My experience with X5 window regulator

[bmw540san]

It's been almost 2 years since I got my X5 and it's been love hate relationship.

One thing is clear: While E39 has it's share of problems, the build quality of X5 is clearly lacking in some departments.

Both front window regulators replaced by PO at dealer at very early age. Rear right replaced at dealer just before I got it and then it failed again about 1.5 year into my ownership.

While I generally avoid Uro, Dorman etc... at that point I decided to get Dorman brand for around $50 bucks. I compared it to failed BMW part and I could not see any difference in quality or fit whatsoever.

Another advantage of Dorman is lifetime warranty. Sure, I have to replace it myself but BMW part is only 2 years warranty and they have to replace it. I'd rather take a trip to the moon before I let dealer work on my car.

At the moment, it's been almost a year with Dorman regulator operating flawlessly.

So just yesterday my last original window regulator failed and I ordered another Dorman regulator. I'll post periodic update how both of them are performing.

What's really funny is the fact that are probably millions of 20+ year old POS's on the road and with original electric windows operating.

But, after just switcing to Bilstein HD struts and shocks, refreshing front and rear suspension and deleting rear air suspension, the beast is handling and running flawless so I'll forgive her this little mishap.

[dkl]

IMHO, it's a design issue, not a quality issue. Note that the windows of the X5 are much larger, and thus, heavier compared to the e39 or e46. But yet, it's using a similar plastic mechanism as those on the e39 or e46, which have lighter windows. FYI - My 12yr+ old X5 is still on its original rear regulators. Having said that, now watch it fail when I jump in the X later on today Over the years, I've always make a note to close the door with the windows completely shut to avoid any unnecessary force on those plastic clips.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by dkl

IMHO, it's a design issue, not a quality issue. Note that the windows of the X5 are much larger, and thus, heavier compared to the e39 or e46. But yet, it's using a similar plastic mechanism as those on the e39 or e46, which have lighter windows. FYI - My 12yr+ old X5 is still on its original rear regulators. Having said that, now watch it fail when I jump in the X later on today Over the years, I've always make a note to close the door with the windows completely shut to avoid any unnecessary force on those plastic clips.

You could argue that not updating the design to cope with different windows is quality issue. You're probably right.

[motordavid]

I used to mention, and sort of brag that our 15 yr old 3.0 X was still on its original window regs...like the golf announcer saying he hasn't missed a putt all fookin day.

In the past year, I had my first win reg go out: the driver side. Then, the pass side rear window, and last week the driver side rear window. Just waiting on the pass side front window,

Fwiw, in almost 54 years of cars of all brands and all levels of 'quality', this is the first car that has had its window regs break. Must be part of the Ultimate Driving Experience...
GL, mD

[xbimma]

Agree it is more a design issue. Middle of the road Plastic part supporting heavy glass part was not smart to begin with. Just be a gentleman and do not allow anyone else but yourself to gently shut doors


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[Joshdub]

I'm curious as to why a trip to the moon is a negative thing.

[StephenVA]

I have a GREAT solution to our weak window regulators. If it wasn't for parking tokens, I NEVER would even open the windows. Why let dust and dirt in?

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

I'm curious as to why a trip to the moon is a negative thing.

[motordavid]

Our doors have been 'slammed' only a few times, in 15 years of this X, and not by 'us'...

I like my driver window down or cracked, if it is nice out vs A/C.
Just odd, or maybe it was 'just time' for 3 of the 4 of them to go kaboom in past year.

I am getting my local Waynesville Indie to do the R&R tomorrow, as he is quick, skilled and doesn't charge too much. All I have is 'some time' left, and I won't spend it on a window job. Almost wish I had him order the pass side reg and do them both, as I know that last of four regs is gonna go in the next 20 mins or 20 days/weeks.

I still don't get why these are so susceptible vs all the cars I have had over the decades.
GL, mD

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by motordavid

Our doors have been 'slammed' only a few times, in 15 years of this X, and not by 'us'...

I like my driver window down or cracked, if it is nice out vs A/C.
Just odd, or maybe it was 'just time' for 3 of the 4 of them to go kaboom in past year.

I am getting my local Waynesville Indie to do the R&R tomorrow, as he is quick, skilled and doesn't charge too much. All I have is 'some time' left, and I won't spend it on a window job. Almost wish I had him order the pass side reg and do them both, as I know that last of four regs is gonna go in the next 20 mins or 20 days/weeks.

I still don't get why these are so susceptible vs all the cars I have had over the decades.
GL, mD

mD - sorry to hear the window reg worries, glad you got an indy that would take care of it for you at a reasonable cost, its not a terribly hard job, but just tedious.

IMO, there are 2 failure points on the regulators, yes the pulleys can fail and cables can stretch etc, but these are more rare.

Its the black plastic window clips which we always discuss for $2 apiece, these 2 pieces of plastic take a lot of abuse from age, heat cycles, etc - but in addition, its really the plastic/pot metal "slider clips" that the cable clips into that wear to the point of failure -

If both these pieces aren't replaced preventatively or before total failure, you most likely will not need to replace your regulator - I have done both front windows with a pair of "slider clips" available from RegulatorFix.com and a pair of black "window clips" from BMW, and my regulators are still going strong up front, next year I will do the rear regulators preventatively, but they never even get rolled down to be honest, maybe once in 5 years.

Yes its a dumb design that BMW didn't update for the heavier windows from the E39, but once you see how much heavier duty the "slider clips" are from the aftermarket, you will feel better - the OE clips on the regulator are pretty flimsy.


Obviously best practice is to not shut the extremely heavy doors with the windows rolled down and unsupported in the window frame, which I have been diligent about since I've taken ownership - If I want to crack the window when parked I make sure I shut the door very gently when getting out, or just crack the moon roof instead -

My recommendation is since the door carriers tend to be a common failure point, that when you go in the door to do your window regulators preventatively (or vice versa if repairing a door handle carrier) - make sure to do the door carrier. This way you get 3 parts prone to failure fixed and hopefully don't have to pop the door panel off again any time soon.

Time will tell, but so far, so good, since my door carrier failed this year and I replaced with an aftermarket that sticks on my passenger side a couple years back, I decided 2 OE door handle carriers and to do both sets of window regulator clips while it was open. Not a fun job in the least, but not bad at all.