power window relay

[smurak]

I have a 1993 BMW 318i and all four windows have stopped working. I am pretty sure that is the power window relay but the problem is, I don't know which relay that is. Has anyone dealt with this and if so can you point me to the right relay. Thanks!

[87esir]

If your sunroof doesn't work either it is probably the comfort relay up under the dash by the steering wheel. You have to take the outside plastic cover off, then the steel plate under that and you will see a big blue relay under there. It is usually the colprit.

[smurak]

Thank you for the reply but my sunroof works fine so I am pretty sure it is just one of the relays within the fuse box. The only problem I have no idea which one and I can't find anything that will tell me which one. If you have any idea that would be great!! Thanks!

[87esir]

According to my book there is no power window relay, or it least there isn't one in any of it's diagrams.
sorry

[smurak]

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it. I guess what I am going to have to do is just take every relay out and see what it shuts off and when nothing happens I will know thats for the windows. I know there is a multipurpose relay so that may be the one. Where did you get the diagram??

[87esir]

my diagrams came from a haynes manual which is far from the best.
I did have someone tell me the other day that there is a switch/relay for the windows directly under the steering column when you take the plastic kick panel off. If it is what I think they were talking about it is about half the size of your normal relay and believe it is actually a switch and not a relay.

[kazzoo]

I assume that you have checked the fuse.

[beemerdreamer]

i HAVE A 325I AND NONE OF THE PW WORK. i THINK IT'S THE CONTROLS BY THE SHIFTER. WOULD A BAD DRIVERS SWITHC KEEP ALL OF THEM FROM WORKING

[kazzoo]

On some models there is a power cut off switch down by the radio area you have to push it in to reset,i remember reading it on another post.

[rnarsian]

How interesting !!! I have the same problem with my 93 318i that started approximately around the same time. After having the mechanic hotwire my half shut window to fully shut it, I ran with all the windows down for about 2 months. My car's currently in the shop and it seems I'm going to need a new Window power relay. They'll have to order it as it is not stocked anywhere in this city. They tried to reset all electrical circuits before and it didn't work. BTW, my sunroof also doesn't work along with all of my windows.

[rnarsian]

An update. I had the comfort relay go out on me. The shop had to order it in and charged me 40 bucks for a $25 part (bought online and shipped). My windows are working now and I'm pretty sure it's the google's Murphy that uses it's own law to show me many many more articles about the comfort relay. I just watched the technician change it and am cursing myself for not pursuing the DIY option. But when you are sitting in a hot car .......

[twisted_daily]

I had the same thing happen and my sunroof also wouldn't work and I researched it and came up with the whole comfort relay answer as well but when I took it into the shop to get a few other things worked on, the mechanic said it was a simple fuse in which he didn't even charge me for and they all work now...very strange....I had taken it in because it wouldn't start any longer and my brother had tested the starter, alternator, etc (and rebuilt them just in case) and he had to directly wire the whole thing just to get it going. The mechanic also fixed that with a simple starter relay (I believe anyway) and it barely cost anything as well....thank god for honest and good mechanics! Either way, its good to be able to drive it again and not have to worry about it!