Sticky windows

[StuartB]

I'm hoping this will be one of those common things and a bunch of people will hop on and say 'this happens all the time, all you have to do is...'

I have a 'compact' 318tdi, nice little motor, great engine, all happy, but my windows are sticky on the way down like theyre getting stuck on something at the b-pillar end, then when you go back up they sort of straighten out again and go up fine..

I suppose the obvious answer is get the door cards off and have a look but it's always nice to be a step ahead of the game, any suggestions on most likely cause?

Cheers

[markobmw]

ive just got my bm compact and ive been told by my m8 who has 5 of them that its a common fault take the door card off and check the arm that connects to the b pillar side of the window if its bent it will stick and you will need to get a new mechanism ive just had to go n buy 2 of them and there not cheap, he told me not to attempt to bend them streight cos they will just bend back instantly when you move the motor

[provos]

i just bought a compact too... and guees what my drivers side is the same. but the passenger side dont work at all! It isnt the switch, but ive looked at nothin else yet, any ideas?

[StuartB]

hmm as I suspected, Im now wondering if there is enough space in there to simply weld a new strip of metal to the bent one, after straightening it out again, to avoid buying a new arm. anyone know if there will be enough space to clear the rest of the mech and the door internals?? One day I'll get a chance to strip the door apart and see for myself, but like I said above I'd rather be in full possession of the facts before I try anything; I've had quite a few cars now and I'm happy doing these easy jobs myself, it's just this is supposed to be my 'nice' car that just works all the time and runs nicely, so I can get on with my (NON BMW) mini project..

@ Provos, same situation as me I think, really best to take card off and have a look. you might end up shocked to find that someone has disconnected the wiring and wedged the window in place with a plank of wood, you just never know :$ some people really are idiots.. could also just be a connection to the motor come loose? sorry that's the best I can suggest really

[StuartB]

or, of course.. a fuse? are the windows fused seperately or both on one fuse? it's always worth a quick shufties at the fuse box to see if any are blown, it's a quick easy thing to check