2022-2025 BMW iX Window Inoperative in Freezing Temperatures

If you own a 2022-2025 BMW iX and are experiencing issues with your door windows in cold weather, BMW has released Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 51 13 25 to address this concern. This bulletin outlines specific conditions under which the door window glass may become inoperative and provides a repair procedure.

Symptoms of Inoperative Door Windows

Owners of affected BMW iX vehicles may observe one of two primary symptoms related to the door window glass, especially when the temperature drops below freezing:

• Window does not lower (short drop): When opening either the front and/or rear door, the door window glass does not lower as it should. This is referred to as a "short drop" issue.
• Window does not close properly: When closing either the front and/or rear door, the door window glass does not roll up into the seal. Instead, it rests outside the seal, leaving a gap.

These symptoms indicate a problem with the BMW iX window freezing mechanism.

Causes of the Issue

BMW has identified two main causes for the BMW iX window freezing problem:

• Moisture exposure: The vehicle's door window trim can become wet due to rain, sleet, fog, or dew.
• Freezing temperatures: If the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, this moisture can cause the door window trim to freeze to the door window glass. This prevents the window from moving freely when the door is opened or closed.

BMW has provided a video, BV 51 03 25, to further illustrate the situation.

Important Warnings

BMW states that "Damage and/or issues caused by outside influences are not covered under the BMW limited warranties." This means that problems arising from environmental factors like freezing temperatures affecting the window operation may not be covered by standard warranty if determined to be an "outside influence."

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the inoperative door window glass in freezing temperatures, as described in SIB 51 13 25, involves cleaning and lubricating the door window glass and trim. The general steps a technician will follow include:

1. Verifying the customer's reported concern regarding the window operation.
2. Allowing the vehicle to dry and warm up inside the shop, which helps to thaw any frozen components.
3. Cleaning the outside of the door glass using a clean cloth and Cleanser R2. This step is performed without removing the window trim.
4. Applying "Lubricant M" to the door window glass from the outside, also without removing the window trim.
5. Operating the window by lowering and lifting the door window glass several times (at least three times) to distribute the lubricant.
6. Performing a final cleaning of the outside of the door glass with a clean cloth and Cleanser R2.
7. Verifying that the repair has resolved the window operation issue.

This repair is noted as "MOBILE FRIENDLY," indicating it can potentially be performed by mobile service technicians.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, specific cleaning and lubricating agents are required:

• Cleanser R2 (500ml): Part Number 83 19 5 B67 072
• Lubricant M (30ml): Part Number 83 19 2 458 653

These parts ensure proper cleaning and lubrication to prevent the BMW iX window freezing issue from recurring.

Owner Action

If your 2022-2025 BMW iX is exhibiting symptoms of door window glass becoming inoperative in cold weather, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. Reference Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 51 13 25 when discussing the issue with your service advisor. The dealership will be able to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary cleaning and lubrication procedure.

Source: NHTSA ID 11024207