Magic tips for window glass reinstall???????

[luvmy03E53]

I'm working on a window regulator replacement in the right front door my '03, and have come to a very frustrating part of putting it all back together. I have the new regulator back in place, and I'm unable to get the glass onto the clips of the regulator. No matter how I angle the glass or try to flex it, I can't get it over the clips. Does anyone have any advice or tips/tricks I should try to finally get the glass back in? Having waited almost 3 weeks for weather warm enough to do this work outside, I'm quite anxious to get it done finally.

As always, any and all advice is greatly appreciated!!!

[Joshdub]

Which window? do you have it rolled down to where you can bolt the clip to the regulator? A picture of what you are stuck on will help. I have not had a problem with window play when it comes to the regulator clips.

[upallnight]

How about a video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA_xpjGpyFc

[cn90]

IDK about X5 but I did my 1998 528i a while back and wrote the tricks below...

DIY: 1998 528I REAR Window Regulator Repair - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

[luvmy03E53]

Originally Posted by upallnight

How about a video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA_xpjGpyFc

I followed this video closely, but it shows nothing of how the glass attaches to the regulator clips. I've watched some other videos and I think I've found my mistake. I had attached the clips to the regulator before feeding the glass into the door. I now see that the glass should be fed in first, then the black plastic clips inserted into the holes in the glass, then the nut inserted into the back of the plastic clip. After lining up the glass with the holes in the regulator rails, I can then install the bolt to hold it all together. I had it all out of order.

Thanks for the quick feedback!



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[David.X5]

Sounds like you are on the right track. I had the special screws/ nuts back off after I did this job, so the second time I used the weak/removable Loctite on the screw that goes through the glass and clip and into the special nut. Over tightening is not good as it can break the glass.

[puddinboo]

another good tip so your not holding up the glass in place while installing the regulator is using tape to hold the glass up.

[crystalworks]

Is this different for front regulators? I did the rear without removing the glass at all... just taped it up as mentioned above.

[Joshdub]

I just did a front regulator and there was no need to remove the glass. Just held it up with tape.