1987 325i Convertable power windows work intermittently

[Romel1088]

Hi,
Sometimes my power windows work sometimes they don't. It is a weird issue to me because it can be one or two windows that are unresponsive or all of the windows that do not work. Given that they work on and off again I do not think it is a fuse or even a breaker. Are the window motors going bad? I had an older Camry that did this once and it turned out to be the window motor, but I doubt they would all do it all at once. Like everyone else in this world I do not want to overhaul the window regulators if it is a switch or something easy.

Suggestions about how to trouble shoot this are appreciated. Keep in mind that I am not a mechanic so my diagnostic tools are very limited.

Thanks in advance!

[bobdavisnpf]

First thing to check is the main switch on the console (front-most of 3 in line on passenger side).
Next you can check the switches in differing positions. If you have one know-good, works-all-the-time switch, you can try it on each of the 4 window switch positions.
Clean the contact points on every switch as best you can. A bit of emery board or fine sandpaper can help a lot for this.
Your auto parts store likely sells dielectric grease. This can help with re-assembly and will delay the time to next troubleshooting session

[bmw325ir]

Mine did the same thing. I changed the switches bought new ones off e-bay works fine

[Jeffnhiscars]

Mixing switches around to see if the problem follows the switch is a good starting point. I had a problem with the contacts in the plug in the door pillar which is prone to corrosion. Didn't find any but taking it apart and cleaning it up seems to have helped

[bmw325ir]

Look on e-bay Mine was doing the same thing ended up being the switches. The ones I got there work as good as the original ones

[Romel1088]

Thanks for all the suggestions! My car is a hobby car. It sits alot (problem in itself), but I travel alot so I am just getting back to it and this thread. I'll take apart the switches and connections and clean them up and see what that does.apart

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Your photo is exactly what I have. A red 1987 325 Convertable.