both front windows inop (318i)

[Big Chin]

first off, awesome forum. I did some searches looking for something similar to whats happening with my car, but nothing stood out as the same.

the problem is with both windows up front. the passenger side won't roll down at all no matter how many times I press the center console button. the driver side window is sporatic, meaning I can press the button down and it goes about an inch or two and stops, then I'll have to press it again for another 2 inches. rinse and repeat till it goes down all the way and vice versa to go up.

to compound this, sometimes the driver side won't roll down at all at startup, but thirty minutes later it's back to "normal".

with the a/c not working so well and the up coming summer, I'm down for whatever advice you guys and girls have.

thanx in advance

[Boab]

Well firstly go to a breakers and get two switches.

Then if that doesnt work, come back and ask again

[Big Chin]

Alrighty, swapped out the driverside switch with a known good and still no mojo. I couldn't find one for the passenger side window as it was a different connection than the driver side (pics coming if that will help). There are times with the passenger side where I can press the switch and briefly hear the motor whirring. Only for a second though and the window doesn't move but at least something is clicking inside the panel.

I'm waiting on my mechanic buddy to get back so we can start tearing stuff apart but I thought I'd throw it out there to the board and see what kind of response I got. Appreciate the advice.

[SurrealCC]

hey!!!!when you find out this issue will you please let me know. i have the same problem with my 92 325iS....only mines a lil different (sorry to sort of hi-jack your thread) my driver window does nothing at all passenger does the 1 inch thing. i took the switches and switched them and driver still nothing and passenger does the inch thing. also my "moon roof" doesnt lock in the raised position (i guess thats the best name i can come up with) and when i try to get it to slide all the way back ( i think it goes all the way back, but idk never owned BMW before) it goes back about 5-6 inches n then stops....once again sorry to hi-jack your thread but i didnt wanna start a new one lol

[Boab]

Well the windows have relays too so the clicking noise could well be the relay thats at fault. Again you may want to try using a replacement relay to see if that fixes the problem.

Other than that, it may be the motors, or the window sensor.

Im not sure about your vehicle, but the coupe has window sensors that adjust the window down and up about half an inch (13mm) when opening and closing the door - this may cause sporadic problems (?)

Basically:

Switches, then Relays, then motors, then sensors. It can only really be a few things - just start with the cheapest option.

If you get someone who is handy with a multimeter, then this will help a great deal :D

[Big Chin]

sorry for the delay in responding, I've been away on holiday for the last 2 weeks. I'll hit it up with a multi meter this week and post the findings. thanks all.