If I buy the entire regulator it looks like it includes the regulator clips as part of the assembly. Did I miss something?

Here's a tip, in case it is not common knowledge ...
I replaced just the window clip on my right rear window of my '01 3.0i a week or so ago - did it without removing the regulator or window.

I had replaced the left front regulator when I first got the car (also replacing window clips, bushings, screws, vapor barrier, door panel clips, etc. while I was in there) and bought spares of the small parts, just in case. So that window is fine.

A couple of weeks ago my right rear window fell down inside the door (I was not there, so don't know details). I expected problems again with the regulator clip, but it was fine. Turns out it was just the window clip that was bad. So I used one of my new spares along with a new bushing and replaced it without even loosening any other screws. Took just a few minutes.

BTW, that right rear window had the regulator replaced at the PO's dealer about 100k miles earlier, with no other records of work on it. What I found in there was that the window clip was cracked and held together with electrical tape -i.e., it was kludged rather than just replaced by whomever was the last one in there. The regulator, motor, and door panel clips were all excellent (e.g., only one door panel clip cracked when removing the door panel = fresh).

No you did not miss something. The regulator clips are included as part of the regulator assembly, and come already attached to the regulator cables.

You'll need to disconnect the motor from the regulator and the window/window clips from the regulator clips when swapping in the new regulator.

The window clips (51-33-8-254-781 for my '01) do not come with the regulator, and are sold separately by BMW.
Some of the parts I bought for my fix:
07-14-7-154-229 hex bolt
51-33-8-242-760 bushing
51-41-8-224-768 door panel clip with foam washer
51-41-1-973-500 door panel clip
51-33-8-254-781 clip

^Correct. You will not get the new black window clips with a new regulator assembly (aftermarket or BMW), you will get the actual sliding "regulator clips" on a new regulator assembly.

I haven't done the rear window at all, but I think there is only one clip bolting the window on that, as opposed to 2 window clips up front.

I have the white slider clips pictured above, as well as new bushing/window clip/bolts and will get around to eventually doing the slider clips and black window clips preventatively.

A tip for any time you are taking off door panels, have a ton of those panel clips with integrated foam washer. There are 10-11 clips on each door and its real easy to miss the hole when aligning the panel back up and one bad smash and the clip is toast. I ended up busting 3 new clips when I replaced the interior black door handle (peeling) this weekend, good thing I had spares because the old ones were very brittle.

Don't know about X5, but in my 1998 528i, this is my experience...

- Installed the ebay white plastic clip (about $15 or so), it lasted 5 years.
- Then the pulley system (nothing to do with the white plastic lip) fell off. So, I bought brand-new BMW dealer regulator for $130. Problem solved.
If you ever buy a new regulator, stick to BMW, aftermarket parts are terrible at best.

Theoretically and based on cn90's advice, I probably would buy the white plastic clips on Ebay, put them on a NEW, BMW regulator, before installing. The extra $15 for the white plastic clips and the new BMW regulator should theoretically last a hell of a lot longer time than just putting a BMW regulator in, since the slider clips are usually the first pieces to break.

My cables are not torn up. They are of kind of all of the place and I think it is because part of the regulator clip broke. I just have to figure out how to get the cables back in place is all.

Well based off of everyones input I went and replaced the entire regulator with a Dorman from amazon for 48.00 shipped. Too bad I did not search the site a bit more since I could have got one with a motor for 5.00 more. Oh well. I am sure the old motor will last since I hardly use the auto.

I just could not figure out how to remove the regulator clips and reroute the cable back. That and the cable looked frayed in one section. I have the new one installed and it took me about two hours to do it. My clip that is inside the window is a little damaged and I will need to get a new one. So I temporarily used it and now the window is back to normal. Just need to put the door panel back on after I swap out a new window clip.

Thanks for all of the input again.

Good to hear, the Dorman I hear is a good quality unit compared to OE.

So I notice for the rear window clips there are two part numbers../
one part number is the same as the 2 per front door (4 in total for front doors).
has anyone replaced these rear window clips and or regulator slider clips?