Converting electric bits back to manual & weight benefit

[Black_Potato]

Hi,

I'm considering returning my leccy windows back to manual and maybe even the wing mirrors..

Does any body have any comments on how easy it is to do and what the end weight savings were ?

TIA

Richard

[SteMarsden]

Richard,

I have done the manual window winder mod. Takes about 40 minutes to do, not sure about the weight saving though.... Cost neutral too!

Electric wing mirrors weigh next to f*** all to be honest! ;0)

Ste.

[UweM3]

Richard,

I have done the manual window winder mod. Takes about 40 minutes to do, not sure about the weight saving though.... Cost neutral too!

Electric wing mirrors weigh next to f*** all to be honest! ;0)

Ste.

Don't forget the weight of the wiring and switches. Every little helps

I have left my electric windows in place, the door bars of the cage would prevent using a manual winder when the doors are closed. And a left hand drive with manual windows is sometimes a bit difficult at Dartford Crossing when one is strapped in a harness and bucket seat

[rix313]

Very easy to do, I have found the problem mentioned about the winders hitting the roll cage, a tad anoying but will find a way around it.

It must be a fair bit lighter as they don't have the (what I imagine to be) heavy motors on them.

[SteMarsden]

A pair of electric w/winder mechs/motors complete weigh 3.9Kg.
I have also taken out the switches as Uwe said but have left in the connectors just to be on the safe side a la PBMWC regs.

There cant be many easier, cost neutral ways to save 4Kg in your car now can there?

[handpaper]

According to the diagrams at bmwfans, the complete electric mechanism (less wiring and switches) weighs 1899g, against 1114g for the manual system.
Personally, I'm going to keep the electrics

[billgatese30]

A pair of electric w/winder mechs/motors complete weigh 3.9Kg.
I have also taken out the switches as Uwe said but have left in the connectors just to be on the safe side a la PBMWC regs.

There cant be many easier, cost neutral ways to save 4Kg in your car now can there?

crash diet, I know if i went on one it would save a hell of a lot more than 4kg's

[SteMarsden]

Ive gone for the fat and happy and windy windy option!

[MrBenn]

There are two types of manual window mechanism's, one looks very similar to the electric version the other is quite different. I remember having a set of the ones similar to the leccy's and there wasn't a lot in it, like someone above just posted, I think it saved about 1-1.5kg's. I haven't had a set of the other types out on the scales but they do look lighter to me.

[dph500]

ok being a real weight weenie you guys have tempted me, so what bits do you need to convert from elec to manual?

[MrBenn]

ok being a real weight weenie you guys have tempted me, so what bits do you need to convert from elec to manual?

Here is a photo of the second type I mentioned earlier. This photo is from someone selling a set on ebay. You could email them and ask them to weigh one for you. Just type e30 window mech.

[MrBenn]

ok being a real weight weenie you guys have tempted me, so what bits do you need to convert from elec to manual?

Sorry I didn't really answer your question. You just need the manual mechanism's and the winders.
If you buy a set off ebay, ask the seller to keep all the fixings that you'll need.

[dph500]

cheers

[SteMarsden]

Or ask Magpie!
Mine came complete from him with everything