Rangers secured another victory but there was little else they could take from this performance. Motherwell will never have a better chance to improve their miserable record at this ground.
After his comments in a Dutch magazine, Rangers keeper Ronald Waterreus was booed by some of the home support, but it was his save five minutes from time from substitute Dave Clarkson that ensured a win for the home team.
The lethargic-looking Kris Boyd scored the vital goal which kept Rangers in the hunt with Hearts for the second Champions League place.
The visitors were first to threaten with a good run and shot by Martin Corrigan. Rangers responded with a sweeping move between Dado Prso and Peter Lovenkrands, and the Dane's cut-back was sent just past the post by Barry Ferguson.
Waterreus produced a good block from Richie Foran's volley after the striker was played onside by Alan Hutton.
Boyd was denied by Steve Craigan after he had flicked the ball over the Motherwell keeper.
But Boyd put Rangers ahead when he shot high into the net from 12 yards after Buffel had created the chance.
Lovenkrands volleyed narrowly wide and was also unlucky after the break with an effort that was just off target. Then Boyd cut the ball back to Ferguson at the edge of the area, but Graeme Smith saved well.
Motherwell came more into the game and Foran was inches wide with a volley. Phil Donald's shot was held by Waterreus before Smith headed clear off the back post.
Waterreus made a great save with his feet at the end after Clarkson had turned Smith in the box, and Jim Hamilton's free-kick beat the defensive wall but lacked the power to trouble the Dutch keeper.