Cheap BMW 5 Series Window Switch

No — the 5 Series has gone through several distinct generations: E34 (1988–1996), E39 (1996–2003), E60/E61 (2003–2010), F10/F11 (2010–2017), and G30/G31 (2017–2024), and window switch designs differ significantly between them, so you must match your generation first. Within the E60 and F10 generations there were also mid-cycle facelifts that can affect switch styling or cluster layout. Always tell your breaker your exact registration so they can confirm the correct part for your specific build.

Almost certainly not without checking — 2008 falls in the E60/E61 generation (2003–2010), while 2012 sits in the F10/F11 generation (2010–2017), and these are completely different cars with different switch designs and wiring. Even though both are 5 Series, crossing that generational boundary means the switches are not interchangeable. Confirm against your registration with the breaker before ordering.

For the front door switches the body style (saloon E60 vs estate E61, or saloon F10 vs touring F11) generally does not affect fitment, as the front door architecture is shared. If you need a rear window switch, the rear door design can vary between body styles, so mention saloon or estate to the breaker to be safe. Always quote your registration when asking for a quote.

Yes, side matters — NS (nearside, passenger side, left) and OS (offside, driver side, right) switches can differ in the number of buttons, since the driver's switch typically controls all windows while the passenger switch controls fewer. Make sure you tell your breaker which side you need when requesting a quote. Fitting the wrong side may mean the switch physically fits the door but controls the wrong windows or is missing buttons.

Trim level such as SE, ES, M Sport, or xDrive generally does not change the window switch fitment within the same generation, as the door hardware is shared across the range. You may find minor cosmetic differences in finish or button colour between trim levels, but these are aesthetic rather than fitment issues. Confirm with the breaker using your registration to be sure, as individual build specifications can occasionally vary.

The E60 ran from 2003 to 2010 and received a facelift around 2007, which in some cases updated interior trim and switch cluster styling, so there is a chance a post-facelift switch looks slightly different even if it is mechanically compatible. Whether a 2004 and a 2008 switch are a direct swap depends on the exact build dates and any running production changes. Route this one to the breaker with both registration numbers to get a confident answer before buying.