I've found several threads about issues with driver side window motors, and thought I'd start a thread here to find out what the consensus solution(s) are, since most of the threads are from about 5 years ago.

Situation - 08 Hatchback. Passenger side window opens/closes as expected, and dips when you open it and goes up when you close. Driver's side window went up but didn't dip when you opened it. I got the car about 2 weeks ago and noticed this, but it opened/closed without interfering with the frame/trim, so I just sort of went with it.

On Friday I had the windshield replaced, and took the opportunity to replace the a-pillar covers and wiper cowls while I was at it. Windshield guys showed me how to pull the weatherstripping back and remove the screws to get the a-pillar covers off. After the window install I put on the new a-pillar covers I got and put the weather stripping back. Everything went back in the way it came out.

I then tried putting the driver's window up, and when it got to the top it immediately went down to halfway. I put the window all the way down then back up - same thing. I then read here about the trick to train the top and bottom stops of the window (hold for 10-15 secs each positon) and while I could get the window to go up, when you opened the door it wouldn't dip and actually rubbed a bit on the trim at the top of the window frame. I played with it a few more times and the window motor then stopped altogether. I went back 30 mins later and it started working again, but same situation.

IN reading some of the replies it sounded like if the reset procedure didn't work, bringing it to the dealer and have them check the SW level would be an approach, and if not replacing the motor was next. But this is where the threads started looking old, so I thought I'd ask here what others have found as a reliable solution. The warranty on the car thru the dealer is mostly drivetrain and not covering stuff like windows - although I may make a case that they should help me on the labor - but am looking to minimize costs in getting this fixed.

thanks for your help - andy

 

Just to answer my own question.. Brought the car to the local Mini dealer where I bought it (Bedford NH) and they said the motor was functioning freely and did a complete reflash of the SW and then reprogrammed the windows. things work like new now - both windows dip and the driver's side does what it's supposed to. They said if the window was catching while going up (like the issue where it'd been caught when frozen) then it would be the motor - but (knock on wood) the SW/programming fixed mine. And they did it pro-bono. Can't say enough about their standing behind their used car experience.

andy