Frameless doors - windows frozen when opening

[Frimley111R]

Has anyone has any problems with the windows being frozen in these sub zero temps and auto window dropping trying to move the window down? It happened today on my E36 Coupe (first time since I have had it). It seems like it's a recipe for a burnt out motor!

[pat_y]

Yup, happened on my E36 this morning, happened on my last E36 as well, never suffered any window motor problems though, i guess ze germans probably considered this during testing considering southern germany regularly hits below -10 every winter.

[NickXX]

Happened for the first time in my e46 today. I was wondering exactly the same thing.

[Slurms]

Happened on mine a few times never caused any problems

I just used to get the ol' hot water on it on days when I thought it might be a problem.

[christurbo]

Get some silicone spray/grease on the seals.

[TheEnd]

christurbo said:

Get some silicone spray/grease on the seals.

Yes indeedy!

Any rubber or vinyl cleaner/treater/softener will stop them sticking, or just a slight rub of a silicone spray

[mi1ne]

does smear the top of the window? (cant stand dirty windows)

[Shmee150]

I've heard of this happening on 1er coupes too, but mine has spent about 8 weeks in ski towns, so being very very cold and never had a problem... yet! Heading back again in a few weeks so we'll see!

[TheEnd]

The proper rubber care stuff won't make a mess, silicone might a little, but you really just need a trace on a cloth, and rub over the seal.
Other than that, you can't really do a hell of a lot.

I know many people, myself included, who have blasted the lower rubber window seals only to end up with oily windows for the next 6 months.

[MitchT]

I've had my E36 coupe more than ten years so have had more than my fair share of "window frozen to seal" scenario. Never been a problem though. A firm tug usually frees it. Always worry that I might break the glass but it hasn't happened yet!

[aeropilot]

pat_y said:

Yup, happened on my E36 this morning, happened on my last E36 as well, never suffered any window motor problems though, i guess ze germans probably considered this during testing considering southern germany regularly hits below -10 every winter.

But the air is a lot drier in cold alpine regions, probably not a prob in Germany etc., whereas being an island, and a relatively small one, our air is always damp and wet and siezes things solid when moisture in the seals just freezes.

[bazking69]

Silicone spray on the seals. Simple.

[motco]

BMW Gummi-pflege is supposed to stop that isn't it?

[Shmee150]

aeropilot said:

pat_y said:

Yup, happened on my E36 this morning, happened on my last E36 as well, never suffered any window motor problems though, i guess ze germans probably considered this during testing considering southern germany regularly hits below -10 every winter.

But the air is a lot drier in cold alpine regions, probably not a prob in Germany etc., whereas being an island, and a relatively small one, our air is always damp and wet and siezes things solid when moisture in the seals just freezes.

That explains why it's never happened to me in the alpine, thanks I've always wondered!

[Babu 01]

motco said:

BMW Gummi-pflege is supposed to stop that isn't it?

Beaten to the gummi pflege, damn.

And yes it works without mucking up your windows.

[LordGrover]

A couple of ideas here: click.

[kingofherts]

BEWARE!

Don't force your E46 door handles when the doors are frozen shut!!

I did this last year and broke the mechanism in the handle and had to spend around £150 getting a new one fitted.

My personal advice would be use a de-icer spray and wait a few mins...