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Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 11:47 am
by Imy
Hi all,
I was driving around the other day and it started raining, as in torrential rain, then hail stones followed. My window was wide open and got stuck, the motor was running but it got jammed on something so I had to sit for 5 minutes in traffic getting pelted by hail stones.
Anyways my drivers side window unit is no longer working, it probably is due to the rain getting into it.
Will it be a simple a simple swap over with another one?
Does anyone have a spare one?
Thanks in advance!
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 12:17 pm
by Sanj
It will be a swap but you sure it's the switch? I'm not sure how you'd check though.
You also need to look for the correct switch - with or without folding mirrors...
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 2:47 pm
by Imy
Sanj,
I can't be sure but it happened as soon as the rain water came in. All the other windows work fine. And my passenger Wing mirror folds down regardless of which side the switch is on. Nor can I reposition the mirrors any more.
I'm not sure how I could check either and there aren't many units around on eBay with the folding mirror switch. Although there are a few e39 switches without the foldin mirror button for fairly cheap. So I might pick one of those up to see if that rectifies the problem.
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:09 pm
by Sanj
Ok so all the other windows work with the other switches? Or is it just the drivers side window switch on the whole unit that doesn't work?
And try
this link.

Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:20 pm
by Raj
Tbh it does sound like the switch could be the obvious issue. Might as well change it in the first instance. Buy from the dealer that way you can take it back if it isn't the issue.
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:49 pm
by AW8
Mine failed after window left open in rain. Sourced one used on ebay. Driving through big puddles with wipers on will cause similar issue with water on the unit. straight swap cured it for me. If someone near you willing maybe try a swap test......... 5-10 mins to do this, unit levers out withy a trim tool or gentle pry with flat driver wrapped in tape to reduce risk of damage- then simply unplug.
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:18 pm
by Imy
Thanks for the input.
I don't know anyone with an X5 except my aunt and I doubt she will let me start pulling hers apart!
Iv found a unit on eBay which is half the price of other units but it doesn't have the mirror button (the one that makes them fold). I don't know whether its worth buying it just to see if it rectified the issue and then buy the more expensive one if it does...
Great forum btw, iv just come here after browsing my old Alfa 166 forum where they are all acting like 2yr olds because someone dared fault their Alfa!
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:38 pm
by Sanj
Buy the one with the folding mirror option, if still available. Think the switch is your fault...
EDIT: Bugger, it's sold...
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:00 pm
by Imy
B o ll o c Ks.
There are a few X5's being broken on eBay right now, I guess I could try calling a few of them up and see what they want for it...
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:07 pm
by Sanj
I'll keep an eye out for ya!
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:43 pm
by Imy
Nice one!
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 11:44 pm
by Raj
Where abouts you based?
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 1:30 pm
by Imy
Raj,
Im in West London!
Someone suggested having a look at the fuse.
do any of you reckon its worth a shout?
anyone know where it is?
Thanks!
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 1:53 pm
by Sanj
Worth a look - above the glove box in the passenger footwell.
Window lift front - fuses 20 and 24
Re: Drivers side window control unit
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 9:18 pm
by graemeX5
Hi this BMW breakers may be worth a phone call for a switch as its a 4.6 and
Dross has foldy mirrors
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260938896453? ... 1045wt_984