AboutSean Halliday Expertise general auto repair,japanese,bmw,mercedes,mini cooper 1960/2009,general british cars,ford.I DO NOT work on automatic transmissions.Manual transissions i install clutches only.Many people ask me to diagnose noises from their cars,unfortunately i cannot do this unless i hear it.As you appreciate,vehicles can and will make a variety of noises.I DONT UPGRADE or fit aftermarket performace kits,parts,chips,only replacement parts.
Experience 40 years experience on all general auto repair.
Question I have determined that the power window motor has malfunctioned on my 2004 325i front driver side door. The motor has progressively became slower and slower in opening/closing the window over time(which led me to this conclusion). I have purchased a new motor. My question is about the door panel. The door panel in this model has an airbag. What precautions and steps should I take in replacing the motor especially when removing the door panel?
Answer You must disconnect the battery and wait 5 minutes for the SRS system to disarm.Then the airbag will be safe to remove.Handle it with care and place it well away from the car. If dropped it can explode.When you have installed the motor and everything is back where it should be,reconnect the battery and DO NOT connect the battery with the airbag removed or unplugged as the system will need to be reset with a scanner if you do.As for replacing the motor,its pretty awkward but if you take your time it will be simple.With the door panel removed,you can see the bolts that hold the window regulator.Remove all bolts and hold onto the glass as it will fall down into the door.First you will have set the window at the bottom or close to the bottom of the door so you can get at the window retaining bolts. When all is removed ,take out the regulator with the motor attached and simply swop them over and replacement is reverse procedure.(caution,do not try to plug in the airbag with the battery connected as it may deploy in your hand)It is very important to remember this and only connect the airbag BEFORE the battery is connected.
