Window pops & won't go up

[AUSyTyIN]

I'm having an issue with the passenger front window. It occasionally makes a loud popping noise (so loud that it actually scares whoever is sitting in the seat). It is highly annoying, but hasn't actually been a problem until recently.

Twice in the last week it has gone down, and won't go back up. The first time I took the door panel apart, and I was trying to figure out what the problem was when something snapped back into place, and everything seemed like it was normal. I took the plastic pieces off the lift mechanism (the ones that actually go into the window) and they were fine.

I've tried searching around, and I've seen the RX for the window, but I'm not sure that would fix my problem. Thanks for your help.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Its more than likely your window regulator that needs to be replaced.

[Michelle]

Sounds like your regulator is dunzo. It's a $100 part and an easy DIY if you have another set of hands. Having it done at the dealer will run you $500+ with labor.

Don't touch the window switch anymore! If you continue to try to put the window up, you will ruin the motor...which is a $500+ part itself!

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by AUSyTyIN

I'm having an issue with the passenger front window. It occasionally makes a loud popping noise (so loud that it actually scares whoever is sitting in the seat). It is highly annoying, but hasn't actually been a problem until recently.

Twice in the last week it has gone down, and won't go back up. The first time I took the door panel apart, and I was trying to figure out what the problem was when something snapped back into place, and everything seemed like it was normal. I took the plastic pieces off the lift mechanism (the ones that actually go into the window) and they were fine.

I've tried searching around, and I've seen the RX for the window, but I'm not sure that would fix my problem. Thanks for your help.

Did you remove the vapor barrier behind the door panel?
The vapor barrier is the black thin foam material that held by tacky caulk, you need to use xacto knife to cut through the caulk slowly and craefully not to tear the foam then you can see the regulator. I am agreeing with Charlie, most likely it's the steel wire crimp that snaps/broken.
But when mine did, no intermittent symptoms, window stays where it was and I could only hear the motor.

[01X5Guy]

Furthermore - check the window clips that secure the glass to the regulator. Mine were broken and the window would pop out on one side and not go up when fully down.

[kablammo]

Originally Posted by 01X5Guy

Furthermore - check the window clips that secure the glass to the regulator. Mine were broken and the window would pop out on one side and not go up when fully down.

The window is most likely out of it's tracks. If you press the switch and hear the motor run but the window stays put and you do not hear any other (bad) noise then most likely it's broken clip(s). #7 as listed here: RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i EL.FRONT DOOR WINDOW LIFTING MECHANISM

Good news is there are a couple good DIYs on the site if you feel like tackling the job.

If your window regulator is kaput then make sure you get the replacement clips (2).

k

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by kablammo

If your window regulator is kaput then make sure you get the replacement clips (2).

I just recently chaged my regulator and the clips looked fine, but one of them broke apart pretty easliy when I was removing it from the window. If I didn't get these in advance, it would have meant another trip to the dealer and another day with the car torn apart. To be safe get these two clips as well as about 4 or 5 door panel clips. They also break very easily. These parts literally only cost a few bucks total are well worth it to have on hand.

[AUSyTyIN]

The two plastic clips look perfect. Yes, I removed the vapor barrier, but the adhesive was tacky enough that it pulled apart without me having to cut anything.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by AUSyTyIN

The two plastic clips look perfect. Yes, I removed the vapor barrier, but the adhesive was tacky enough that it pulled apart without me having to cut anything.

Mine looked fine to, but were fairly brittle.

Are yours screwed in far enough to separate the back of the clips? This is what holds the glass on the regulator.

[nra0707]

There's a backing nut that holds the screw into the clips too. Make sure that didn't fall out.