Might be a borderline stupid question...but don't have any service manuals:

Is the window dipper function really just the power window system? Just a computer program that uses the same regulator/motor as the PW's?

Thanks.

 

By "window dipper" do you mean the way the car lowers the window so you can safely open the door, and then raises it after the door is closed?


Yes, it's just using existing hardware. There is no separate mechanism that dips the windows.

 

I always wondered why they do that. The only thing I could come up with is that due to more diffeculty in fully closing the doors with the windows up that many persons would walk away from the car without fully closing a door, possibly leading to problems locking the car. Or possibly that people with sunroofs would make it raise a little to let the pressure out every time the door is closed, leading to problems with the seal.

 

I'd say it's more likely a "seal quality" issue. My old 78 Monte Carlo had doors without a "top" on them... .they were always loud and leaky.

Being able to force the glass "up and in" every time gets rid of that problem.

 

That could be. I always thought it was a protection feature incase the window had frozen to the seal. The movement in the shear direction of the glass would safely un-stick the window from the car.

 

Interesting. Until recently all Subarus had framless windows, as do all convertibles. Only BMW/MINI use this "dipper" function AFAIK. No seal issues.

I was just making sure the hardware is just power window hardware...nothing else addedspecial for the dip function.

Thanks!

 

I have been in an older(90's) Benz with this feature.

 

I was told the windows dip to release air pressure to let the doors close without slamming them.

 

If you are in need of a manual, you may want to try contacting Mini customer service. They sent me one in a PDF file format. They may be able to send you a hard copy.

 

I hadn't thought of that, but it makes sense. Back in the day, I really had to slam the doors on my '71 VW.

But I can also see where the MINI's dipping feature would create a much better seal when the door is shut. "Normal" frameless car windows just depend on the pressure of the glass against the seal, and with the MINI window glass being rather thin, I can see where they'd want to do something a bit more positive to make them seal without putting too much pressure against the glass.

Spridget

 

The user manuals PDFs are also available in the Owner's Lounge on MINI USA's website!

 

Its all controlled by the footwell module.

Ive had passenger side issues for a while... it dips waay to far, and sometimes the auto up doesnt work. Had it fixed once for bouncing back down, so I guess this is just too far the other way lol