I have a '71 2800cs. My driver side power window has stopped working. I want to take the door panel off to try to repair it. Any tips on how to remove the door panel? I hear a clicking in the door when I press the switch. Any ideas as to the cause of the malfunctioning window? Thanks
Door panel removal
- Thread starter ckrop
- Start date
x_atlas0
Well-Known Member
Taking the door panel off is fairly easy. The hardest part is not breaking any of the various old, plastic bits during the removal process.
There are a total of 5 screws keeping the door panel on: 3 on the bottom of the arm rest, 1 behind the chrome cap of the arm rest, and 1 securing the vent window knob. After those have been removed, it is a matter of popping off the many plastic clips attaching the door card to the door inner skin. All I can say for those is to go slow and try to pop them off one at a time.
As for the window, it sounds like the window motor transmission gave up the ghost. The plastic gears in the unit may have been stripped.
There are a total of 5 screws keeping the door panel on: 3 on the bottom of the arm rest, 1 behind the chrome cap of the arm rest, and 1 securing the vent window knob. After those have been removed, it is a matter of popping off the many plastic clips attaching the door card to the door inner skin. All I can say for those is to go slow and try to pop them off one at a time.
As for the window, it sounds like the window motor transmission gave up the ghost. The plastic gears in the unit may have been stripped.
Window won't operate
Since you've stated there's a clicking sound from the door panel... that would typically mean the window is just stuck from sitting. Try removing the "cap" whereby you can access the gear/ coupling. Turn the car on and try to see which way the motor turns when opening- indicating which way the gear needs to be turned. You may need a helper (To pull up or push down on the glass/ frame carefully), you may get lucky by yourself. Free the window.. sometimes it doesn't take much other times a little back and forth. Watch your fingers... that little motor can bite. Sometimes it seems to take forever since you don't move the gear much. Slowly but surely it will free up. No door panel removal required if you have the cap for the access.
p.s. If you have your tool box intact, there is a plastic "comb" just for this condition that corresponds to the gear.( I just use my fingers... yeow.)
Since you've stated there's a clicking sound from the door panel... that would typically mean the window is just stuck from sitting. Try removing the "cap" whereby you can access the gear/ coupling. Turn the car on and try to see which way the motor turns when opening- indicating which way the gear needs to be turned. You may need a helper (To pull up or push down on the glass/ frame carefully), you may get lucky by yourself. Free the window.. sometimes it doesn't take much other times a little back and forth. Watch your fingers... that little motor can bite. Sometimes it seems to take forever since you don't move the gear much. Slowly but surely it will free up. No door panel removal required if you have the cap for the access.
p.s. If you have your tool box intact, there is a plastic "comb" just for this condition that corresponds to the gear.( I just use my fingers... yeow.)
You my friend are a genius! opened the cap, gave it one twist and off it went. Put a little lube on it for good measure now she works like a charm. Next project is to remove the center console to put in original working radio. Can I pick your brain on console removal? Again, thanks much.
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Radio
Sure. The first question is which type console you have; w/a/c or not?
Simple replacement or are you upgrading and to what? Meaning, is there going to be a lot more wiring, amps, etc.
To get familiar, the CS Registry link above will get you to the repair manual in the information page. There is a section to retro fit a radio near the end.
Sure. The first question is which type console you have; w/a/c or not?
Simple replacement or are you upgrading and to what? Meaning, is there going to be a lot more wiring, amps, etc.
To get familiar, the CS Registry link above will get you to the repair manual in the information page. There is a section to retro fit a radio near the end.
pamp
Well-Known Member
Radios
I upgraded to a modern radio a while back ( the car came with a Pioneer cassette deck) One of the issues to beware of is the dimensions...the pocket is very shallow. New units are longer compared to old stereos and most will not fit (A/C console) I ended up using a Sony. Bring your tape measure when shopping.
I upgraded to a modern radio a while back ( the car came with a Pioneer cassette deck) One of the issues to beware of is the dimensions...the pocket is very shallow. New units are longer compared to old stereos and most will not fit (A/C console) I ended up using a Sony. Bring your tape measure when shopping.
