'Dancing' Windows - There IS a new fix! - New 2009 2010 BMW Z4

davidmbell · 05-03-2011, 10:04 AM

Not sure if this has already been reported, but my garage insisted that my car is one of the first (in the UK) to have this mod done.

I had the car in for a repeated rattle from the roof, and while in asked them to look at the 'dancing' windows. (Drivers' and sometimes passenger window drops back down 4/5 inches following the all 4 closure - either roof going up or down).

They rang to say it was fixed, and I collected the car, only to realise the issue with dancing windows was still there, the drivers' side now leaked, and the roof rattle was still there.

So booked it back in, insisting they keep it till it was sorted.

So after getting back from a vacation the garage explained they had fitted a mod in the footwell area, that fixes the dancing windows issue.

It seems there's now some form of relay on each rear window that delays it going up by milliseconds, but enough for it to now raise so that it meets the front windows at the very top of their travel.

I've done a video of the windows closing. I guess most won't notice the difference, but the rear windows now definitely raise a millisecond AFTER the did prior to this mod.

It's not done the 'dancing' since!!!! (oh and I think the roof rattle is cured too!).

Video here:

David

lomay · 05-03-2011, 10:43 AM

Many thanks for the video which clearly shows the front window is going up a fraction slower than the back window.
I guess the "dancing" was because the front window is either going up together with the back or it even going up faster than the back, and the sensors detected that the front window is experiencing some sort of resistance and then as a safety feature, it lowers the front window for a few inches?? How close was my guestimate??

I am more interested to know how the rattle is gone and could you tell us more about that!!
They put a few tapes round the hinges which does not work and in fact made it worst.
It seems the whole roof is jumping up and down and I need to take it back to the dealer before the 2 years warranty ends.

davidmbell · 05-03-2011, 10:55 AM

Its not the front going slower, its the back two setting off a little later than prior to the mod, the slight delay meaning they now meet at the top, rather than the rear windows closing sooner than the front, and the front then feeling resistance.

RE the roof fix, don't know what they've actually done. They wouldn't explain what... Sorry.

David

Dr Stig 2 · 05-03-2011, 04:55 PM

I had the new window seal kit replaced... under warranty for the "dancing

windows" problem.
It hasn't helped with the rattles though.

The kit cost comes in at about AU$900, and contains new sensors.

There is a standard fault code for this issue now on the BMW system, its called
Measure No 32795976-01

The part number for the kit is BM51337308822

s2000jan · 05-04-2011, 06:54 AM

Great info, thanks!

My windows also 'dance' from time to time

DutchDriver · 05-09-2011, 02:45 PM

Thought I was the only one experiencing this, you guys even came up with a funny name for this phenomenon: Dancing Windows! Have to go to the dealer before my warranty is over, to get it fixed!

taYab · 05-09-2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DutchDriver

Thought I was the only one experiencing this, you guys even came up with a funny name for this phenomenon: Dancing Windows! Have to go to the dealer before my warranty is over, to get it fixed!

Lol. I thought so, too.

Dr Stig 2 · 05-09-2011, 07:48 PM

sadly - my windows danced again on Sunday - the kit did not fix the problem...

I did turn off the engine while the windows where going up, but only the LHS window went down again ...

SupremeArt · 05-09-2011, 08:13 PM

Not sure if I am understand the "dancing window" issue correctly, but maybe I have the same? Only the passenger side windows, when the roof is up, if I close all 4 windows at the same time, 1 out of 5 times, the passenger side windows close all the way, but then reopen all the way. Just like if you were to stick a finger or hand in the path of the window, which would trigger the safety feature to reopen and not close fully.

Dr Stig 2 · 05-10-2011, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SupremeArt

Not sure if I am understand the "dancing window" issue correctly, but maybe I have the same? Only the passenger side windows, when the roof is up, if I close all 4 windows at the same time, 1 out of 5 times, the passenger side windows close all the way, but then reopen all the way. Just like if you were to stick a finger or hand in the path of the window, which would trigger the safety feature to reopen and not close fully.

For me, the issue is when you close the roof, the last action is the windows going up.
They go all the way up, then sometimes, one or the other window winds down about 10 centimetres (4 inches)

Intermittant - the service reps blame sensor alignment and sensitivity of programming.

taYab · 05-10-2011, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SupremeArt

Not sure if I am understand the "dancing window" issue correctly, but maybe I have the same? Only the passenger side windows, when the roof is up, if I close all 4 windows at the same time, 1 out of 5 times, the passenger side windows close all the way, but then reopen all the way. Just like if you were to stick a finger or hand in the path of the window, which would trigger the safety feature to reopen and not close fully.

