BMW Repair: electric window problem, radio code, door switch


Question
I drive a 1992 e36 316i (european). I was trying to put my passenger side window up and it was really struggling, then I heard a snap and the front part of the window fell down the into the door. I managed to get the window back up by force.
I was wondering how to take the door apart to get to the broken part (what ever it is) and fix it.

Answer
Good morning Michael,
Obviously the pass. side window regulator is defective.To access it, first remove the right front door trim panel:
a)remove cover of door handle lever by sliding it to the right
b)remove covers/caps at main door handle and remove screws
c)pry out with non-sharp item door switch and detach cable connector.
d)detach clips around door trim panel with a small pry bar tool used for door trim removal (like a fork with 2 flat and wide tines).
e)remove door trim panel(disconnect other wires/cables if any).
f)those models with side airbag--technically, battery negative pole should be disconnected to prevent airbag from inadvertently firing(but battery disconnection would require
knowledge of radio code later). But I think this model does not have a side airbag. Tell me if there is.
g)detach window glass from regulator, pull up and hold in
position with generous amount of masking tape so that it would not fall down
h)remove bolts holding regulator(original ones are rivetted
so you need to drill out the rivets and replace them later
either with rivets or small, short bolts with locknuts.
i) replace regulator and reinstall in reverse order
j) IMPORTANT NOTE-- be sure that you can get a window regulator before dismantling the door panel for obvious reasons.

I hope that this helps. For more info just ask for it. Regards.
P.S.
After removing the door trim, detach the cable connector from the electric motor. Also, the window glass is secured by clips(like big hairpins) on 2 sides to the plastic sliders. Grease the new sliders and the rail it slides on.
When re-attaching the window glass, make sure that the glass' sides are in the grooves of the glass channels;
glass re-attachment to slider can be tricky-- attach the clips into the sliders and press the glass firmly in(it takes some effort to do this). The electric motor has to be detached from the old regulator and attached to the new one. Before putting in the door trim, check for proper operation--if there is any perceived problem, stop immediately, check for the cause and correct as needed.