Driver's window doesn't wind down smoothly

M

MaVrk

Well-Known Member
Hi All,

Was wondering if anybody has faced such a problem with their power windows?

My E46's window doesn't go down as smoothly as it should, on its way down, it has a clonking sound mid-way, as though there's like something stuck somewhere in the panel.

It also doesnt really go down all the way with a tiny portion sticking out. I'm quite sure it's due to something stuck rather than a mechanism fault. But then again, it's probably my own guess-work.

Called PML, was told that it could probably be the power window transmitter that's causing this problem. Was also told that this was a common problem with most E46. Is that true?

Warranty has expired, so would hafta pay for the repairs. Is there any other alternative to get it repaired apart from PML. Just pre-empting the "arm and leg" cost if I were to repair it with them.

Would be most appreciative if I could get some advice.Thanks a million.
 
it happens to my both my power windows..but i ignore it..when during rain time..the clonking sound disappear.. :thumbsup:
 
go car beauty at Ubi to fix. If cannot, let me know. I have a power window guru who fixes al exotic cars, but pretty expensive.
 
Re: Driver's window doesn't wind down smoothly

MaVrk said:
My E46's window doesn't go down as smoothly as it should, on its way down, it has a clonking sound mid-way, as though there's like something stuck somewhere in the panel.

It also doesnt really go down all the way with a tiny portion sticking out. I'm quite sure it's due to something stuck rather than a mechanism fault. But then again, it's probably my own guess-work.

Called PML, was told that it could probably be the power window transmitter that's causing this problem. Was also told that this was a common problem with most E46. Is that true?
Click to expand...
MaVrk,

Sounds to me like the power window regulator/gear. Common wear-and-tear item. Got mine changed twice - driver side, and rear right passenger side. Parts $150 thereabout. Paid $170 twice, inclusive of labour.
 
I also had mine changed. Went back 3 times in the last month to claim at PML.

Twice for the same driver side window, once for the right rear window.

The first time, I think the winding mechanism wasn't replaced, but repaired. The clicking sound came back within a few days - which resulted in the 2nd visit.

Then a few days later, checked the driver side rear window and there's also a slight clicking sound. Had it replaced also.

It's claimable within the first 3 years as I've experienced.
 
right about that, had 3 windows replaced, 2 front under warranty so FOC. back window at 1 week past warranty, paid $210 at PML. They say gurantee for 2 years after that, so may not be a bad idea to do at PML, cause I am sure it will die again within 2 years if you use it regularly.
 
Hey guys, Thanks for the inputs.

Went to have it fixed already at PML, paid $300+ for the replacement of the regulator. It's about time for me to get an alternative repair workshop (cheaper labour). Just the labour alone at PML cost me $180. Damn, they sure do charge premiums eh! Coincidentally, there were about 3 other cars in for repair with the same problem.

I'm just waiting in anticipation for the other windows to go kaput on me.

Anybody knows of any good repair workshops? Do Juzz4cars and BVO do this type of repairs. Do these repair shops come with 2-year warranties similar to PML.
 
yes you should do it outside. any of the listed workshops can do it. coz your windows will spoil one...by....one.....by.....one.....by.....one... knn happened to me.
 
Bro Kenntona, ur repair is it call the lifter? Mine stop half way the workshop guy told me is lifter broke. I had it replaced for $250 with labour i guess i still pay more what u paid. The other one of my window start to have sound and seem like no strength to move up. So what is the work shop u went?
 
NickyPower said:
Bro Kenntona, ur repair is it call the lifter? Mine stop half way the workshop guy told me is lifter broke. I had it replaced for $250 with labour i guess i still pay more what u paid. The other one of my window start to have sound and seem like no strength to move up. So what is the work shop u went?
Click to expand...
Lifter? It is the entire gear - a long bar with pulleys at the end. Cost around $150, plus labour about $30 or so. But that was few months back, before the Euro surged.

Anyhow, which workshop did you go to? Call me at 9747 7817.
 
hahah. :) .. my power window regulator at the rear also went kaput on me last night... sent it in to pml and got it replaced for free since ride warranty still 5 months left...

2 yrs new warranty for replaced parts... dunno if can accelerate the wear and tear of the other 3 windows so can get it replaced FOC before warranty voids :roll: :roll:


BTW... there were 2 other cars at pml with the same problem toady... :shoot: :shoot: :shoot: ...
 
can wind up or down multiple time, test the auto stop function while winding up, so pack up wan
 
Hmmmm....I sense a huge problem with BMW's QC on windows. Never had such a issue wif windows on my previous ride which was a honda. I'm sure even KIA, Hyundai don't have such problems.

The cons of having electrics, maybe we should change to manual windows, just like back in the good old days. hahaha, when police were wearing boxers, shorts i mean..hahahhaa
 
Guys, if you examine the rubber seal around the window, it will give you a clue as to why the window siezes up. Rubber under our cilmate usually starts to go down hill after about 2 years. Being a little sticky, the rubber grabs the glass and adds extra friction of the winding mechanism hence increased wear. Although you maight say that we have the Anti-pinch mechanism on the windows, the increased friction may not be enough to trigger it. So after some time it goes and you go to workshop.

Now the solution. For overseas travellers, I recommend something called Dri-Lube. It is a stick of soft wax that melts onto the rubber to lubricate it. For local guys, use Autoglym Rubber Dressing to lube the rubber strips.

that should do it.....
 
Bro Kenntona, ya the item is a long bar with gear n the guy there said it is the lifter. The price for the part is same $150 but the labour adds up to $250 with GST. It is at sin ming level 1
 
NickyPower said:
Bro Kenntona, ya the item is a long bar with gear n the guy there said it is the lifter. The price for the part is same $150 but the labour adds up to $250 with GST. It is at sin ming level 1
Click to expand...
The labour is $100? Damn. All that for a 30-minute job?
 
yeah 30 min job but i waited for almost 2 hours for the parts to arrive so the waiting time cost money also i guess.... :(
 
Re: Driver's window doesn't wind down smoothly

hi all,

mine is wiring prob, press button but windows not moving at all. anyone can advise wher to fix it. thks alot
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Members online

Total: 151 (members: 1, guests: 150)

Forum statistics

Threads
82,747
Messages
1,019,309
Members
78,039
Latest member
pg88comim

Latest posts

Back
Top