Window Disasters.
 

As some of you know I just finished fixing the w.pump/serpentine system and we're back on the road. Two days later, crash, the rear,left,driver window collapses into the door upon switch up to close. No biggie, I have to figure out the issue with the driver window, it doesn't work anymore. Being an '01 used primarily as a pickup/seats down always and no use for passengers or rear windows. Does anyone know if I can switch out the rear motor into the front door if I need a new motor for that window. AND, is there any way to seal/bolt the rear window shut, as I don't need to open it. BTW, my A/C blows ice cold so I really don't need that window to work. It is almost 20 years old with 245K miles. Just trying to do all this as cheap as possible. Thank you.

Yes i had something similar happen. But it was because of a bad motor. If your regulator cable is broke like it sounds like it is, your best bet is to stick a piece of woof in there to hold it.

Here's what I did since my regulator was fine. I removed the window motor, pushed the window up, then re-installed the motor back on as I locked the regulator to stay in place. Then i unplugged the motor to make sure I didn't forget. This was a temp fix until I had time to get back to it.

Or you could just replace the motor or regulator so the car is in decent shape without trying to maintain a BMW on a shoestring budget, that's what a dodge Durango is for.

As a temporary measure, while waiting for parts to arrive, I've propped up the window with wood. Seems like it would last forever, if that's what you want. It's bascially held on the upper edge and both sides by the window frame, and then the wood presses against the bottom edge to hold it up, very securely.

Whether the rear motor would fit up front, I have doubts, but should be easy to check based on the part numbers.

If you want to shut it permanently, E39 5-series forum has trick, photos over bimmerfest.

Basically measure the distance between bottom of door and the lower part of the glass next to a metal column.

- Now cut the broomstick 1" longer than measurement above. Cut a groove for the glass.
- Use this to prop up the glass.
- Place this next to a metal column, then zip tie this piece of wood to the column so it does not move around.

- Then mark the glass with tape "window inop", this way people know it does not work.


PS: you can use a piece of 2x4 wood too.