Manual Windows to Power Windows Conversion

[wholethingoff]

Do you think it is possible?

I am thinking about buying one with manual windows and I want to know if it's possible to convert or manual windows wouldn't be as bad as it sounds.

[wholethingoff]

Anyone?

[fronton]

Why would you want to? I just switched from electric to manual. Manual is the way to go and all the better if it came that way from the factory.

[James Crivellone]

Why would you want to? I just switched from electric to manual. Manual is the way to go and all the better if it came that way from the factory.

Because reaching across to lower the passenger window sucks....

I love power windows, its a street car power stuff is fine

[wholethingoff]

Why would you want to? I just switched from electric to manual. Manual is the way to go and all the better if it came that way from the factory.

I never understood that!

Isn't it dangerous and strenuous?

I read reasons as, I don't want to deal with electrics anymore.

I roll up and down my windows all the time. Mostly parking tickets and
Can't imagine rolling the passengers window.

I have always found E30 buttons very sexy too.

[Holland]

Why would you want to? I just switched from electric to manual. Manual is the way to go and all the better if it came that way from the factory.

I have to agree with this. I love the simplicity since converting to manual windows. The weight savings are a minor, but side benefit.

[nando]

Why would you want to? I just switched from electric to manual. Manual is the way to go and all the better if it came that way from the factory.

no way.

[wholethingoff]

I guess it shouldn't be a deal breaker judging from the apparent disagreement whether or not power windows are better than manual windows.

Maybe it's a euro obsession thing because I presume in the US every E30 came with power windows and sunroofs by 1988.

I like the US spec chunky gadgetry as we never got the 325i here.

[atmobenzin]

Yes, its possible. People do it all the time. Only thing is 4doors and 2doors have different mechanics. Facelift stuff also differs from pre-facelift.

[fronton]

To answer your question, it is possible to convert to electric but probably not worth the hassle since you will need less common early model regulators/motors and make a wiring harness to connect into, plus pay for shipping a big box overseas.

Yes, power windows are more convenient, but only when working 100%. That is the trouble, if one starts to go bad making noise, struggling or failing to get the window back up, or just your switch goes bad, life in the e30 suddenly sucks and will likely be a time and money consuming hassle to fix. Even worse, the fix is usually resolved with another used 25 year old part that will probably die again in a couple years.

I do enjoy the the minor weight savings as well but the main reason is that reliability trumps convenience when it comes to 25 year old electronics and its 25 degrees outside on a second dying window motor that can only muster up 95% of the window.

[nando]

Thats a pretty weak argument, given how reliable e30 power windows actually are. Even the crummier early style regulators rarely fail.

it's not like every BMW since the E46 where they last about 5 minutes before breaking.

also, can't you use late model regulators if you swap windows too?

[fronton]

Thats a pretty weak argument, given how reliable e30 power windows actually are. Even the crummier early style regulators rarely fail.

it's not like every BMW since the E46 where they last about 5 minutes before breaking.

also, can't you use late model regulators if you swap windows too?

Its actually a strong argument given how reliable manual windows are. If your power windows are working 100%, there isn't a strong enough reason to switch unless its a track car for max weight savings. But if there is a problem, switching to manual saves you from ever dealing with window problems again. I have rebuilt and replaced window motors and I'm tired of subpar practicality in the name of laziness.

[Mr.SWISS]

Thats a pretty weak argument, given how reliable e30 power windows actually are. Even the crummier early style regulators rarely fail.

it's not like every BMW since the E46 where they last about 5 minutes before breaking.

also, can't you use late model regulators if you swap windows too?

I had a similar issues years ago when I got my 89's window busted out by teeves. Salvage window was an early model.

Chizzled glass out of old brackets and glass shop glued them on the early model window to math the late model reg. Window still works DTRguy has the car now 8 years later.

Power windows that have worked since production and likely would still be unserviced had it not been for a SOB.

E30 power windows> all other BMW's pw

[TobyB]

Well, if one wants to, then, yep, they can.

And the parts can then be sold to someone who wants their car the OTHER way.

Mine has manuals in the back (much to Lance's dismay) and nothing in front.
But eventually the fronts will go electric, as I can't get the doors open when it's on the trailer.

t