :)

One question about the one touch switches. Why won't those work? A switch is a switch so the one touch feature is controlled exterior of the switch right?

[Jordan]

I think the one touch switches are switching a low current draw relay, rather then switching the power window current.

The wire size is drasticly different.

[cramer]

ah.. that would make sense. So along those same lines, would the cars with the circuit breaker above the passenger switch not take a full current load either or is the circuit breaker just inline of the full load circuit?

[Jordan]

Inline of 2 fatty green wires.

[golde30]

these are the switches i have, yet another different type from the ones listed...these are the 4 switches out of an e36 4-door...




i noticed that all 4 switches i have only have 4wires, but they are the LARGE white base and not the small white base...will these ones work??

[Jordan]

Large white and blue base work. Wire colors will vary.

[KenC]

Cary, are those your pictures? If so, I'll buy two of them off of you if you're only using 2. PM me

[MR 325]

gold, I have the same ones you have there in my car. Large white base. Both of mine have different color wires, lol

[golde30]

gold, I have the same ones you have there in my car. Large white base. Both of mine have different color wires, lol

thats what im saying!! LOL, so yers have 4 wires also? that means josh's writeup is pretty much useless for these switches...exept for the wire testing part, that is pretty good info.

[MR 325]

Yup, 4 wires for the E36 switch, 5 wires coming out of the E30 wiring