I have been using the cheap $28 window regulators since 2015. They fail right around, or just after, the 3 year mark. It is like clockwork.

Note that I never lubricate the windows/rails and I don't restrict lowering/raising the windows either. The car also sits outside through the Texas heat.

From my recollection, the first window regulator failed when the car was still under the original warranty. It was the first time I'd heard of such a thing failing in a car.

Anyway, I am on this thread because I replaced the rear right one 3 years ago and (drumroll) it just failed, so I was searching for a regulator that lasts a bit longer than the cheap ones, but it sounds like it doesn't exist (it certainly is NOT the BMW parts, at least not based on my experience). So, back to ordering the cheap ones.

** Correction: the regulator did not fail! It was the 3D printed plastic bracket that broke off, sending the window down. The regulator wire, pulleys and plastic pieces are still intact!

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2001 BMW X5 3.0i, Automatic, Gasoline