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Move e39 window switches to shifter console?

2K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  fullthrottle540 
#1 ·
I loved how I could shift, lock the doors and control the windows using only my right hand in the e36. Has anyone tried moving the window switches in the e39 to the shifter console? Heck, the door lock button is there already so it should be relatively straightforward? I was thinking the e46 switches would make a good candidate. Thoughts?
 
#2 · (Edited)
Not sure how you figure the door lock being there is related to the windows switches?

You would have to custom up the mounting in the middle for the switches, and swap in a RHD door panel or arm rest for the drivers door to delete them there (or again, custom).

Then the 'fun' part, move all the wiring over to the center console from the drivers door. Which will likely require lengthening everything.

In the end this is all more complicated than I have made it sound and more importantly; a massive waste of time.
 
#6 ·
What I meant was the door lock switch is aleady there, so it wouldn't have to be moved.

Not going to disagree that this could be a massive waste of time, as this whole hobby oftentimes is (in the eyes of others, not me). I think having to take a bio break every few hours is the biggest waste of time!

I didn't elaborate in my OP like I should have. I often ride in the car with my family and in the e36, it was nice letting the mrs control the rear windows for the kiddies rather than me being told to open them, close them, crack just a little etc. Now that I think of it maybe I can retrofit a driver side window switch panel from a LHD car and put it in the passenger door.

I know this is wonky to some or all of you, but I don't feel it's optimal having to reach here for a door lock switch and there for the windows.

Didn't realize the car was designed by a Japanese person. Cool fact.
 
#4 · (Edited)
It'd be like a primitive i-drive!

Personally, i'd like to do the opposite. The switches in the E39 are one of its only pitfalls; Who decided that it'd be a good idea to put a hazard button and a central lock button right in the middle of the console, between the cupholders, shifter and ashtray?

Not to mention the window switches themselves suck... both "down" and "up" are momentary pushbuttons... I hope you don't drive with your dog, and I hope all four of your anti-trap sensors (at top of door-window) are in good working condition. I drove a 1993 Nissan today, and I realized that it was light years ahead of the E39 in terms of ergonomics.

The E39 was designed by Joji Nagashima using Japanese elements, but it's painfully obvious that the interior switches are a product of true German engineering.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I have done this in my car, but it is not a paradigm for others because I replaced my door cards with CF panels and used a Motec PDM with Racegrade switchpad in the ashtray location and four relays to duplicate the stock functionality. Not easy. Really only makes sense if you already are rewiring the car for other reasons, which I was.

--Peter
 
#9 ·
The weight of the locking system must be huge.
 
#10 ·
^^^^This. And more Carbon Fiber. :woowoo::thumbsup:
 
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