DIY: 2006 BMW X5 Window Clips

[cn90]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

...I have yet to confirm, but I did watch a video where the slider clips were replaced in situ on Youtube...

Could you find that youtube video and link it please?

EDIT: Never mind, found it, it was incredibly easy to remove the slider clips LOL!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va2ssVrrmS4

[Ricky Bobby]

^^^Glad you found it. I think you might have to remove the speaker to get access to the innermost slider clip, as the access to it isn't wide open, but its DEFINITELY doable in situ. Now I bet you are really slapping yourself because you just had the door panel off for the black plastic clips and could have done slider clips too LOL

[cn90]

Yeah,

But the sliders seemed fine with no issue, so I am leaving them alone for now.
And since I don't open the window any more, it is a moot point hehe...

[thrillcat]

Thumbs up, thanks for this. I've had the clips waiting to go in but was nervous about removing the air bag. Good to have a good DIY that doesn't require it.

What is the object you used to prop up the glass there? Can't tell.

[cn90]

@thrillcat,

To prop the glass, use a short piece of wood and towel. Or a screwdriver or whatever you find appropriate.

@Ricky,

Re slider fix. Since I already buttoned everything up and am in no mood to open this thing up again, this is my thinking.
- I hate to buy the slider clips for $14/pair or $28 for both front doors and have them sit on the garage shelf for months and years, waiting for the stock parts to fail, when I can...
- carry a roll of Scotch Tape (Packing Tape) in the trunk for emergency repair. Should the glass drop down (when the slider fails), I can always raise the glass by hand and tape it shut using the Scotch tape. Been there done that with my E39 LOL!!! Only then I will buy the slider clips.

[David.X5]

@cn90. Big fan of your planning, but you are assuming the clips will fail gracefully. Mine failed as I tried to lower the window to present ID to a federal police. Dropped with a dramatic bang. scared him and scared me. Happy now I didn't get shot.

[cn90]

Not really:
- The Black clips in this DIY: when failed and IF the "nut" section falls off the glass, then yes, the glass will fall down one side.
- The slider clips: when failed, the plastic parts (that allow it to hang on to the rail) break: glass sagging but not falling.

Anyway, a roll of Scotch tape in the trunk is a useful item.

[Junkycosmos]

Great thread ! Thx for taking the time to document. I'm curios to hear how the regularfix.com stuff goes.

[cn90]

Question re REAR windows x2.

When I bought this car in 2014, I knew about both FRONT clips issue (PN 51338254781) because they make noise (click when going up and rattle when closing). Now this is fixed, both FRONT glasses work fine, zero issues.

The REAR glasses move fine zero issues, so I am tempted to leave it alone (I have to admit I hate doing anything involving trim panel). The previous owners probably had no kids and the REAR windows were virtually untouched: the operation is very smooth and switches look brand-new.

So I am thinking leaving the REAR glass clips alone for now, any thoughts?

[Ricky Bobby]

^I agree if your rear windows aren't making noise, or look like they were used often, leave them alone. Mine are rarely used, and probably had people in the back seat 6-7 times in 4 years.

I know regulatorfix.com also sells a slider clip for the rear regulators, and I think there is only 1 "window clip" on the rail on the rear regulators, as opposed to 2 on the fronts.