Window regulator advice
 

My X was overdue for breaking on me, but fortunately it's no worse than the drivers side window stuck down. And you know, it's still nice and warm here, so no big deal.

I took it apart today and found that the metal and plastic piece kit must be a cable guide?) Was broken. I could get the window to roll up if I helped it out. While taking out the window I broke the two plastic clibs that hold it to the regulator as well.

Should I replace the whole regulator at this point, or just replace the two clips and the cable guide? Should I just lube up the regulator and put it back since it seems to work fine?

Also, should I replace my driver's door handle while I have the door apart as a preventative maintenance?

Thanks!

yes, the carrier at least

Any info on which window regulator to go with? My Indy sez my drivers side needs replacing......

Well min was 12 years old and 126k miles so I went back with a n OE unit.

Buy the OE regulator and it will fit and function as designed. REPLACE the clip that holds the glass to the regulator. Clip colors are Black = front and white =rear or the reverse. Someone will chip in and say which is which but the PN on Real OEM will get you the right ones.

^This - If it lasts 12 years I'd spend the few bucks extra to know I'm not getting a headache again - the window clips (x2 on front, x1 on rear, per window) also need to be done at the same time as they get brittle with age -

And the price is $1.50ea for fronts black (2) and $8ea for rear white(1)

Aha I knew we would hear from someone with experience on these clips. Thanks OptimusPriM5! I know first hand that you have experience with window regulators...
:stickpoke

Excuse me; but when you members mention “rear”, are you referring to the “backseat or rear passenger windows”? (In terms of the clips to buy).......I only ask because I see the phrase “reverse” mentioned also.....so is the white clip for the reverse side of the FRONT window, or is the white clip for the REAR PASSENGER window??

The white clips are for the REAR. He was saying he wasnt 100% which color was which. I can confirm 100% I am correct

Thanks for the clarity......

He B Right!

For my 2001 E53 3.0i,

the front windows, left and right sides, each take two black plastic window clips to connect the window to the regulator slider. Part number 51-33-8-254-781
https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/...4781-MFG9.aspx
(you can enter your year and model there and it will tell you if it fits)

The rear windows, left and right sides each take one white/natural plastic clip to connect the window to the regulator slider. Part number 51-35-7-011-680
https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/...1680-MFG9.aspx

Current prices for the genuine BMW parts there are $2.01 and $9.73

If you search this forum with those part numbers I bet you'll find a lot of other good info.

So by the white clips, you mean the ones with the metal attached? And the black Clips are the two that clip directly into the window glass. Is that right?

The two black clips are indeed those that clip into the glass (there is a holding "nut" and screw). The white clip is simply a different version of the same part - but for the rear door window(s). The black (longer) are for the front windows (two per window). BMW lists (presently) a different part for the rear doors - I can't recall the part number - it's towards $9 US. My dealer gave me an orange color one (E46 or later car) which is a bit shorter. It works fine and was less money. The black are NOW listed for the rear doors in the BMW ETK software that dealers use (same as realoem.com).

No. Absolutely not at all. The links show the exact parts I'm talking about. I thought I went a little overboard trying to reduce some of the confusion rampant throughout this simple topic.

So those links show the parts I'm talking about, which are commonly known as "window clips."

The things I believe you are talking about are commonly known as slider clips, sliders, or regulator clips. They are attached directly to the cables in the regulator. The "window clips" connect the window glass to these "slider clips." The slider clips are not sold separately by BMW, but aftermarket copies are common - e.g., at regulatorfix.com

Awesome, thanks.

Anyone know what the little tiny orange LED light is that I found when I opened up the door? I can't figure out where it goes! It's at the front of the door by the window switch. Doesn't seem to be anywhere to put it in the door panel.

The orange LED lights up the door handle pocket. Most likely was broken off when you removed the door panel, if you weren't aware of it and didnt carefully remove it. There's a few threads on here about fixing this...

I could use some more help on this.

I put the whole thing back together with new slider and bottom clips, but did not remove the regulator. When I did so, the two bolts on the bottom of the window would not line up together with the regulator sliders. I just had a broken clip so I don't know why this would happen. Does this mean my regulator is bad? It seems to work perfectly fine, but the two steel clamp things on the cable don't seem to be in the right alignment.

Oh nevermind, I had the slider clip on the wrong side of the track. It was broken so I never saw how it came out. Now I just can't get the window to roll up all the way. It rolls up fine without the window attached, but when I bolt it on to the regulator it gets about halfway up before it loses steam and can't push it anymore.

Apparently to fix my issue you just have to take it apart four times and then cuss at it.