DIY - E36 window switch retrofit

[bmw325csi]

Wh33lhop: you can get aftermarket one touch window modules for 60/pair of windows.

Just google it

[TooTall90]

im not sure if it has been answered already but, i have a 4dr i got 2 white base switches for the front, i was wondering if i would need to get the rear switches from a sedan e36 to swap my rear switches? what about the switches on the rear doors themselves?

[Wh33lhop]

So the early model E36 only had an auto feature for the driver's window it seemed and used a separate module for that window. The later ones had auto up/down for both front windows and auto down for the rears, all going through one body control module that operated power locks, windows sunroof etc. Here's a page on the body control modules used in later model E36: http://bmwgm5.com/ (go to the GMIV section) Used in conjunction with another module for the rear windows (dubbed the RMIV).

I'm reading more into it, if you can get one of these modules for cheap (didn't find any on ebay) you might be able to just feed it power and have it control the windows only. Maybe.

Edit: on further examination, it looks like the power window modules on the early E36 include the window motor, but the window motors on the later 4 doors (the 2-doors have the auto-crack function for when you open the door to accomodate the half-frame door = 2 more wires) look like they're "regular." Either way it's a lot of work, but one-touch windows are badass. May be worth it if you could find harnesses and a good place to put the BCM/RMIV.

Edit 2: Also looks like the BCM is part of an anti-theft system (not hard to believe), it might be more complicated than just feeding it power and ground to start it up.

[Wh33lhop]

I'll do a writeup (when I finish my swap :p). I've got 2 green base and 6 small white base switches, figured out how the white base work, not that it really matters if you get the right module.

I've got the four door btw, would be really cool to hook that up and the sunroof too, if it's all one module.

[2002maniac]

The diagram is here

http://wedophones.com/Manuals/BMW/1993%20BMW%20318i%20-%20318is%20-%20325i%20-%20325is%20%20Electrical%20Troubleshooting%20Manual.pdf

You'll find it on page 154. It really does not look too bad. From what I can tell, the module needs constant 12v, ground, and 2 wires running to each window motor.

The green base switches have 4 pins. Power, ground, window up, and window down.

I'll be on the lookout for an E36 in the junkyard with these parts intact.

Who wants to do a write up? :p

[Wh33lhop]

The E36 switch I got has 3 wires :???:

I guess i could just try experimenting.

Huh. The one I got was just two. Maybe it's a signal type switch instead of a circuit breaker (supply a +12V or ground signal instead of opening or closing the circuit). In that case you might just be able to hook it up using the signal wire and the +12V or ground wire in place of the two wires, but don't quote me on that.

Has anyone integrated the e36 one touch module? I'll have to pull out my e36 manual and look at how crazy the schematics are.

If it's doable, I'll probably wind up doing it. I do likes me some 1-touch windows.

[2002maniac]

Has anyone integrated the e36 one touch module? I'll have to pull out my e36 manual and look at how crazy the schematics are.

[BraveUlysses]

Uh... seriously? Both lock switches have two wires, unless you've got a crazy E36 switch that I'm not aware of, it doesn't matter which way you orient them.

The E36 switch I got has 3 wires :???:

I guess i could just try experimenting.

[Wh33lhop]

Anyone have a wiring guide for hooking up the e36 window lock switch to replace the stock one?

Uh... seriously? Both lock switches have two wires, unless you've got a crazy E36 switch that I'm not aware of, it doesn't matter which way you orient them.

[Wh33lhop]

They go to the window controller module, which has internal drivers for the motors that the switches control. You won't get anywhere using just the late-style switches.

Yeah, so basically extensive modification if I want to give it a shot. Then again, I wouldn't mind 1-touch windows... is it just a single module for all of the windows or do they each get an individual module?

[BraveUlysses]

Anyone have a wiring guide for hooking up the e36 window lock switch to replace the stock one?

[kronus]

So, I hooked up a small white base (1-touch down) window switch. It illuminated, but no matter which way I hooked up the signal wires would not do crap to the window. It seems these were meant to use relays or something as the gauge of the signal wire is a lot smaller than the E30 ones.

They go to the window controller module, which has internal drivers for the motors that the switches control. You won't get anywhere using just the late-style switches.

[Wh33lhop]

So, I hooked up a small white base (1-touch down) window switch. It illuminated, but no matter which way I hooked up the signal wires would not do crap to the window. It seems these were meant to use relays or something as the gauge of the signal wire is a lot smaller than the E30 ones.

[Aptyp]

moved photobucket folder...

[BraveUlysses]

can you upload the pics again, Josh?

Seconding this, but maybe use something less shitty than photobucket, like imageshack.us instead?