Location of Window Controls

Artz 330 · 02-21-2006, 01:53 AM

If you guys had the Option to pick your Mirror and window controls.
Would you leave it on the drivers side door where they are now?
Or would you preffer the E46 Style Center Console controls?

E90Fleet · 02-21-2006, 02:22 AM

Cant please everyone

I remember when the E46 came out there were thousands of posts about why didnt they put the controls on the doors like on the E39 5 Series

Now they did move them and there are thousands of posts about "why did they move them"

Nikki · 02-21-2006, 02:25 AM

I like them being on the driver's side door because I'm used to that. I don't really like how the lock button is in the center.

Artz 330 · 02-21-2006, 02:26 AM

lol yea i noticed. I was just curious. I had a 330Ci and i loved the center console controls, so easy to reach when you are driving left hand on wheel right for stick shift and window opening. I have to lean over now..

Artz 330 · 02-21-2006, 02:27 AM

I still havent finished a current project i am working on for the car. But I think relocating the controls is next on the list for me.

Just for Fun!

nabutes · 02-21-2006, 02:35 AM

I don't like the fact that my passengers have easy control of the "other windows"...

I like it all to myself...!!!

maq · 02-21-2006, 02:58 AM

Definitely on the center console. Maybe I'm just too used to it after 3 Bimmers (E34, E46 and E36), I think of it as a BMW tradition (yet another one that they dropped). I can give 3 reasons:

1. For stick shift drivers, it allows you to change gears and control the windows without having to take both hands off the wheel. e.g., when coming to/leaving from a toll booth. Makes driving a lot easier and safer.

2. When your door is open, you can still open/close any window without having to close the door first. It could be very convenient sometimes.

3. The arrangement of the switches on the center control prevents you from accidentally opening the wrong window. It always happens to me when I drive a car that has the controls on the door -- they are usually placed so close that you can't get the right one with one touch.

MrIvory · 02-21-2006, 03:15 AM

After having an e36 for many years - it takes getting used, but I like it. I do often lament that they were convenient in the middle, and it was good to confuse irregular visitors to the passenger seat....Mind you the e90 front passenger seat button position is annoying being in front of the handle rather than behind like the back doors - but hey - I dont sit in the passenger seat!

Ivory

Armen52 · 02-21-2006, 04:22 AM

Tough to vote for something I've never gotten used to. My last car had them on the driver door and this one also does, so that's where I expect them to be.

I must say they could have done a better job placing the passenger side one. Good thing I don't have to worry about that one

txusa03 · 02-21-2006, 07:56 AM

I vote for the control of the e46 on my e90. that way, both my e90 doors have the cool slanted door handles. But then I remember, i don't work for the bmw design team.

espo · 02-21-2006, 08:02 AM

Took a little to get used to in my old E46, but once I did it really made since to have them there (especially with a manual). Now that they are back on the door, it's seems backward to me. If I want to open/close a window, I have to make sure I have enought time to switch hands on the wheel, open the window, then switch back. It's like a 2 hand shuffle when you are trying to shift...

But, in the end, on the door or on the center consol, I'll get used to it again..

noflash · 02-21-2006, 09:30 AM

I miss them on the center, but I remember it took a while to get used to that.

I could get used to having them on the door, if they were moved back a couple inches!

I am always rolling down the back windows instead of the front.

Dgunsuh · 02-21-2006, 09:35 AM

i've always had cars with them on the drivers side door, i don't like however the fact that the controls are so far up, that's it

sdorn · 02-21-2006, 09:38 AM

I like them on the door, but they are too far away. I have to lean over and reach down to get to them.

shragon · 02-21-2006, 10:46 AM

my e34 had the window switches on the center console. i actually prefer it like that.

we had a huge rain storm last week, and when i opened the door to get in i noticed how much my inner door got wet, including the window switches. i quickly wiped it down with a rag i had. just concerned about stuff shorting out.

edit: i voted wrong on the poll. i prefer e46/center console style.

GoBonesGo · 02-21-2006, 12:22 PM

Of those that voted for the center console (I didn't), I wonder what percentage are 6MT drivers. The most common argument I've heard is not having to remove your left hand from the wheel to operate the windows.

SCA · 02-21-2006, 12:42 PM

Beinig that I have owned numerous BMWs I prefer them in the center console, but it's trival.

longtran · 02-21-2006, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G35_2_330

Of those that voted for the center console (I didn't), I wonder what percentage are 6MT drivers. The most common argument I've heard is not having to remove your left hand from the wheel to operate the windows.

i voted e46 style. i have idrive to and all the control should be in that area so my left hand can constanly be on the steering wheel. makes more sense?

eleven24 · 02-21-2006, 01:14 PM

E46 style! It's just natural that they are in the middle so you don't have to do the two-hand-shuffle while driving just to open/close a window. My guess is that for those who didn't come from a previous 3-series the votes went for the door mount. For the others, like me, who came from an E46 it's center console.

