Expert: Josh Fields - 1/19/2006

Question
I own a 1993 325i.  Recently my windows and sunrrof quit working. I pushed in the button with the lightening rod and they would work but that only lasted for a while.  I also changed fuses but to no avail.  Now they don't work at all.  A mechanic mentioned a control mondule for the window and said the part would cost around $300.  I looked on-line but the parts that pop up are around $22.  Do you know what could be causing the windows and sunroof to manlfunction?

Answer
Felicia,
 I sincerely wish I could help you, but I have hardly any experience with the E36 3-series BMW.  Especially the electrical systems on them.  The "lightning rod" you pushed in was like a breaker.  Have you tried pushing it in and out several times to see if it helps?  It could be that button.  On the older BMW's they had something similar and it would shut off the windows and sunroof.  You push it in and it works, push it again and it severs all power supply to the windows.  I think it's either that switch/breaker or a fuse.  If it were other problems I would think it would be related to 1 window and not the whole system.

 I'm sorry I couldn't help
 Josh