Window Regulator

[jdstrickland]

Which to avoid at all costs, and which to buy if cost is not an issue? Cost is always an issue, but good stuff is almost always worth the cost-up. And, where did you get yours? I have FCP Euro, Autohausaz, and Rock Auto pulled up, bu8t they all have different parts.

The passenger side window has stopped moving, I can hear the motor turn a revolution or so, but then there is a crunching noise that was the cable when my E46 had window regulator troubles.

[Clockwork]

Open the door panel up and confirm your problem before blindly buying parts. its EASY to do.

[jdstrickland]

Of course. But when I open the door panel and find that the regulator is indeed the problem, I want to buy a new one immediately and this is where you come in. Which one? More importantly, Which one to NOT buy?

[timmyc]

Stay away from the URO.

Personally, I used the VDO on my last replacement. This was for the left rear door. I replaced all bushings as well and it is the only door that sounds right when it is shut. Especially when the window is down.

If you plan on having the X for sometime, it may pay off in the end to use FCP for when the thing fails again? Just be sure to replace all of the bushings while you are there.

Good luck!

[crystalworks]

I usually buy used OEM regulators on Ebay and then modify them so that the carrier/slider will never break and cause the wire to bind up. Haven't had one fail yet.

I used to do the VDO ones, but would modify them in the same manner so I figured used OE was just a good and saved some money. Just my experience though.

[jdstrickland]

So, good news and bad news, I fixed it but I don't know how.

I pulled the window regulator and found nothing wrong. Then took the motor off and plugged it in, it works both ways. I put the motor back onto the regulator, it tested good in both directions. Now I am putting the car back together and a black plastic clippoy thing is missing that the screw goes through the truck on the regulator and then through the glass and into a nut that has the glass/metal contact point protected by plastic. Anyway, one of the plastic pieces fell off somewhere. But, the cable on the regulator is good, and the motor is good.

I need Item 7, here. I tried to make my own, then the missing part fell from somewhere and I used it over again. I'm guessing that a small piece of plastic became lodged in the cable pulley.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=51_3896

[X5chemist]

Avoid anything on Amazon! I bought a temporary one. It lasted one year. It makes a loud noise like it's about to break. Luckily, I kept the OEM one. The plastic cable clips were broken. I bought a new set of clips and replaced them. Once I get my X5 back, the OEM one is going back in.