Any easy solutions to the following E36 niggles...?

[se6b]

Just trying to compile a list in my own mind of things left to put right/investigate on my E36 328 convertible. If anyone has any ideas of how to approach them I'd be most interested...

1) Windows going up, stopping then coming back down. Repeat process a couple of times before they go all the way up.
2) Headlights fogging up.
3) Convertible roof leaking occasionally at windscreen top corners.
4) When I first had the car it would often jump out of 3rd under hard acceleration...after 15K of 3rd gear antics it no longer does this, what might have been causing it?

[derin100]

1) Common...worth trying to change swap window switch

2) Extremely common...some would say almost 'normal'. Will improve with dryer, warmer weather...running with headlamps on full will help dry out quicker. Look at the pics of my Alpina B3 (recently sold). All the pics were taken on the same afternoon. In some, you will see a little condensation within one lense. As the pics progress, with the lights on, you can see it visibly dry out. Not a big deal.

www.bmwclassics.co.uk/gallery/index.php?spgmGal=Alpina_B3

Sorry, can't help with other two.



>> Edited by derin100 on Thursday 23 March 00:55

[Darth Dave]

1 & 2 I'd agree with Derin.

I had the same trouble with one of my windows and changed the switch.

My headlights always used to mist up but after a minute of having the lights on it clears. No need to worry, it's just a bit of condensation.

[dimsum]

Regarding the windows..

I have had the switches changed in mine, but still playing up.. Local BMW Indy explained that the motors may need replacing.. Window thinks that there is somthing in the way and so stops, and goes down again.

This can be overidden by holding you finger on the button when you want it up..

Am having my window motors replaced under warranty so hopefully that will sort it out..

[se6b]

Regarding 2)...I was actually thinking about drilling a small hole somewhere out of sight in the headlamp glass to allow it to breathe. I guess theres a big chance of it shattering though.

[Darth Dave]

se6b said:

Regarding 2)...I was actually thinking about drilling a small hole somewhere out of sight in the headlamp glass to allow it to breathe. I guess theres a big chance of it shattering though.

It really isn't a problem. Drilling a hole would be bad since you will get copious amounts of water in the headlight.

[dick dastardly]

The window on my E36 was playing up. Turns out that inside the door one of the wires had become exposed and was touching the metal on the car door which caused the malfunction. Stuck a bit of tape around the wire to re-cover it and it was fine again.

[malh001]

Re. the headlamp misting up. I drilled a small (approx. 5mm) hole in the top of the headlamp plastic casing at a 45 deg. angle towards the lense. This allows air to circulate and i've had no problems since.

[se6b]

malh001 said:

Re. the headlamp misting up. I drilled a small (approx. 5mm) hole in the top of the headlamp plastic casing at a 45 deg. angle towards the lense. This allows air to circulate and i've had no problems since.

Cool, I was thinking of removing them and drilling in from beneath to allow them to drain if necessary.


Going back to 1) ...I seem to recall reading somewhere that if you reset the battery this can help cure the problem. Not sure if I've imagined that, but I can't find anything like it on the web. I guess it can't hurt to try.

[malh001]

Not had time to have a good look, but this site may have an answer. Its also excellent for any BM related problem.

www.bimmerdiy.com/

[thesilverfox]

The misting problem the headlamps need a new seal
the window problem needs a new motor or a new regulator as well its getting over loaded and going down again

[turbo tim]

se6b said:

1) Windows going up, stopping then coming back down. Repeat process a couple of times before they go all the way up.

Common problem. See
www.e36coupe.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62938&highlight=