Lubricating window runners- What to use?

[carreauchompeur]

Folks,

The front windows on my E36 M3 Cab are sticking slightly, not a big issue but does stop them going up "automatically" which is a pain. There is a pronounced squeak from the driver's side so I'm hoping lubrication might do the trick before mucking around with regulators, etc.

What should I use?

I have seen some Gummi Pflege on eBay which seems decent stuff too- Is this just a protectant?

[will_]

Silicone spray lube, available from Halfords. Be careful not to use too much.

[LuS1fer]

As will says, silicon spray.

Gummi Pflege is more a rubber conditioner and protectant to stop the rubber seals on doors and boot freezing to metal.

[billzeebub]

Yeah, Wd40 will do you. I go round all the rubber seals on my E36 Vert with this periodically and it not only helps the functionality, but also eliminates any squeaks with the roof up on bumpy roads

[GAjon]

Was watching a tv prog last night 'super scrimpers' they covered this very thing and suggested using a normal white wax candle and rubbing it in the channel.

[LuS1fer]

billzeebub said:

Yeah, Wd40 will do you. I go round all the rubber seals on my E36 Vert with this periodically and it not only helps the functionality, but also eliminates any squeaks with the roof up on bumpy roads

No. Stick to silicon.

"Thank you for contacting the WD-40 Company concerning the use of our product. WD-40 contains cleaning solutions, and for this reason we do not recommend using WD-40 first and then applying another lubricant.

WD-40 can swell rubber or buna rubber gaskets when the gasket is immersed in the fluid. If the fluid is sprayed on and wiped off, the gasket will not swell. This swelling will not ruin the gasket, however it will swell the rubber. We use buna gaskets in every single can of WD-40 aerosol. We build the valves in our cans with this swelling in mind. After swelling the gasket retains its integrity.

Thank you again for contacting the WD-40 Company. Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.

Best regards,
Eva Zabowski
WD-40 Customer Service"

[E30M3SE]

There's no top door frame on a e36 cab, only the seal on the b pillar and the seal on the soft top. If it's squeeking then it against the b pillar seal, if the windows aren't working on the one touch when going up your windows may need an alignment tweek as they are too tight against the b pillar seal or it maybe the motors, as they are torque sensing and stop for obstructions.

[billzeebub]

LuS1fer said:

billzeebub said:

Yeah, Wd40 will do you. I go round all the rubber seals on my E36 Vert with this periodically and it not only helps the functionality, but also eliminates any squeaks with the roof up on bumpy roads

No. Stick to silicon.

"Thank you for contacting the WD-40 Company concerning the use of our product. WD-40 contains cleaning solutions, and for this reason we do not recommend using WD-40 first and then applying another lubricant.

WD-40 can swell rubber or buna rubber gaskets when the gasket is immersed in the fluid. If the fluid is sprayed on and wiped off, the gasket will not swell. This swelling will not ruin the gasket, however it will swell the rubber. We use buna gaskets in every single can of WD-40 aerosol. We build the valves in our cans with this swelling in mind. After swelling the gasket retains its integrity.

Thank you again for contacting the WD-40 Company. Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.

Best regards,
Eva Zabowski
WD-40 Customer Service"

Thanks for that. I will adjust my lubrication routine accordingly. Though I must say I have never had any issue and it does what I said!..

[Balmoral]

Talcum powder.

[carreauchompeur]

E30M3SE said:

There's no top door frame on a e36 cab, only the seal on the b pillar and the seal on the soft top. If it's squeeking then it against the b pillar seal, if the windows aren't working on the one touch when going up your windows may need an alignment tweek as they are too tight against the b pillar seal or it maybe the motors, as they are torque sensing and stop for obstructions.

Fair point... Might give that a try, however it might be catching on the rear runners?

[wolf1]

Furniture polish (pledge/mr sheen) works as an interim substitute till you can get some silicone spray.

[chris1roll]

Used to use back to black bumper spray on my 480 (which were notorious for sticking/jamming/slow moving windows which then snapped the mechanisms.)