When you get into a new car (“new” by my standards, anyway), and hold down the switch to open the window, it’s automatic after a second or so. Why isn’t it the same when you want to close the window? I mean, I can imagine a hurry to open a window, so the automatic function makes some sense from that angle, but surely there’s such a thing as a hurry to close a window too.
I initially assumed that it was some safety feature (carbon monoxide buildup, etc.), but if safety was the concern, why not have an override feature so that you can use the windows when you lose the electrical system? And anyway, certainly there’s a safety factor for wanting to close the window quickly - approaching dangers of various kinds, etc.
Any ideas?
It’s probably a safety feature so you are less likely to close a window wiyh your head in it. Some more sophisticated cars have a sensor that will not close if there is resistance. Not all power windows work the same as some have the “express” feature in both directions. My BWM 325i had it in neither direction.
The BMW had a special tool for hand cranking the windows without power but in the six years I owned that car I never figured out how it was used.
I’ve been in a new Lexus where the automatic feature worked to both open and close a window. My sister-in-law, who works for Toyota, said it was the subject of a lot of debate among engineers about whether or not this was a good feature.
My Mustang’s windows open automatically, but won’t close. Our RAV-4 will do the open AND the close automatically. You know what? I really DO miss the close feature on the Mustang.
And about safety, here’s an interesting one: although the RAV-4’s windows will close automatically after 1 sec of hold, the power moonroof in it will only close halfway, requiring another push to get it to close all the way. The owner’s manual claims this is for safety reasons.
Thanks for the responses. I hadn’t realized that there were some vehicles with automatic up-windows. I don’t get out much.
btw, how often do people get their heads stuck in car windows anyway? It seems to me we’d want to remove these individuals from the gene pool pretty quickly.
My 2000 BMW has one-touch window and sunroof controls for both opening and closing. You don’t have to hold the control at all. The default is full operation. If you want the window only partially open, you touch the control a second time and it stops in its path. As far as I know, there is no way to open the windows in the event of a total power loss other than the obvious skillful, violent application of a fist or elbow. As a word on safety, the windows and sunroof will stop immediately and reverse if they encounter any obstruction while closing. I played with this feature a lot when I first bought the car and found that it takes very little to activate this safety feature.
I wonder if I could possibly make this post any more dry and boring.
Oh, yeah. Ever had a dog travelling with you in your back seat, Pipeliner? They love to ride with their heads hanging out the window. They also lack a good understanding of automatic windows. If a dog gets into trouble with the rear, driver side window, the driver will likely be completely unaware. Bad news for pooch.
My 2000 BMW has the feature going down, but not going up. Same with my old Honda. Never could figure out why it was only for putting the windows down - I always wanted it the other way as well.
Funny that Tymp’s 2K beemer has it both ways, and mine only has it one. Wonder what the reasoning is there?
That’s odd, Athena. I’m driving a 323i. You?
Z3. I’ll double check at lunch that it doesn’t work with the windows going up, but I’m pretty sure I tried and it doesn’t.
D’oh! That’s right. I even posted to your thread when you were in the process of ordering it. Topaz blue, right? Of course right. Do you love it?
I would have to think that the no auto-up featue is for safety. If you car does have an auto-up feature it is becuase it has some sensor so the motor will stop with pressure. I have seen cars with auto-up and without is but all the cars that do have it will stop if you push down on the moving window with your hand.
My 2000 Toyota 4-Runner has the auto down and auto up for both front windows (both driver’s and passenger’s side). The '97 RAV 4 I had only had auto down for the driver’s side. Personally, I like the auto up and down. Makes toll booths and drive-thru windows much easier.
Of course I love it! I’ve been trying not to bore people with posts about how much I love this car. No regrets at all. I live to drive nowadays. It’s beautiful.
Now I want to sell my motorcycle and buy a BMW motorcycle. I am fully convinced that BMW makes the finest vehicles out there. I’m a convert.
I totally know how you feel. I’ve put nearly 14,000 miles on mine since I bought her in January. I just can’t stay out of that damn car. Maybe I’ll start asking my friends to hide my keys from me.
Motorcycle?
Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C! Buy the 1200C!
Okay. Sorry. I’m done now.
That’d be the one I’m looking at. They make it in a color that just about matches the Topaz Blue. I’m gonna have to go take a test drive one of these days.
SO has a 1200 RS, one of the yellow ones, and he loves it to death. So we may someday be a 3 beemer family…
You have no idea how jealous I am.
I stand corrected. Further research shows me that the Z3 does indeed have the one touch up and down feature.
Tymp, you oughta go buy one if you’re so jealous. BMW has some pretty agressive financing going on with their motorcycles lately.