100% Free

No Scanner Needed

Carly logo

ThiGrau

BMW X5 Power Windows Dead, Troubleshooting & Fixes

Hey all, having trouble with my 2000 BMW X5. The power windows stopped working completely and there's an error code showing. I suspect it might be related to the window regulator initialization, but not entirely sure. Has anyone dealt with this before? What did your mechanic do to fix it? Looking for real experiences and repair solutions. Thanks!

4 comment(s)

SimSchm

Hey there! I've got some experience with BMWs (some technical knowledge). Actually had a similar issue with my 2002 BMW X3, and my owns a 3 Series. From what you're describing, it sounds exactly like what I dealt with, but it turned out my issue was actually the battery. The windows and error codes were just symptoms of a failing battery not providing enough power to the electrical systems. Had it checked at my regular workshop, and they diagnosed it pretty quickly. Got a new battery installed and everything went back to normal. Cost me around 290 Euro for the whole job. Before you dive into window regulator repairs, could you share: Are you having any other electrical issues? Does the car sometimes struggle to start? What's the specific error code you're getting? This info would help figure out if you're dealing with the same problem I had or if it's actually the window system itself.

ThiGrau (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful. My situation seems a bit different though. My car starts perfectly fine and I haven't noticed any other electrical issues. Just had my service done at 71,803 KM and they didn't mention any battery problems. The error code is P1943, and I'm getting it consistently. The weird thing is all four windows stopped working at the same time, which made me think it might be more of a system-wide initialization issue rather than the battery or individual window regulators. Maybe I should try the reset procedure before taking it to the shop? Has anyone tried that with similar symptoms?

SimSchm

Hey again! Yes, I remember helping you with this earlier. You know what? The symptoms you're describing now are quite different from what I experienced with my battery issue. When all four windows stop simultaneously and you're getting that P1943 code, it does point more toward a system initialization problem rather than a power issue, especially since your car's starting fine. I actually learned something after my initial reply to you, a few months after my battery incident, I had a similar all-windows-down situation with my X3. Turned out to be exactly what you're suspecting, an initialization issue. The reset procedure actually worked for me! Here's what I did: I turned the ignition to position 2 (without starting the engine), held the window switch up for each window until it fully closed, then held it for an additional 5 seconds. Did this for all four windows. Worked like a charm and saved me another trip to the mechanic. If that doesn't work, there might be an issue with the Body Control Module (BCM), which is what happened to my 's BMW. But try the reset first, it's free and might just solve your problem. Let me know how it goes!

ThiGrau (Author)

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! I just tried the reset procedure you suggested and guess what, it actually worked! All four windows are functioning perfectly now. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain the process step by step. You saved me what would've probably been an expensive trip to the mechanic. It's good to know about the potential BCM issue too, just in case this happens again. I'll definitely keep that in mind. I was getting worried it might be something major, so I'm really relieved it was just a simple initialization problem. You really know your BMWs! Mind if I reach out again if I run into any other issues? Thanks again for all your help!

Join the discussion now: