Window Regulator Newbies
 

For all those new to the X5, the window regulators are the worst part of the car. Always keep one of each window regulator on your garage shelf and learn how to replace yourself. Will take a few times doing it, but will save you a ton of money and hassle having your window down while parking at work etc.

The plastic clips holding the regulator bracket to the window seem to degrade over about 5 years. Then you will hear clicking. Or the cable runs out of lube and wears out.

The best place I have found to purchase as well has a lifetime warranty, I just send mine back and get a free replacement! 1aauto https://www.1aauto.com/

Hope that helps, search the forum for DIY window regulator and Youtube for tips. Get a magnetic socket set so you can hold the bolt that goes through the window as you are putting it on in a tight place.

Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck and save some cash DIY.

You're better off buying the glide clips, the window clips and door panel clips.
Those are the failure parts. You can stock enough for all 4 windows for less then $40
Always pay attention to your window, if it doesn't roll up leave it alone.
DO NOT press the button again.
It's only hard to repair when it gets bound up and starts breaking other parts.
Even though the OEM and aftermarkets look identical, you'll have a better experience keeping the factory ones.
I have two I just rebuilt to replace the aftermarket ones I just put in.

That being said, it's not when it will happen, it when!

Thanks for reminding me... I have to replace the guide clips in the Mrs X5... I've been putting off for months because it's winter here.
I have tons of them because they're sooo cheap. :D

Still don't wanna do it.:rolleyes:

Haha! I feel your pain.
Just bought this X5 and have replaced 3 regulators complete because I didn't have the parts to repair them, ordered them but had complete failure before they arrived.
Where my wife parks her car at work you can't have a window down for 2 days.
Both fronts were hanging on by one, if you rolled the window all the way down it would get stuck in the door.
The rear passenger went down and stayed down, fortunately the two pass ones were salvaged for repair.
This one is in crazy good shape and only has 44,000 miles on it, it's time not wear.
I feel your pain.
I've replaced tons of these things from GM to BMW, my favorites are the VW when they just fall into the door and brake the window too!
Then you get to take out 25 bolts to pull the whole regulator assembly.
Also MBZ, same crap big giant stupid regulators.

For the life of me I can't under stand why they don't make them out of metal and use plastic inserts, fail means money I guess.

The amount of times it took to stop the Mrs putting the window all the way down... ;)

I'll do it... soon... Trans filter in mine first tho!

Hopefully I don't jinx myself here, but I've never had any window regulator issues on my 2004 4.4i. Am I lucky or is mine just a freak of nature?

I suppose it all depends on how often you roll your windows up and down and climate.
Or
Luck!
I wouldn't have said that if I were you! Better go knock on some wood!

Hahaha, thanks!