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ThomStein

BMW M4 Window Malfunction: Fix & Cost Insights

Power windows malfunction

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Fault stored

Hey there! Need some advice about my 2018 BMW M4. The power windows stopped working completely and there's an error code showing up on my dash. Based on what I've read, it seems like a window regulator initialization issue. After a not-so-great experience with my last mechanic, I'm hesitant about where to take it. Has anyone dealt with similar window problems on their M4? My car has about 132K km on it and I'd love to hear about your experiences and repair costs. Any recommendations on how to approach this?

4 comment(s)


LeoMueller

I had a similar issue with my 2015 BMW M3 last year. The power windows failed completely, and I got those warning lights too. Turned out my battery was on its last legs, which caused the electrical system to malfunction. These modern BMWs are pretty sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Had to get the battery replaced at the garage, and they had to reprogram the window regulators afterward. The whole procedure took about 2 hours. The battery dying isn't a major issue, but in these newer BMWs, it can trigger all sorts of electrical gremlins. After the new battery was installed and the windows were recalibrated, everything went back to normal. No issues since then. I'd suggest getting your battery tested first before diving into window regulator repairs. The car's high mileage makes battery failure a likely culprit. Make sure whoever works on it knows how to properly code BMW electrical systems. The window initialization isn't complex, but it needs to be done right to avoid future problems.

ThomStein (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad to hear it was just the battery, definitely a less painful fix than I was expecting. Would you mind letting me know roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole thing? Also, just curious if you've had any other electrical quirks pop up since the battery replacement? My M4's been pretty solid overall, but these electrical issues can be tricky to diagnose.

LeoMueller

Hey again! Happy to give you an update. I just got my car back from the shop last week, and you're right, the battery replacement sorted everything out. Final bill came to 290 € for the whole job, including the new battery and reprogramming work. The window regulator initialization issue cleared up completely once they put in the new battery. Actually, since getting the battery replaced, I haven't had a single electrical problem. It's like the car got a fresh start! All the systems are working perfectly now, no warning lights, no glitches with the windows or anything else. These modern BMWs really do need proper voltage to keep all their fancy electronics happy. Just make sure you find a shop that knows their way around BMW electrical systems. The programming part is crucial, you can't just swap the battery and call it a day. But honestly, it was worth every penny to have it done right. My M3's running like a dream now. If you're getting similar symptoms, definitely get your battery checked first before assuming the worst!

ThomStein (Author)

Well, what a relief! Took your advice and got my M4 checked out at a mechanic yesterday. Just like you said, it turned out to be a battery issue. Had to fork out about 300 bucks for everything, but honestly, I was expecting much worse. The mechanic was really thorough, replaced the battery and did all the necessary reprogramming. Funny thing is, they found that my old battery was original from 2018! Can't believe it lasted this long. The mechanic mentioned I was lucky it didn't leave me stranded somewhere. Now all the windows are working perfectly, and those annoying warning lights are gone too. Best part? No more electrical gremlins popping up on the dash. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction. Would've probably spent way more if I'd gone straight for the window regulator replacement. Sometimes it's the simple fixes that do the trick! My M4's back to its old self now, and I've learned my lesson about preventive maintenance.

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