Comfort Relay - BMW Forum

bpowers · 07-10-2004, 06:53 PM

After reading a post about turning the key to the right and getting the windows to close, I tried it out and screwed something up. When I tried it the first time, the driver's window got stuck (it got off track) and both the driver and passenger windows stopped closing. I didn't think it was a big deal, and excited that this trick does indeed work, got in my car, turned it on, and attempted to close the windows - nothing, they wouldn't go up or down. Same with the sunroof. So, I figured it might help to close them fully with the key in the door. Sure enough, both windows and the sunroof closed. Back in the car, same problem - I can't get the windows or sunroof to move at all.

I tried (in vain) the reset trick for the windows - nothing. I also disconnected the battery for a while, thinking the electronics might need to be reset - nothing.

Is it the comfort relay?? I'm assuming that's what it is, but why would I have been able to close everything with the key after the switches stopped working?

Any ideas? If it is the CR, anyone have an install on that?

Kevin325i · 07-10-2004, 07:56 PM

Check the little circuit breaker for the windows maybe that blew I'm not sure if it works separately from the turn key thing. It's worth a shot.

Kevin

bpowers · 07-10-2004, 08:31 PM

Can you tell me where the circuit breaker is? I checked the fuse box, but nothing is blown.

I pulled the comfort relay out with help fromcomfor relay install but mine looked nothing like the one in the picture (there was much less visable, just little pieces of fresh looking solder). Perhaps I need a new CR?

Any help would be appreciated!!

BTW - I'm new to this forum, but while I was looking on google for the CR install, I found this site with E36 DIY - perhaps everyone here knows about it, but just in case:

E36 DIY

Kevin325i · 07-10-2004, 08:33 PM

I'm talking about the little button to the right of the steering wheel. It's got a window on it with a lightning bolt through it (kinda) push it and try the windows. If you need a picture I can go take one for you.

Kevin

bpowers · 07-10-2004, 10:29 PM

Thanks. I don't remember seeing it before, but I'll take a look in the daylight.

Thanks for the help. I'll let you know if I can't find it.

bpowers · 07-12-2004, 08:13 AM

Hey Kevin, couldn't find it, so either I'm blind or my ti doesn't have it.

I've checked the car out pretty throughly, but can't find anything. Since the CR looked intact, I'm wondering whether there's a glitch somewhere else. Or maybe the CR is not easily diagnosed?

Thanks

Kevin325i · 07-12-2004, 12:24 PM

Well, I'm out of ideas then. Sorry I couldn't help. I've never had to deal with the CR. So here's a free bump hopefully somebody else can help.

Kevin

bpowers · 07-12-2004, 12:51 PM

Kevin - thanks for trying; much obliged. I'm going to buy a CR anyway and see what happens...

I'll post back if it does the trick

007ben · 07-12-2004, 12:59 PM

check the inside switches besure they are still good....

bpowers · 07-24-2004, 10:30 AM

still w/o windows/sunroof. Anyone have any ideas? I rec'd CR from BMW but it did not match with the one I removed. I sent them the one I removed, so we'll see, but the relay I removed (which I did following directions from previous link) made it so I lost my high beams...

wulley1 · 07-24-2004, 01:16 PM

I'm really confused....what's the trick with the key? What does it do?

bpowers · 07-24-2004, 10:23 PM

That if you turn the key to the right when it's in the driver's side door, and hold it for a few seconds, your windows will roll up and your sunroof will shut. Except, when I tried doing this, my driver's side window went off track and this froze everything. I was able to get my windows up, but they haven't moved since...IT'S HOT IN HERE

bpowers · 09-06-2004, 01:11 PM

Believe it or not, I'm still w/o power windows/sunroof.

I used the DIY father/son Comfort Relay replacement with no luck. I ordered the CR but it did not match either of the 2 relays I found in the swing down relay holder.

There were 2 relays there - a tall black one and a shorter dark blue one. I replaced the dark blue one (which is the same size as the CR, but it only seemed to control the high beams).

I called BMW a few times, and they said they'd never heard of a CR before. When the dealer sent the dark blue relay, he said that it should do the trick. It took about 3 weeks for me to get, and as I've already mentioned, it only seems to affect the high beams.

Does the ti have a CR? Would anyone have a clue where it would be located?

I'd appreciate any help I can get with this as it's a huge PITA - I've been w/o windows/sunroof for about 2 months now!

chungaa1 · 09-08-2004, 05:26 PM

you didn't have to replace the relay... u just have to simply resolder the colder solder joint that u saw....
eric

bpowers · 09-09-2004, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chungaa1@Sep 8 2004, 06:06 PM
you didn't have to replace the relay... u just have to simply resolder the colder solder joint that u saw....
eric

You're right about resoldering the joints, but what I'm saying is that there were 2 relays there - a tall black one which does not look remotely like the one from the DIY and then a darker blue one which seems to control the headlights. I DID replace it anyway, but still no power windows/roof which is why I'm still asking for help