driver side window inoperative

[achtungE30]

The switch is still illuminated but isnt responding at all. I also tried the passenger side switch on the driver side and still no go.

Anyone had this problem before? Where should I start? My bentley hasn't arrived yet.

[GrippyDrifty]

Check your fuses first. Then you can get the actual little switches from a wrecking yard or borrow one from a friend to see if that's the problem. If those two aren't it, you might need new window regulators. You can test them by removing your door panel and using a battery as power.

[RED IS 91]

follow the current with a meter .
If you have 12 volt current to both sides of the switch when depressed then check at the wiring at the window motor .
If you have power to the window motor when the switch is depressed and the window still doesn't go down then your window motor is bad.
I agree with GD about putting 12 volts to the window motor if you don't have a meter .
my 2 cents
good luck

[fitz318is]

I have had this same issue.  Its not complicated at all.  Its dirt and wear on your contacts in the switch.  If the switches are lighted, its not the fuse.  Take the switch out, take it appart and clean it with alcohol.  If its wear related, put the down switch in the up side, and the up switch in the downside.  It looks wrong but it will be on the clean contact side in the switch and your windows will work again.  There is a write up on how to take the switches apart on e30.net.

[achtungE30]

Well you guys won't believe what the problem was....a chaffed wire where the spool of wiring goes between the cabin and the door. At the grommet it looks like at one point the wire was spliced to reveal the core and was never re-sealed....There's no play in there at all. So for the time being I sealed the core with electrical tape and so far no issues. One day I gotta take apart the kick panel and search for slack and shrinktube the wire.

[RED IS 91]

Great Job !!!!!!!!!!!!
Electrical Gremlins are the worst in any car .