That is exactly what we are experiencing.
I think it's more of alignment problem with rear side windows like OP explained.

SupremeArt · 05-13-2011, 10:59 PM

In service now for this issue. They say.... a regulator issue and they are installing the parts Monday. So will post results as to weather or not this resolved it after driving the next week.

Atebit · 05-18-2011, 10:06 AM

Did the regulator fix your issue? I'm bringing mine in on Friday for the same thing and I'm sure that they won't have a clue otherwise.

SupremeArt · 05-18-2011, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atebit

Did the regulator fix your issue? I'm bringing mine in on Friday for the same thing and I'm sure that they won't have a clue otherwise.

Yes, that did resolve the issue 100%. I will upload a video of the new window movement once it stops raining here, The new regulator delays the rear quarter windows from closing about 1 1/2 seconds long enough for the main windows to be about 1/2 raised. Seems the issue was resistance from the windows meeting at the end of the cycle simulating an obstruction. Tested about 15 times, works every time.

davidmbell · 05-19-2011, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SupremeArt

The new regulator delays the rear quarter windows from closing about 1 1/2 seconds long enough for the main windows to be about 1/2 raised. Seems the issue was resistance from the windows meeting at the end of the cycle simulating an obstruction. Tested about 15 times, works every time.

As I said in my first post, and my video shows. The rear windows have a delay on them now. This delay is for every movement of them, even if you're just raising those windows on their own, and not doing an 'all four up'.

David

SupremeArt · 05-19-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmbell

As I said in my first post, and my video shows. The rear windows have a delay on them now. This delay is for every movement of them, even if you're just raising those windows on their own, and not doing an 'all four up'.

David

Yes, my delay is also when the rear windows are closed on their own, but the delay on my rear windows is slightly more than yours in the video causing the rear window not to close first but rather at the same time. There is more of a delay when closing from the inside of the vehicle though causing the rear window to close last. Here is a video of the windows being closed from the outside. You will notice that unlike the first posted video, the rear window does not close before the main window.

jparnes1 · 08-09-2011, 03:57 PM

I just had this relay installed too and can attest to it completely fixing the window problem. BMW issued a service notice on this so your dealership should be aware of it or they can look it up.

tranquility · 08-09-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SupremeArt

Not sure if I am understand the "dancing window" issue correctly, but maybe I have the same? Only the passenger side windows, when the roof is up, if I close all 4 windows at the same time, 1 out of 5 times, the passenger side windows close all the way, but then reopen all the way. Just like if you were to stick a finger or hand in the path of the window, which would trigger the safety feature to reopen and not close fully.

I had this prb b4...I'm still confused about the "dancing windows" description and the video...maybe I'm blind as I don't see the prb?

Anyway, to address this prb, I just inserted the key fob into the slot and played around w/ the windows (up/down all 4 windows in any combination for a min or so). It is cured now. Must have done some sort of weird electrical resetting thing to the windows.

05-03-2011, 10:04 AM	#1
davidmbell Private First Class Drives: 2009 Z4 SDrive35i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Leeds/Bradford - UK Posts: 110 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Z4 SDrive35i [0.00]	'Dancing' Windows - There IS a new fix! Not sure if this has already been reported, but my garage insisted that my car is one of the first (in the UK) to have this mod done. I had the car in for a repeated rattle from the roof, and while in asked them to look at the 'dancing' windows. (Drivers' and sometimes passenger window drops back down 4/5 inches following the all 4 closure - either roof going up or down). They rang to say it was fixed, and I collected the car, only to realise the issue with dancing windows was still there, the drivers' side now leaked, and the roof rattle was still there. So booked it back in, insisting they keep it till it was sorted. So after getting back from a vacation the garage explained they had fitted a mod in the footwell area, that fixes the dancing windows issue. It seems there's now some form of relay on each rear window that delays it going up by milliseconds, but enough for it to now raise so that it meets the front windows at the very top of their travel. I've done a video of the windows closing. I guess most won't notice the difference, but the rear windows now definitely raise a millisecond AFTER the did prior to this mod. It's not done the 'dancing' since!!!! (oh and I think the roof rattle is cured too!). Video here: David __________________ 2009 Z4 SDrive35i Deep Sea Blue Pure White Design + Loads of other gear : ) www.z4bmw.co.uk Last edited by davidmbell; 05-03-2011 at 10:09 AM.
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05-03-2011, 10:55 AM	#3
davidmbell Private First Class Drives: 2009 Z4 SDrive35i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Leeds/Bradford - UK Posts: 110 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Z4 SDrive35i [0.00]	Its not the front going slower, its the back two setting off a little later than prior to the mod, the slight delay meaning they now meet at the top, rather than the rear windows closing sooner than the front, and the front then feeling resistance. RE the roof fix, don't know what they've actually done. They wouldn't explain what... Sorry. David __________________ 2009 Z4 SDrive35i Deep Sea Blue Pure White Design + Loads of other gear : ) www.z4bmw.co.uk