Being on the door, does anyone else think they're positioned too far forward? I'm 6'1 and have long arms and it's still a stretch at times to open the front windows. Even more to adjust the side mirrors.

SalukiBear · 02-21-2006, 01:19 PM

I like them on the door because I like to drive with the windows and sun roof open. With all four window switches so close together on the door, combined with auto-down feature, it makes it convienient. Get in the car, start it, use your left hand to pop all four window down with two pokes, at the same time use right hand to open sun roof, and you're off. I know I could hold down the fob button to accomplish the same thing, but I always forget to do that. When you park the car its just as quick to close everything up.

I never had an E46, but from the pictures it looks it wouldn't be as convienient. If the E46 does not have auto-down/up feature on all windows even worse. I would have to hold down each button seperatly and then the sunroof to go, and then hold each button up each time I park

Artz 330 · 02-21-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G35_2_330

Of those that voted for the center console (I didn't), I wonder what percentage are 6MT drivers. The most common argument I've heard is not having to remove your left hand from the wheel to operate the windows.

Yea, thats was i was wondering. I come from a Previous 3 Series, also Stick, and they were easier in the center. I dont have I drive, so i have an open area its like a little change bucket. I am thinking of making a panel and relocating the switches in to center console...

voltron1011 · 02-21-2006, 02:46 PM

I just remember my friend owning a 1989 Chevy Camaro and the power window buttons were on the center console.. Seemed kind of cheezy back then. In fact, I think all GM cars put them there.

View Poll Results: Which Would you rather Have?
E46 Style Window control Location	57	39.58%
E90 Syle Window Controls Located on the Drivers Door	87	60.42%
Voters: 144. You may not vote on this poll

