My experience with X5 window regulator

[dkl]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Something like this...

https://www.jbweld.com/product/ultim...k-silicone-3oz

https://www.permatex.com/products/ga...maker-3-35-oz/

Spread on a few thin "worms" or "pucks" of this and that sucker is never coming apart again.

Originally Posted by Henn28

I have been using JB Weld Plastic Bonder and am happy with how it holds. It’s got a Tan colored syringe.

Thank you

[jac]

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!

[andrewwynn]

Cheap plus jb plus lube the slides you won't have to replace again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[jac]

@Andrewwynn: yes! I saw your advice in this and another thread and will try to do that going forward... hopefully these will not break for at least 5 or more years now with your lube'ing procedure. Thanks!

[Themoog]

Just to add on to this thread.. When I replaced the driver side window regulator in mine a few years ago I just bought one off ebay for about £25.
What I noticed was that the plastic sliders were tilting in the track when the window was operated. They were clearly to wide so I wedged in some small cable ties and greased it up.
Then I binned the nut that expands the plastic bit that attaches to the glass and replaced it with a stumpy nut and bolt with nylon washers.
This made the glass have a solid thump and a more positive feel when being used and I open mine every time I drive it. The clatter some people report when closing a door is part of the regulator tapping on the door frame. Just a small week here and there eliminates it - followed by sound deadening inside the door skin.
It's little things like this that improve the original design errors over the years and make the user experience better. When I recently replaced the blower motor I installed additional sound deadening materials on the bulkhead and inside the dash wherever it would fit and the difference is noticeable.