Drivers side window - loud cracking sound
 

Hi crew,

Was hoping someone might be able to help me. Seems like my drivers side window is messed up. When I put it down there is a loud cracking sound. I also noticed that if it is down there is a lot of play in the window. Seems like whatever holds the window onto the track is gone on one side or something. Anyone ever deal with this?

Thanks

There are lots of threads on this. The plastic clips that hold the window to the regulator can break (there are two - front and back of the window) or the regulator itself can break. Search "x5 window clips" to get started

Awesome, thank you. I wasn't even really sure where to start.

For me it was the clips. Had the loud snap/crack noise on lowering and when you closed the door with the window down it rattled bad. The clips had lost their tabs and the window was hanging on by a prayer. Did the clips and no issues now.

I'd bet it's the clips. There are two per front window and one per rear window. There are only about four screws that hold the door panel on, the rest are clips. You can get new door panel clips from eBay for cheap. Get the window clips from the dealer. I'd also suggest getting interior trim removal tools so you don't ruin any trim pieces. The tools are usually less than $15 and make a worlds difference. This is a very easy repair.

Same problem.
I just finished replacing both clips on the drivers door. With the window part way down and closing the door a loud clunk was heard. The rear clip was broke. I took the window out and replaced both clips. Not to bad of a job. Just remember do not turn the key on with the airbag unplugged, or you set of the srs light. U-tube has some good videos. When buying window clips pick up a few door card clips. A few always break when removing.

I have turned the key, too, and had to clear the code later.

But just as a word of caution, the proper way is to disconnect the battery and wait some minutes to make sure the airbag system is de-energized before working on the airbag. After the airbag is unplugged and set aside, you can re-connect the battery if you need to move the window.

This is wrong.

Well, not wrong as in it will not work, but wrong in that it will cause an airbag fault to be recorded, and the SRS light will be turned on. If you turn the car on while the airbag is disconnected, a fault will be set.

I am not saying it will avoid an airbag light.
I am providing a reminder not to handle an energized airbag - proper handling the airbag will save all your digits.

On the E46, this is almost always the cable on the window regulator.

The clips break too but they do not make noise, they just make the window not work right -- or at all.

If you have a crunching sound, then you should put the window up and stop using it else the cable can completely come off and then you are up the creek without a paddle.

Hi everyone, thank you for the tips. I ordered the clips from Amazon and they came today (thank you for sunday delivery Amazon Prime). At any rate, it was exactly the problem. They were worn bad, one completely broken. It was only a 30 min job. I have experience taking the door apart as I have had to replace both my door handle arms already.

Great fix for $8 and 30 mins of work. Guess the passenger window will go next.

Thanks again

Could you link the Amazon item you ordered, please? I might order some just to have on hand.

51338254781 is for the front windows. Two needed per window.

BMW version should be around $1.26. Generic is like 30 cents.
The amazon price is inflated to include "free shipping".

see: Search SiteSearch 51338254781 - ECS Tuning

For me it was worth $8. I have prime and wanted to do it this weekend. Order Friday night and they were at my door this am.

Note, I thought it was only 1 so I ordered 2. They come as a pair.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B7FRNLQ..._2Atwvb12GJ8Q0

^This is on my weekend to do's as I have to replace the passenger door handle (black trim peeling), I have 4 clips, bushings, and screws ready to go in the regulators. Hopefully replacing the clips will keep my regulators from being stressed and working well for a few more years to come. No loud cracking from mine but a slight rattle when closing the door and the window is up.