Rear window switch "un-lock" doityourself

[static667]

This is mainly for the coupe guys who have the power vent windows that won't auto close. There is a small blocker in the switch housing that keeps this from working. Here is a DIY on fixing this issue so you can operate the windows like you want to.

First things first, remove your switches from the car.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7252615844_597fd1093a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252615844/)
2012-05-22 09.53.47 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252615844/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr
After pulling your shift boot out of the way, remove the two screws and pull the trim plate loose.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7252615540_f864d256de_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252615540/)
2012-05-22 10.04.15 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252615540/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

After taking the switch off of the trim piece, you need to remove the switch mechanism from its housing. This takes a little time and can be trying. You need a small flat blade screwdriver or two to make this work. I used a thin bladed knife for one of my removals.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7252614604_0ac562a9d8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252614604/)
2012-05-22 10.13.33 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252614604/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7252612912_5bc06f46ba_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252612912/)
2012-05-22 10.30.15 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252612912/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

See the little offending bastard? That is what is keeping the switch from engaging the second stage.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7252701052_f7d8e633c2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252701052/)
switch housing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252701052/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

Now cut it out with extreme prejudice...or just use a sharp utility knife to cut it cleanly from the housing.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7252613608_e4b594cc10_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252613608/)
2012-05-22 10.21.51 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252613608/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

Now put the switch back in the housing. Make sure these slots line up properly with the tabs on the switch levers.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7252727524_fd05096477_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252727524/)
switch tabs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/static667/7252727524/) by static667 (http://www.flickr.com/people/static667/), on Flickr

Now just put it all back in the car and enjoy your unlocked switches.

[kayger12]

Great post, Kyle.

Need to do this myself.

I wish this was sent with a Galaxy S3

[Hornung418]

I can't remember, but isn't there some coding necessary to complete the mod?

Sent from my P.O.S. DroidX

[static667]

The auto close feature does needs to be coded. I was mainly posting because I didn't get a chance to help out Gary with his on Sunday. But it is here for all to reference should they have it done.

[danewilson77]

I'm good.

Nice writeup Kyle. Thanks for the contribution.

[Whitexi]

That's a nice little feature im sure. Nice write up Kyle.

[terraphantm]

Literally the first thing I did to my M3 as soon as I got her home.

[Dave1027]

Thanks for posting.

When I realized I could do the one touch open but not close I was a little pissed. Nice to know it's fixable. I'm doing this mod this weekend for sure.

Trying to imagine why BMW made it this way. Maybe some kind of safety feature to keep the windows from smashing kids' fingers?