BMW Power Windows Dead, Regulator Issue or Worse?

Hey there! Had the same issue with my 2011 BMW 3 Series diesel last summer. Initially thought it was the regulator too, but turned out to be just the main power window switch unit in the driver's door. The symptoms were identical, complete failure of all windows and error codes showing up. When I took it to the garage, the tech did a thorough diagnostic and found that moisture had gotten into the switch module, causing corrosion on the contacts. It wasn't a major repair, they replaced the switch unit and reprogrammed the window control module. The whole thing took about 2 hours. Since you mentioned having a bad experience at a repair shop, I'd suggest getting it checked at a place that specializes in European cars. They'll be able to properly diagnose whether it's actually the regulator or just the switch unit like in my case. The switch unit issue is pretty common in these models. My windows have been working perfectly since the repair. Hope this helps with your decision. Best regards

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful. I'm actually curious, do you remember roughly how much you paid for that switch unit replacement and programming? Also, have you had any other electrical issues pop up since then? Just want to get an idea if I should expect anything else to go wrong with the electronics. Cheers

Hey again! Glad to update you! After taking your advice, I got my BMW checked out at a specialist shop. You were actually spot on, it was indeed the window regulator that was faulty in my case, not just the switch unit like I initially thought. Got it fixed for 200€, which included the new power window switch and labor. The mechanic did a great job, and all windows are working perfectly now. Since you asked about other electrical issues, nope, haven't had any problems since the repair was done about 8 months ago. Everything's been running smoothly. The specialist told me these window issues are pretty common in BMWs of our generation, but once fixed properly, they usually stay fixed. Just keep in mind that electrical problems can be a bit tricky to diagnose sometimes. Getting it checked by someone who really knows BMWs made all the difference in my case. Definitely worth spending a bit more for the right expertise. Let me know how yours works out!

Thanks for the follow-up! Really glad I asked here before jumping to conclusions. I actually just got back from the mechanic today. Funny enough, my issue turned out to be more complex, both the regulator and the control module needed replacing. Ended up costing me more than yours, around 400€ total, but at least it's fixed now. The specialist shop I found was great, they took the time to show me exactly what was wrong and explained everything clearly. No more struggling with stuck windows! The mechanic also gave my car a quick once-over and said everything else looks good electrically, which is a relief. Thanks again for helping me avoid another bad repair experience. It's always good to hear from someone who's been through something similar. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your story! Best wishes