I had a similar problem with my old 1982 BMW 733i 6-cylinder sedan. The window switches were also on the console and what was even worse with my car, is that they were illuminated ALL of the time. Key or no key in the ignition, even with the headlamps off. I am guessing someone had crossed some wiring on that car. None of my heat/AC controls would work. When I got it, the radio was removed and there was all kind of cut and taped wiring inside the opening in the dash there. I should have checked the car more closely before I bought it, but it was only $700., so I could not expect too much. The car turned out to be an electrical nightmare. When a certain sensor was plugged in, the car would not start when the engine was hot. Disconnect it and it would not start when it was cold.
I ended up selling it, because I was afraid it was going to have a bad electrical short circuit. Believe it or not- I sold it for $700, so I did not lose any money.
I guess someone here will know more about your cars problem. Good luck.