Crank Windows Questions.

[ccsdo5]

So sorry if this is an unnecessary thread, but I've been doing a decent amount of research on this and need some clarification. I keep finding mix matched pieces of information for converting electric windows to manual crank ones.

So my car is a 1991 318is, it needs a drivers door anyway because it was banged up by the previous owner, so I figured now is a good time to switch from power windows to manual ones.

- Will the manual window regulators fit in a late model door?

- Am I going to need early model windows? ..& will they fit in the late model door with the manual regulators?

- Are the late & early model window guides the same?

I would prefer only to replace the drivers door but if I have to replace both to get crank windows I will haha. Thanks for the help guys!

[BlackbirdM3]

I've been thinking about doing this exact thing on my M3, only my doors are perfect. I just don't like the power windows. I'd love to convert it to something that resembles the Euro E30 M3s.

I have no clue as to how to switch to manual windows.

Will

[AndrewBird]

I know you can swap late model power regulators into an early model, so I don't see why it wouldn't work the other way. Not sure if manual stuff is different though. I know late model door cards didn't come with a hole for the crank. The door structure might not have a hole or mounting either, so that is something to check.

[cdeason]

Manual Windows

I can answer this for the E30 M3, I actually did this, you can use your current glass, you just need to order the manual window pieces, they are all listed in realoem, easy to do,

[jalopi]

You could always buy a really cheap 1/4" ratchet and 5mm hex driver and call it a 'crank window'

[lowsodium]

I cant confirm, but I have read several times that late/early model regulators arent easily interchanged.

Im planning on just order all manual regulators off realoem soon. Im going to get the correct ones made for my year.

Theres two types, the newer scissor type, and the older cable driven one (s shaped)

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=1413&mospid=47322&hg=51&fg=10

[lowsodium]

I would love to hear a confirmation on if the scissor style is easily fitting to an earlier model door. The cable driven ones kinda suck.

Trying to modify a door to fit a different regulator could be a huge pain if the bolt holes etc dont line up.

[bmwstudent]

I have cable driven windows in my car. They did suck, they were slow and they really worked the motors hard. I removed the door panels and lubed the cable screws up with white lithium grease. They work fantastic now. The cable/screw gets dry and doesn't like to spin, a little grease and it's back in service.

[ccsdo5]

I cant confirm, but I have read several times that late/early model regulators arent easily interchanged.

Im planning on just order all manual regulators off realoem soon. Im going to get the correct ones made for my year.

Theres two types, the newer scissor type, and the older cable driven one (s shaped)

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...22&hg=51&fg=10

I'm pretty sure they aren't my buddies 1986 325es inner part of the door looks like a totally different arrangement to bolt up the regulators than my 1991 318is.

But from what realoem has pictured there it looks like you can just swap the regulators in the early model doors to the manual crank ones and that's pretty much all that would need to be done.

But now my question is can you put early model coupe doors on a late model coupe? because if you can I'll just pick two early model doors up with the glass and everything in them then switch the regulators out to the manual ones and be happy :p