Faulty Power Window

[funfer_fahrer]

Due to overwhelming response to Daniel's problem. I can see a trend here. Snapped power window cable is a common problem in BMWs especially in E46 models (if I am not wrong). No matter which model you drive this should never happen regularly. If it happens too often it could be related to design fault and BMW must take the blame.

 

[aramis]

hmm...ok. and what are we gonna do about it?

 

[funfer_fahrer]

Originally posted by aramis@Jun 22 2006, 03:44 PM
hmm...ok. and what are we gonna do about it?

The can either change the design (which is very unlikely) or at least offer extended warranty.

 

[Mouse]

i think we should wind down all the other window that we seldom use every week (once a week for every window)

 

[aramis]

get a smart tag, smoke less and stop showing the middle finger to other drivers.

The above will definitely solve most power window problems of your car.

 

[scin]

2 E30s, 1 E24 and 12 years later.... NEVER CHANGED BEFORE

1 E46 (5 year old car) .... 3 months later, changed lifter and cable, and because it's a coupe, it was bloody expensive!

 

[skar19]

there is the cable system, scissor system and the coil system : there are probably other systems

personally i feel the coils system never fails.....but i think it shortens the life span of the motor.....the mechanism is reliable.

scissor system is also pretty reliable but the cable is not so.....cable always snaps......

 

[Daniel]

KNN, i am the only one with more than 5!

Actually its not the cable that snaps. I can't remember what actually breaks but its something on the rail. Crap manufacturing tolerences i describe it as. My workshop actually has reconditioned power lifters at a slightly lower price than OEM. Its supposed to be more durable as they have improved on the pussy OEM design.

I think all my 4 windows are using them now.

 

[vinson]

I hate the cable of the scissors system...and sometimes the plastic bracket thats holding the glass too... h34r:

 

[Bimmer27]

hi guys,

It seems like we all have the same problem here...

yeap..it cost me Rm1k+ to fixed the front lifter...(it was 3years ago)

but now,same problem happened again..rear lifter...

 

[funfer_fahrer]

Originally posted by Mouse@Jun 22 2006, 08:39 PM
i think we should wind down all the other window that we seldom use every week (once a week for every window)

get a smart tag, smoke less and stop showing the middle finger to other drivers.

The above will definitely solve most power window problems of your car.

IMHO, these are excellent ideas. But then again, the reason why we purchase a premium car is to avoid doing all the chores. We want to be pampered. This is what 'premium' is all about. I don't think I can tolerate this power window nonsense. It reminds me of my old Proron Wira.

 

[funfer_fahrer]

If I assume the rest of the members have never experienced this problem, then BMW designed power lifter is one of the most reliable systems in the world.
Way to go! The Ultimate Driving Machine lives!

 

[anomaly]

happened to me a couple of times, 4 times i think. the last time it happened was on the highway while i was driving back from Port Dickson, had to suffer the hot and dry air blowing onto my face the whole journey back to Subang Jaya!

 

[jarance]

It seem like the E30 and E36 have more reliable power window mechanism.

However, due to change in design and weight reduction, the E46 used the
wire system. However, due to our hot climate, the window pane tends to stick
on the rubber seal and cause the plastic to break after a long absence of usage.

This problem can be avoid or minimised if you spray some silicon grease on your window rubber seal and the window pane.

I have only encountered a jammed window on my E36 only once. After a bit of diy, spraying some grease, the problem never happened again in my 8 years of driving the car..

I have only changed the plastic guide for the window for about RM3.50 each.

 

[funfer_fahrer]

However, due to change in design and weight reduction, the E46 used the
wire system. However, due to our hot climate, the window pane tends to stick
on the rubber seal and cause the plastic to break after a long absence of usage.

Do you think it might help if we "exercise" the other three windows regularly?

 

[omegaoracle]

Do you think it might help if we "exercise" the other three windows regularly?

kena once, grrr ... rm1k plus to fix
Absolutely so, as mentioned earlier oso.
once a week for each one.
So smoke more and show your middle finger more often...

 

[funfer_fahrer]

kena once, grrr ... rm1k plus to fix
Absolutely so, as mentioned earlier oso.
once a week for each one.
So smoke more and show your middle finger more often...

I would rather whistle at chicks more often

 

[jarance]

Do you think it might help if we "exercise" the other three windows regularly?

Actually no.. In our hot weather, the rubber seal tends to get harder as time goes by. it would be better to apply silicon grease.

 

[funfer_fahrer]

Actually no.. In our hot weather, the rubber seal tends to get harder as time goes by. it would be better to apply silicon grease.

What is a silicon grease? Where can I buy one? Sorry, I am not so good at DIY. I only know WD40.

 

[jarance]

WD40 are petroleum based anti seize oil. You can use them. However, you will leave
a smell in the car.

You can get silicion spray grease from some of the reputable hardware shop like ace.

If you cannot find these, you can actually use vaseline or ky. seriously.. not kidding
you.