Windows roll-down automatically while driving!

[Davisio]

I came out of work today to find all my windows and sunroof open to the elements on a February day in Indiana. I've heard of this problem before so I tried not to over react. When I got into the car, I heard a clicking sound coming from the front right side of the dashboard. It was then that I realised that the car was in perpetual unlock mode. The fact that the boot release was also clicking uncontrollably in this manner confirmed this.
While my dealership was very helpful in helping me to go through as few things (reset auto-lock system, disconnect battery) the problems waas not solved. I then drove it to the dealer with the fear that this electrical problem would spread like a virus to things such as headlamps and turning indicators.
Although I made it to the dealership, it was not without incident. My windows and sunroof opened completely 5 times before I got there. Holding (and eventually duct taping) the switches to the closed position did nothing to prevent the inevitable complete opening of the window. Needless to say, it made very a very chilly ride.
My question is: What do I do now? The car is at the dealership. I have a loaner (which I kind of had to fight for), but it's an automatic plain cooper. I really want my S (all pkgs). I don't want to make the dealership angry with me because they have actually treated me remarkably well. (besides, it's not their fault).
Thanks in advance.

[MiniG]

Sounds like you are on the right path. Let them fix it and enjoy the time "practicing" in a loaner MINI while yours is being treated.
Not too much you can do but wait for it to get fixed.
Sucks to have trouble with a new car, but things do happen to ANY brand car.
Hopefully, since your is getting a lot of attention, you'll get the latest software upgades, etc. whiile they diagnose the problem.
Best of luck!
BCNU - G

[IMAXMINI]

Your MCS is broken; the dealer is trying to fix it; and you have a loaner MC which is kinda hard to come by from the sounds of things on this forum.
I'd be most upset about the car freaking out like that than the fact that I have to drive an MC for a while. If I were you, I would be thankful for the loaner and wait until they call. Insist they tell you what the actual problem was and not just recite the symptoms back to you. This proves that they actually did something instead of just disconnecting the battery and hitting some fusebox with a hammer until it stopped (for example). Then, when you pick up the car, try everything electrical 2 or 3 times to make sure it all checks out.

Good luck.

[Davisio]

I will say this about my dealership. they have always treated me with respect when it comes to my car. I have had it in three times(once for the sunroof rattle, once for an oil change, once to replace passenger side mirror)and always have come away smiling. This latest fault is just plain wierd.
Also, I am have fun in the "little" cooper. It was nice to find out that the automatic was not as enimic as I originally thought. It is actually quite smooth. It even reaches highway speed in a reasonable amount of time.

[IMAXMINI]

Glad to hear it. I'm sure they'll take care of you this time too then. I wish I could say the same for the dealer over here. They're all VERY friendly but when you ask a question they don't know the answer to or tell them about a problem the MINI is exhibiting, all you get is a blank stare and, "I don't know". My local BMW dealer has a service tech that owns a MINI and I'm getting better help from him than from the dealer with troubleshooting.

[jstines]

This is a known problem, most generally related to moisture getting into the control unit. If this proves to be the case, they will likely fit a new control unit with a waterproof cover and you'll be good to go. Faulty wiring harnesses have also caused some trouble.

Shouldn't take you long to get your car back. Sorry you had the problem.

I wonder if BMW has had to pay for any stolen goods because of this problem.

Good luck,
JS

[hurrens]

I had a similar problem on my Cooper. It was caused by the Comfort setting being activated on the keyfob to open the sunroof and windows by a 2 second press on the unlock button on the keyfob. It was not a problem with the car it was the keyfog that was shorting out. Hope this helps.

[oldandquitemad]

IIRC, if the door lock toggle switch is pressed up and held it will cause the windows (and sun roof if installed) to open. If this is true, is there something that could be pressing against it? Maybe something in the cupholder? Just a thought.

[CurtP]

Quote:

Originally posted by oldandquitemad
IIRC, if the door lock toggle switch is pressed up and held it will cause the windows (and sun roof if installed) to open. If this is true, is there something that could be pressing against it? Maybe something in the cupholder? Just a thought.

Pressing the button up doesn't make them all open, pressing and holding the button down does.

[Davisio]

UPDATE!

I got my car back this afternoon.
It is not "fixed" as of yet. They have to order a new computer "module". That will take a week. In the mean time, since the symptoms did not repeat themselves at the dealer (of course), I will drive it as I normally have.
Next week (~wed) they will give me a call and arrange to pick it up while I'me at work, fix it and bring it back. That way I don't have to miss any work and they don't have to give me a loaner. Hey, works out for both parties in the end. What's the difference? I knew I liked my dealership (who, at this time, shall remain nameless. just know where i live and look it up yourself ).

[oldandquitemad]

CurtP -

I guess mine is different. The OM sez to "Hold the switch in the unlock position." On my '03 that's UP. Seems to work pretty well, too.

[CurtP]

Quote:

Originally posted by oldandquitemad
CurtP -

I guess mine is different. The OM sez to "Hold the switch in the unlock position." On my '03 that's UP. Seems to work pretty well, too.

Nope, they're the same, and you're quite right. I just went out to check (I've only used the lock switch twice now since it's been pretty cold since I've bought the car) and it is indeed up to open everything at once. Seems a bit backwards to me, but that is the way it is.

My apologies.

[janny]

My mini cooper has the same problem with the windows, returned to the car to find it full of snow, it has now been with the dealer for 3 weeks, they know whats wrong but have been unable to fix the problem without creating another fault.I hope u have better luck

[MiniMan7]

I was given a temporary MC to drive when the boot on my MCS wouldn't open, I had the MC for about a week while my MCS was being fixed. They had to reorder a latch from Germany which caused the long wait. As for the the temporary car, lets just say I let my girlfriend try driving standard for the first time in it!

[janny]

They still have not fixed my windows but at least the dealer has offered me a new replacement car