Replace LF Driver Window Regulator ?

championscooter · #1 08-20-2013, 03:45 AM

Has anyone DIY the X5 window regulator for LF driver side? Do you have to remove the GLASS completely off the vehicle to easily access to replacing the regulator? I have watched a Youtube video and the mechanic removed the glass off completely to do the job. See the video:
Removing X5 Door Panel, Replacing Window Regulator - YouTube

My 2001 X5 driver side window would stuck in a full down position. What is the likely parts that need replace? regulator or front and rear clips or BOTH?

I appreciate your feeback.
Scooter

stunt · #2 08-20-2013, 06:24 AM

Always do the clips when doing the regular. They are cheap. Yes, the glass has to be removed completely, at least that it what I did. Glass has to be about 3/4 of the way down to access the clip bolts.

My regulator had not failed completely, so I plugged the battery back up to lower the window to where I could get at the bolts. Of course now I need to go get my airbag light reset...

championscooter · #3 08-21-2013, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stunt

Always do the clips when doing the regular. They are cheap. Yes, the glass has to be removed completely, at least that it what I did. Glass has to be about 3/4 of the way down to access the clip bolts.

My regulator had not failed completely, so I plugged the battery back up to lower the window to where I could get at the bolts. Of course now I need to go get my airbag light reset...

Thanks Stunt!

TerminatorX5 · #4 08-20-2013, 08:20 AM

depending on how bad the failure is and if you have "tangled" the cable or broke the pulleys when the window failed... if so, then the whole regulator needs to be replaced ALONG with the clips... if you did not kill the regulator, then probably all you need to replace is the clips... in rare occasions you may have fried the motor too, so, in this case you will need to replace the motor as well...

so,

the clips need to be replaced in any event
the regulator needs to be replaced if the original is not usable,
the motor needs to be replaced only if the original is fried,

the glass needs to be removed since you can't safely secure the glass in suspended state while you are working on other components - if, on the other hand, you can safely suspend the glass that it is NOT going to fall into the cavity while you are working on the clips, regulator, motor and chop your hands off, then the glass does not have to come off...

in any case, do NOT unplug the airbag, as it will illuminate the airbag warning signal in the cluster... if you insist on unplugging the airbag, remove the negative battery terminal from the battery first, and then unplug the airbag, when all finished, plug the airbag back in and THEN reconnect the battery...

championscooter · #5 08-21-2013, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

depending on how bad the failure is and if you have "tangled" the cable or broke the pulleys when the window failed... if so, then the whole regulator needs to be replaced ALONG with the clips... if you did not kill the regulator, then probably all you need to replace is the clips... in rare occasions you may have fried the motor too, so, in this case you will need to replace the motor as well...

so,

the clips need to be replaced in any event
the regulator needs to be replaced if the original is not usable,
the motor needs to be replaced only if the original is fried,

the glass needs to be removed since you can't safely secure the glass in suspended state while you are working on other components - if, on the other hand, you can safely suspend the glass that it is NOT going to fall into the cavity while you are working on the clips, regulator, motor and chop your hands off, then the glass does not have to come off...

in any case, do NOT unplug the airbag, as it will illuminate the airbag warning signal in the cluster... if you insist on unplugging the airbag, remove the negative battery terminal from the battery first, and then unplug the airbag, when all finished, plug the airbag back in and THEN reconnect the battery...

The motor is working fine because it would drives the window up and down normal. But if I let the window drives all the way down, then it won't goes back up. So maybe all I need is to replace the front and rear clips which are cheap, hopefully the regulator is still OK.

As for the airbag, I watched the Youtube video and the mechanic didn't have to unplug the negative battery. You just have to make sure you remove the ignition key (turn off ignition) then unplug the airbag and plug it back BEFORE you turn the ignition key. Remember not to turn on ignition without the airbag plugged in or it will triggers SRS Airbag light warning. This save you the hassle to mess with the battery which located in the trunk.

Thank you

TerminatorX5 · #6 08-21-2013, 08:19 AM

in the BMWs of certain vintage (E53 is part of it) the GM wakes up even when the ignition is not on and the key is out - the design is to prep the car for start of the engine, blah blah blah... Of course, the airbag (SRS) system wakes up when the ignition is on and it goes through the self-check... i would just suggest using a metal coat hanger to secure the plugged airbag in suspended state to avoid any issues... on the other hand, an airbag light can be easily reset using the software and a cable - I was working on non airbag wiring in the passenger seat when i set off the airbag light... no biggy, just reset it with the INPA...

so, this is definetely not the end of the world, you can do this work as you wish, since you already know what to do and what to avoid...

make sure you don't play with the windows too much before you fix it - if the cable cuts into the plastic pulley of the regulator, you will need to replace the regulator, as the pulleys are riveted to the rails...

otherwise - just carry on, it seems that you are fully capable of this repairs...

BTW, do we have pics of your ride???? C'mon, post the pics, show off!!! we always like checking out each others cars....