01 BMW 325Ci Power Window Switch Failure

Wiring, DIY, lighting, etc.
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Adam
Posts: 2240
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 9:50 pm

01 BMW 325Ci Power Window Switch Failure

Post by Adam »

This is actually a mechanical failure of an electrical part. For maximum irony? It failed while trying to put the window up which is ok until Wednesday when it's supposed to rain. The switch feels like it's no longer connected to anything inside, because it isn't. There's an elaborate assembly of plastic levers and pivot points which weakened over time and broke.

Conveniently if you take the switch apart you can actuate the internal mechanism directly. It's too dark to go outside and try it tonight, so I'll see if it works in the morning. A new one's on the way so I only need to deal with this for a couple days.
Adam
Posts: 2240
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 9:50 pm

Re: 01 BMW 325Ci Power Window Switch Failure

Post by Adam »

It worked, turns out I didn't need to pay for extra fast shipping. Oh well. Here are some photos:

Step 1: locate console.
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The shifter boot pops out and you can access a couple screws that hold the plastic in.
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You can then pop the console cover out in order to access the switch.
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The switch then pops out after pressing the securing clip underneath.
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Here's the old "de-capped" switch next to the new switch
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Close up of the old switch. To actuate after taking the cover off, just slide the rectangles forward and backward.
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Close up of the connector, so many test points!
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Fixed forever? At least for the next 15-20 years until the plastic wears out again and the switch fails.
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