The AC and radio face plate is fastened to the console side panels with 2 or 3 screws per side. Remove the side screws, the 2 AC switches from the faceplate and it should come right out. There is no need to remove anything else to install a radio/stereo unit.
My passenger window motor gave up today...
I removed the cap and can see the nylon gear trying to turn when the switch is pressed either way. It seems to be seized though & can't be turned by hand. What should be my course of action?
I removed the cap and can see the nylon gear trying to turn when the switch is pressed either way. It seems to be seized though & can't be turned by hand. What should be my course of action?
Trav,
The window is just stuck in the track or window frame. Gently push down on the glass and then pull, repeat a few times- then try the motor or gear. Eventually it will become free.
I've never had to take one apart yet. But there are owners who clean the frame and regrease. The motor has a gearbox and the grease can become old. The switches- sometimes get junked up and create a high resistance and don't let enough or full voltage to the motor causing things to go slow. You can try electrical cleaner after you pull the switch. You can disassemble and polish the contact pins/ roller/ rocker.
Hope this helps.
The window is just stuck in the track or window frame. Gently push down on the glass and then pull, repeat a few times- then try the motor or gear. Eventually it will become free.
I've never had to take one apart yet. But there are owners who clean the frame and regrease. The motor has a gearbox and the grease can become old. The switches- sometimes get junked up and create a high resistance and don't let enough or full voltage to the motor causing things to go slow. You can try electrical cleaner after you pull the switch. You can disassemble and polish the contact pins/ roller/ rocker.
Hope this helps.
61Porsche - exactly right! It was just stuck after all. Thanks!!
-Travis
-Travis
Guys, anyone know BMW partnr (or other source) for the plastic fastener together with female part that holds the door panels?
I found a similar fastener but they does not hold so tight when door panel get stuck into the door trim from closed to open.
I found a similar fastener but they does not hold so tight when door panel get stuck into the door trim from closed to open.
i am not sure that i understand you
i have renewed The panels, and i iused the green clips fromwalloth nesch, initially i was thinking of using them directly on the doors, but in my bmw dealer they told me about a simlar system in more modern cars like e30, so they gave some kind of transparent and flexible caps, so both are bmw parts
i wonder if those are the parts you need
please advise
blumax
(deceased)
Door panels
Original door panels were secured by a 2 piece attachment system--the original whitish clips that attach to the door panels--plus a plastic sleeve that fit in the door--and is the recepticle that receives the clips--this combination made it possible to carefully remove and replace panels wihout inflicting serious damage to panels.
Not so with the newer green clips--they are a single step approach--inferior to the original system as they are larger in diameter than the original clips and will tear the panels if attempting to remove them once in place and also then stick in the holes in the door.
I believe BMW has recognized the problem and returned to making the two piece system available again--parts number(s) are unknown.
Original door panels were secured by a 2 piece attachment system--the original whitish clips that attach to the door panels--plus a plastic sleeve that fit in the door--and is the recepticle that receives the clips--this combination made it possible to carefully remove and replace panels wihout inflicting serious damage to panels.
Not so with the newer green clips--they are a single step approach--inferior to the original system as they are larger in diameter than the original clips and will tear the panels if attempting to remove them once in place and also then stick in the holes in the door.
I believe BMW has recognized the problem and returned to making the two piece system available again--parts number(s) are unknown.
murray has the appropriate words for it !
yes, the system is a two-part system, I do not know if the original white clips are available
but i can tell anyway that the combination of green clips + the actual plastic sleeve (available at BMW ) works ok
do not try to install the green clips directly against the holes in the door without the plastic sleeves (further dissasembly will be a PIA)
These (green) are the clips I replaced the original white ones with and I think they does not hold the panel so tight.
I still use the original plastic sleeves (that fit in the door).
I remember the green type didn't look the same as the original white. The green type has 4 equal "legs" and the white has 2 long and to short "legs". If it matters something I do not know.
So it would be nice to find a source with both clips and sleeves that are meant to fit together.
i use the same concept than you; green clips with plastic sleeves, and no problem !
sorry to hear that
You may have already removed the panel but here are the steps I wrote up some time ago
https://sites.google.com/site/kdelimon/doorpanelremoval
There is also documentation on converting window motors to the later style