Power Windows Won't Go Up

[QtheGenius]

So this is an issue because it's really cold out right now. I have no problem making the drivers side window go down, either pressing the window switch halfway or all the way (1-touch). When I use the switch, either halfway or all the way, it starts to go up then stops and drops about half an inch. It doesn't matter if the door is open or closed, I have to try the switch anywhere from 3-12 times before it finally goes up. Any suggestions?

[cr2596]

you can just inch it up a little at a time. THat will get it to go up without stopping and dropping back down. The reason....a window regulator perhaps. Maybe its the switch?

[G///ME]

your problem can be one of the following:

-bad or loose fuse
-faulty window switch
-failing window regulator
-something broken/misplaced inside the door

my suggestion would be to check the fuse and set some time aside to pull the door apart to inspect what is going on. in the meantime, just use the allen-wrench from your toolkit and find the allen screw on the door to manually crank the window back up. check the user manual for how to "manually crank windows and sunroof" or some derivative.

[james4060]

this seems to be a problem with bmws at least the e36. i had to replace about 3 windows because of this.

[cr2596]

3-series(e46 and e36 so far) constanly have window related issues. people come in with bad window regulators ALL the time at my dealership.

[QtheGenius]

Has anyone replaced a window regulator on their own? Is this a weekend job requiring special tools or something that's better off done at the dealer (DIY install timevs. dealer install time)?

[soundqdoug]

My local BMW dealership (Bimmers R Us) gave me a tip on reprogramming the window switch/programming. All you do is: A)Make sure the windows are all the way up, B)Roll the windows down all the way, depressing the switch the entire time, C)Once the windows are down, keep holding the switch for 8 seconds, D)Roll the windows all the way up again, depressing the switch the entire time, E)Keep the switch depressed for 8 seconds again. It worked on mine. I have to do it probably once a month.