Conversion to manual windows

[iamsam]

I did some quick searching, didn't find much, so I'll go ahead and start this thread.

Two questions:

1. how much weight (approximately) will be saved in a conversion to manual windows in my late model coupe?
2. How to do such a conversion? (will early model coupe doors bolt right on? are all E30 coupe doors the same?)

Thanks dudes!

[Jean]

You can just get the early manual window regulators and matching glass instead of swapping complete doors.

[iamsam]

You can just get the early manual window regulators and matching glass instead of swapping complete doors.

why would you need matching glass?

and can you do complete doors? because i need a new door anyway, its a bit crunched.

btw i did find this: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...manual+windows

and this: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...manual+windows

[Jean]

You would need matching glass because the mounting points are different between early/late model window regulators.. what do you think.

Very early doors vs late model actually have different wiring connectors/plugs that connect to the chassis.

[iamsam]

You would need matching glass because the mounting points are different between early/late model window regulators.. what do you think.

Very early doors vs late model actually have different wiring connectors/plugs that connect to the chassis.

that makes sense.

But other than the plugs, are early and late doors the same?

[hendrixvodu]

i can tell you that the manual doors feel wayyy lighter

[erik325i]

Very early doors vs late model actually have different wiring connectors/plugs that connect to the chassis.

But that shouldn't really be an issue though. Once you swap to manual windows, the only wiring that goes to the doors is for the switch to adjust the side mirrors. Since this is on a track car (I'm assuming this much since the question is in the track subforum) I'm sure he won't mind if the power mirrors don't work.

To answer your original question, I don't see why it wouldn't work. Any of the coupe doors should work, so just swap out the whole door.

[Jean]

As far as I know they are the same (other than convertible doors), others will confirm.

[iamsam]

and iirc, the early manual window doors also didn't have power locks. And I can easily wire up the mirror adjuster, as this is my DD and track car. I am trying to make it as much of a track car as I can while still a DD.

[surebimmer]

I took manual window regulators out of a car at the junk yard and swapped them into my M3 didn't have to swap glass. Doesn't really save that much weight. All you save is the weight of the electric motor.

[iamsam]

...probably not worth it then.

[paynemw]

bumping this thread. Anyone have PNs for the window regulators we need? I want to purchase some while in Germany and ship them home. I have issues with my door harness at the plug, this the major reason to swap out the electric motors.