[dgilson]

Anyone else having a problem with sticking windows? My X3 is five years old. First thing in the morning, the windows open with a horrible audible jerk. Subsequent closing and opening is fine, it’s just that initial opening. It sounds and feels as though the glass is sticking to the rubber channels.

I’ve even had the odd occasion when a window refused to open at all. All four windows are affected.

I’ve tried lubricating the channels with various materials - soap, washing up liquid, silicone spray, even the famous Gummi Pflege. The latter seemed to help a bit, but not much.

When I asked BMW Service, they didn’t recognise the problem. Searching this forum and Google, hasn’t revealed anything useful. Presumably my next move is to look at the mechanism inside the door. First have to figure out how to get the trim off without doing any damage.

Any constructive suggestions would be appreciated.

[BMWZ4]

I had an '11 as well and had this issue with the driver's window. Brought it in under warranty and they replaced a control module - I fact if I recall correctly it was a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).

[mge92]

Try resetting the window motors.
Push down all the way and hold for 10 secs. Release.
Pull up all the way and hold for 10 secs then release.
Hope that helps.

[dgilson]

Thanks for the replies, gents.

BMWZ4: Presumably the module they replaced was the footwell module (FRM) which handles all 4 window switches in the drivers door, (according to BMW Training Manual). But if I understand it right, the window switches in the rear doors are routed via a different module, the junction box electronics (JBE). Since all my window switches are afflicted in the same way, it seems unlikely that my problem is a module problem - I think!

mge92: I tried your reset procedure, but sadly it made no difference.

Will post again if I ever find a solution.

[Tjalle]

Cornwall? Rain? Salt spray? Whisky?

Since lubricating upper parts of guides/channels is a nogo, there are two options left:
- lubricating lower parts= remove doortrim
-corroded mechanism = remove doortrim

I am afraid that removing trim is not easy - risk for damage on panels. Any local shop that has half the rate of the BMW dealer? Most know the tricks and has the tools.

[Greg2010]

I had the same issue a few months ago....drivers window only, when lowering it in the morning (and then it tended to subside after raising it back up and lowering it again).

So I brought it into the stealership, who said they found/cleared out debris in the window track (which accumulates over time) and according the the SA, it was all fixed. Then the next morning, as I lowered the drivers side window, I had the same problem (and videoed it this time).


However, over the next couple days, the screeching sound was less than before, and as I was planning to return it back to the stealership...the problem magically went away (and it has not screeched for the past month).

Op, not sure what to tell you, but It sounds like I experienced the same problem and if it reoccurs, I will let you know what I find out.

[Tjalle]

I am curious: how come you are operating sidewindows that often - I rarely do, although most times parked in garage.

[Greg2010]

Originally Posted by Tjalle

I am curious: how come you are operating sidewindows that often - I rarely do, although most times parked in garage.

...a bit off topic, but the entrance to the garage at work requires me to lower the window.

[west1]

yes, same problem and it's annoying. any solid resolutions or recommendations?

i have years experience replacing BMW window limiters so I'd be comfortable taking this door apart if there's a fix to be had.