05-03-2011, 04:55 PM	#4
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 1,458 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 30D M-S ... [5.00] 2010 BMW Z4 35is [5.00]	I had the new window seal kit replaced... under warranty for the "dancing windows" problem. It hasn't helped with the rattles though. The kit cost comes in at about AU$900, and contains new sensors. There is a standard fault code for this issue now on the BMW system, its called Measure No 32795976-01 The part number for the kit is BM51337308822 __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia

05-04-2011, 06:54 AM	#5
s2000jan Second Lieutenant Drives: E89 - sDrive 35is Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Belgium - Antwerp area Posts: 217 iTrader: (0)	Great info, thanks! My windows also 'dance' from time to time __________________ 2012 - F30 - 330d M-pack - Glacier Silver 1999 - Honda S2000 - Silverstone

05-09-2011, 02:45 PM	#6
DutchDriver New Member Drives: Z4 23i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 26 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 Z4 sDrive 23i [0.00]	Dutch Dancing windows Thought I was the only one experiencing this, you guys even came up with a funny name for this phenomenon: Dancing Windows! Have to go to the dealer before my warranty is over, to get it fixed! __________________ Waiting for my new Z4

05-03-2011, 10:43 AM	#2
lomay Private Drives: S23i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: HKG Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	Many thanks for the video which clearly shows the front window is going up a fraction slower than the back window. I guess the "dancing" was because the front window is either going up together with the back or it even going up faster than the back, and the sensors detected that the front window is experiencing some sort of resistance and then as a safety feature, it lowers the front window for a few inches?? How close was my guestimate?? I am more interested to know how the rattle is gone and could you tell us more about that!! They put a few tapes round the hinges which does not work and in fact made it worst. It seems the whole roof is jumping up and down and I need to take it back to the dealer before the 2 years warranty ends.

05-09-2011, 07:48 PM	#8
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 1,458 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 30D M-S ... [5.00] 2010 BMW Z4 35is [5.00]	sadly - my windows danced again on Sunday - the kit did not fix the problem... I did turn off the engine while the windows where going up, but only the LHS window went down again ... __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia

05-09-2011, 08:13 PM	#9
SupremeArt Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 BMW Z3 3.0i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New York, USA Posts: 48 iTrader: (0)	Not sure if I am understand the "dancing window" issue correctly, but maybe I have the same? Only the passenger side windows, when the roof is up, if I close all 4 windows at the same time, 1 out of 5 times, the passenger side windows close all the way, but then reopen all the way. Just like if you were to stick a finger or hand in the path of the window, which would trigger the safety feature to reopen and not close fully.

05-13-2011, 10:59 PM	#12
SupremeArt Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 BMW Z3 3.0i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New York, USA Posts: 48 iTrader: (0)	In service now for this issue. They say.... a regulator issue and they are installing the parts Monday. So will post results as to weather or not this resolved it after driving the next week.

05-18-2011, 10:06 AM	#13
Atebit Private Drives: Yellow 2011 Z4 sdrive30i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC Posts: 95 iTrader: (0)	Did the regulator fix your issue? I'm bringing mine in on Friday for the same thing and I'm sure that they won't have a clue otherwise.

08-09-2011, 03:57 PM	#17
jparnes1 Major Drives: 2006 525xi, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,003 iTrader: (0)	I just had this relay installed too and can attest to it completely fixing the window problem. BMW issued a service notice on this so your dealership should be aware of it or they can look it up. __________________ 2006 525xi, Orient Blue Metallic, Beige leather, Dark Poplar trim, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, ///M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA, Alpine HID Angel Eyes, pedal covers, stubby antenna.

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