rear window on 325i Wagon opens randomly

[msy88]

I have my 2002 325i Wagon a few months now (bought it with ~55,000 miles). A couple of days ago the rear window started to 'pop' out of nowhere, like if I'm pushing the button on the key, but all by itself. This happens when it's parked (regardless if in my garage or in public), or even on the road. Yesterday I was waiting at a red light when it happened again and after it was open I could still hear a series of clicks, like if it's released by some impulse (which means it's not a mechanical problem).
Has anybody any idea what this could be caused by? I have an appointment at a BMW dealership on Friday, but of course they are charging me $132 just to take a 1st look... Any help to pinpoint this problem or at least narrow/accelerate the search would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Kirby]

If I understand correctly, it is exactly like you are pushing the electrical release button?

If so, it would likely be an electrical short.
- Possibly a bad switch
- If the switch closes the ground circuit to the window solenoid, the wire from the switch to the window solenoid could be shorting to ground.

 

[Section_8]

It's possessed!!




Bad switch, or ground incorrectly like Kirby said.

 

[msy88]

update on the window issue

Thanks for the ideas, guys. The switch shorting the solenoid did sound reasonable at first.
Turns out, it's not quite that easy (unfortunately): I took it to a BMW dealer today to have them read out any error codes. They said they found a code, researched it and traced it to BMW bulletin #610702. Following the instructions in that bulletin, they measured the ohmage along a whole bunch of wires under that little rear spoiler (where the LED center break light is). I saw how they had everything taken apart. The verdict: according to the bulletin the ohmage readout indicates that the "center module" and some electronic filter need to be changed. The latter seems to be housed somewhere in the roof (i.e. to access that the whole ceiling hs to come down). Estimated parts cost ~$370, labor ~$910. Needless to say I'm pretty frustrated. There is no way I can afford to shell out almost 1300 bucks just to have that rear window work properly...
Well, now I'm looking for cheaper ways to get to that module and filter and maybe change them myself. Any additional insight someone may have would be highly appreciated!

Cheers,
M.

 

[Kirby]

Sorry to hear that. Another example of BMW (and other car manufacturers) using technology to automate something "because they can". There is just no reason that the latch needs to go through an electronic module. Simple hardwiring would work just fine!

 

[bmwboi]

Oh great. My 02 wagon just started doing this today. Hopefully it is covered under my CPO Warranty. Did you have any resolution to your problem?