E30 Zone

All of a sudden the electric windows on my J-reg E30 convertible have failed, but only when the doors are shut. Open the doors (or push the light switch on door frame and the are dead). Both sides are affected, and the front and rear windows.
Been fine for years before this!
I am wondering if this may be a fault in the 'window lock' switch in the centre console, as this got pressed (not usually used) and problem seems to have originated after that. May be a coinicidence.
Anyone seen anything like this before? HELP.

check your fuses

andyp wrote:check your fuses

Especially 17!
BTW, the 'window lock' switch to which you refer is neither a lock or a switch, and shouldn't be used as one. It's a type of resettable fuse, and shouldn't be touched unless it has sprung out.

Thanks for the advice - Nice to start with a simple task, and I hope that solves it.
I did find another thread that moves diagnosis on to relays and starter wiring, but hope I will not need that.
The peculiar 'lock/reset switch' is a complete novelty to me - Is it unique to BMWs of this age?
Thanks.

have u sorted the window prob?

.....OK. Possibly the longest time to follow up a post!!! Ten years.
Car (320i Cabrio 1992) was laid up for a while.

However, problem still present. Windows only work with a door open and pressing the interior light switch in door jamb stops them. Very odd.

Fuse 17 had blown - replaced it but no success, and it has not blown again (yet).
I note the helpful info about "window button" on centre console.

Has anyone any further guidance to offer?

More news.

After removing Breaker Switch, removing/refitting the connectors, and pressing it on/off a few times, the windows now work as they should.

Perhaps I should dismantle the breaker switch and clean terminals......only if problem recurrs. If it ain't broke etc !!

The Power Breaker switch is "in" (power flows), with no red showing (as in the "out"/power off" position).

Think I would not fix it if it works

Mart.