Help... Driver's Side Window Stuck Down
 

Last night I rolled the drivers side window down in my new to me 2001 X5 E53, and it will not go back up. Ever since I got it the window has struggled to go up but I was always able to get in to go. This time when I try to roll it up it goes up just a hair above the seal and makes a sort of clunking nose and won't move.

Does anyone know if this is the window regulator, motor or the clips that I have read about breaking?

Thanks in advance for any and all help. I tried a search but couldn't find the same problem.

Pop off the door panel and have a look. Hard to guess but I would think the regulator cable has gone awol.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately it happened last night around 6pm and I have to work today. and it started raining right after it happened!:banghead:
At least I only have to work half a day tomorrow and off all day on new years day. I don't think I will be able to have the regulator here by then, but at least I will be able to get the window up!

welcome to X5 ownership. When you buy new window clips, buy several sets for both front and rear doors. You will likely need them. It is not a bad idea to have spare regulators for all doors in stock too...(I do)

I am now assembling a window-repair kit to store near my spare tire for broken windows on the road - which has now happened twice.

T-20 Torx driver
Medium Philips head
8mm nut driver
8mm open-end wrench - allows you to release window even if it won't move
Front and rear window clips
Blue Loctite for window screws- avoid contact with plastic
Masking tape to hold window up during repair - won't damage paint
Piece of wood or plastic pipe to prop
Small and large trim tools
Flashlight

optional:
Duct tape to temp seal a torn vapor barrier
extra door clips

Thanks!
Is there anyway to reinforce the clips and the plastic pieces that fail on the regulators?

Should I order the motor also? I heard these don't go bad very often.

Thanks!

I don't think so. Although there probably is a quality difference between clips. I think people think the black clips (OEM or aftermarket) are better than the white clips..though I am not sure about this. When the regulators fail there isn't much to be done. Like-wise, some folks prefer OEM or OEM quality regulators other do fine with the cheaper ones.

I think keeping the window guides lubricated with silicone spray and not using the windows in freezing temps (prob not your issue) can go a long way toward keeping them working. Don't let anybody hang on a window either.

I wouldn't order a motor unless it went bad. However, the last regulator I bought for $35 on amazon came with a motor. I am not sure but I am betting the motors might be the same left/right and maybe even front back. Just a guess..So I now have a spare motor.

I remember my 01,they are notorious for clips and or window regulator going bad.If the other regulators have not been replaced yet ,they will fail ,mine all did after the warranty ended.$500 plus each at dealer for RR.
in comparison , my 05 just had 1 front passenger regulator fail all its life_however ,both front door handle carrier has been replaced twice.(Febi belstein from FCP)-this is another thing to watch out for ...
just buy the regulator unit with with motor (inexpensive nowadays-aftermarket)but save the motor from the old unit if its still good you might need it one day.
Get dirty -welcome to the M54 family.