02-21-2006, 01:53 AM	#1
Artz 330 Colonel 196 Rep 2,486 Posts Drives: Z4M, 335i, 135i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Location of Window Controls If you guys had the Option to pick your Mirror and window controls. Would you leave it on the drivers side door where they are now? Or would you preffer the E46 Style Center Console controls? Attached Images __________________
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-21-2006, 02:22 AM	#2
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Cant please everyone I remember when the E46 came out there were thousands of posts about why didnt they put the controls on the doors like on the E39 5 Series Now they did move them and there are thousands of posts about "why did they move them" __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 02:25 AM	#3
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	I like them being on the driver's side door because I'm used to that. I don't really like how the lock button is in the center. __________________ Nikki
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 02:26 AM	#4
Artz 330 Colonel 196 Rep 2,486 Posts Drives: Z4M, 335i, 135i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	lol yea i noticed. I was just curious. I had a 330Ci and i loved the center console controls, so easy to reach when you are driving left hand on wheel right for stick shift and window opening. I have to lean over now.. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 02:27 AM	#5
Artz 330 Colonel 196 Rep 2,486 Posts Drives: Z4M, 335i, 135i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I still havent finished a current project i am working on for the car. But I think relocating the controls is next on the list for me. Just for Fun! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 02:35 AM	#6
nabutes career student 11 Rep 204 Posts Drives: '08 335xi Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NJ >> VA/DC iTrader: (0)	I don't like the fact that my passengers have easy control of the "other windows"... I like it all to myself...!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 02:58 AM	#7
maq Lieutenant 12 Rep 469 Posts Drives: MTA Monthly Pass Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Definitely on the center console. Maybe I'm just too used to it after 3 Bimmers (E34, E46 and E36), I think of it as a BMW tradition (yet another one that they dropped). I can give 3 reasons: 1. For stick shift drivers, it allows you to change gears and control the windows without having to take both hands off the wheel. e.g., when coming to/leaving from a toll booth. Makes driving a lot easier and safer. 2. When your door is open, you can still open/close any window without having to close the door first. It could be very convenient sometimes. 3. The arrangement of the switches on the center control prevents you from accidentally opening the wrong window. It always happens to me when I drive a car that has the controls on the door -- they are usually placed so close that you can't get the right one with one touch.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 03:15 AM	#8
MrIvory New Member 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 325 Black Sapphire 2005 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Melbourne (Aust) iTrader: (0)	After having an e36 for many years - it takes getting used, but I like it. I do often lament that they were convenient in the middle, and it was good to confuse irregular visitors to the passenger seat....Mind you the e90 front passenger seat button position is annoying being in front of the handle rather than behind like the back doors - but hey - I dont sit in the passenger seat! Ivory __________________ 325i, Black Sapphire, 6sp Man, 18” Ellipsoid, Black Dakota Leather/Aluminium, Sunroof, PDC Front/Rear, Electric Seats, Professional Navigation/iDrive/TV, 6 CD Stacker, Oct 2005
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 04:22 AM	#9
Armen52 Captain 33 Rep 663 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Tough to vote for something I've never gotten used to. My last car had them on the driver door and this one also does, so that's where I expect them to be. I must say they could have done a better job placing the passenger side one. Good thing I don't have to worry about that one __________________ E90 330i delivered 6/29/2005, ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/Step, Arctic/Gray/Walnut
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 07:56 AM	#10
txusa03 Major General 550 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	I vote for the control of the e46 on my e90. that way, both my e90 doors have the cool slanted door handles. But then I remember, i don't work for the bmw design team.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 08:02 AM	#11
espo Captain 12 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sugar Land TX iTrader: (0)	Took a little to get used to in my old E46, but once I did it really made since to have them there (especially with a manual). Now that they are back on the door, it's seems backward to me. If I want to open/close a window, I have to make sure I have enought time to switch hands on the wheel, open the window, then switch back. It's like a 2 hand shuffle when you are trying to shift... But, in the end, on the door or on the center consol, I'll get used to it again.. __________________ E46 325xi Oxford Green/Sand Leatherette/Myrtle Wood Auto ZCW - Retired E90 330xi Mystic Blue/Black Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/CA - Retired F22 M235i Mineral Gray/Red Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZPP/ZTP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 09:30 AM	#12
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I miss them on the center, but I remember it took a while to get used to that. I could get used to having them on the door, if they were moved back a couple inches! I am always rolling down the back windows instead of the front. __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 09:35 AM	#13
Dgunsuh Private 0 Rep 72 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NoVA iTrader: (0)	i've always had cars with them on the drivers side door, i don't like however the fact that the controls are so far up, that's it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 09:38 AM	#14
sdorn Lieutenant 26 Rep 491 Posts Drives: 2006 Jet Black 325i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	I like them on the door, but they are too far away. I have to lean over and reach down to get to them. __________________ 2008 Sparkling Graphite 535i 2009 Land Rover LR2 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo (SOLD) 2006 Jet Black 325i (SOLD) 2001 Bullitt Mustang (450rwhp - SOLD)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 10:46 AM	#15
shragon Moderator 497 Rep 27,441 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (7)	my e34 had the window switches on the center console. i actually prefer it like that. we had a huge rain storm last week, and when i opened the door to get in i noticed how much my inner door got wet, including the window switches. i quickly wiped it down with a rag i had. just concerned about stuff shorting out. edit: i voted wrong on the poll. i prefer e46/center console style. __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/shragon Last edited by shragon; 02-21-2006 at 12:41 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 12:22 PM	#16
GoBonesGo What do you do when you see a spaceman? 10 Rep 236 Posts Drives: SG/Terra E90 335i Step Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: La Quinta, CA iTrader: (0)	Of those that voted for the center console (I didn't), I wonder what percentage are 6MT drivers. The most common argument I've heard is not having to remove your left hand from the wheel to operate the windows.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 12:42 PM	#17
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	Beinig that I have owned numerous BMWs I prefer them in the center console, but it's trival.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 01:14 PM	#19
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	E46 style! It's just natural that they are in the middle so you don't have to do the two-hand-shuffle while driving just to open/close a window. My guess is that for those who didn't come from a previous 3-series the votes went for the door mount. For the others, like me, who came from an E46 it's center console. Being on the door, does anyone else think they're positioned too far forward? I'm 6'1 and have long arms and it's still a stretch at times to open the front windows. Even more to adjust the side mirrors. __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 01:19 PM	#20
SalukiBear New Member 0 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Schaumburg iTrader: (0)	I like them on the door because I like to drive with the windows and sun roof open. With all four window switches so close together on the door, combined with auto-down feature, it makes it convienient. Get in the car, start it, use your left hand to pop all four window down with two pokes, at the same time use right hand to open sun roof, and you're off. I know I could hold down the fob button to accomplish the same thing, but I always forget to do that. When you park the car its just as quick to close everything up. I never had an E46, but from the pictures it looks it wouldn't be as convienient. If the E46 does not have auto-down/up feature on all windows even worse. I would have to hold down each button seperatly and then the sunroof to go, and then hold each button up each time I park
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2006, 02:46 PM	#22
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	I just remember my friend owning a 1989 Chevy Camaro and the power window buttons were on the center console.. Seemed kind of cheezy back then. In fact, I think all GM cars put them there.
	Appreciate 0 Quote