Power Windows

[whysimon]

Hello,

I have a 87' 325 and I'm having power window problems. My drivers side window decided to quit a month ago. It wasn't gradual, it was abrupt. I swapped window switches, but nothing came of it.

Last week my passenger side window decided it liked what the driver side did so much, it mimiced its action. My passenger window was strong, both up and down. I understand I should look @ the regulator / motor, but what's odd is how it stopped so quickly.

If anyone has any ideas, or similar experiances I greatly appriciate it.

[kronus]

Open the door, there is a large wire/connector with a rubber shroud between the door and the door jamb. This is often loose, dirty, corroded, etc. Take it off, clean it, and reseat it.

[Aptyp]

I took out my window motors and rails, sprayed kerosene into the rail to clean it and let it dry. Then i sprayed Liquid Wrench into the rails (it doesn't evaporate) and install everything back in. Works great now.

Others on the forum also had the motor work better after replacing/upgrading switches.

I personally never had any problem with connection in the door jamb, but it's a good idea to clean anyway.

[StereoInstaller1]

Early model regulators have an issue with the pivot point of the gear drive.

If there is too much wear, it will seize and not allow the motor to move.

This is what mine did, so I swapped motors to no avail....I found a pair of regualtors with less wear and all was better...until these wear out.

Before paint happens on my car, a set of late model doors will find their way onto my car. The late door system is smootherer and faster anyway....

[whysimon]

thanks for you help. I'll try out your suggestions over the weekend, and get back to you on Munday!

[Mastrcruse]

Okay, I have a 91 318i, 4 door.

The rear windows have never come down, but I'm not worried about them at the moment, they won't be open ever anyways. Now the fronts have worked. I got some new but used switches and they started to work. Rolled up/down good. All this happened after a little fussiness..but one day they just rolled up and down.

Recap
1)Windows didn't work right when I got the car
2) new but used window switches made windows go up and down perfectly
3) remove cluster install windshield (roll down windows)
4) not working anymore
5) getting power to all the switches, dash lights, dimmer, outside lights.
6) Why does this shit always happen at the wrong time? e30's
7) Rob

Now today, I got a new windshield, took the cluster off (no dash so the cluster is just sitting there), installed the new one. When I did that I rolled the windows down. Now they WON'T go back up. I've tried 4 switches, 2 "overload" switches. I really can't afford to mess with this tomorrow since it has to be over at my mechanics tomorrow night (for thursday workday) and it will be sitting outside.

Any suggestions? Can I roll them up manually..if so how?

Thanks
DJ

[hendrixvodu]

crank windows FTW

[Mastrcruse]

I would love crank windows right now!

[lordofthewaters]

Early model regulators have an issue with the pivot point of the gear drive.

If there is too much wear, it will seize and not allow the motor to move.

This is what mine did, so I swapped motors to no avail....I found a pair of regualtors with less wear and all was better...until these wear out.

Before paint happens on my car, a set of late model doors will find their way onto my car. The late door system is smootherer and faster anyway....

Are the connectors for the windows (IE the aforementioned plugs) the same? I've been thinking of doing that swap myself.