front window regulator e53 general query
 

Hi to all, okee well am surprised that it hasn't given way sooner but i am starting to get a cracking noise as the drivers side window hits close to closing, query and an unorthodox one is I have stripped out and in, done the regulator/winding mechanism ziptie fix/wire gauze fix hmmm about I would say 3 times on each door over the years! is the principal and fixings so on so forth on the e53 similar to get at the mechanism...?I will give it a once over on here and check.

I'm in the same boat. I removed the OEM one due to broken clips. The previous owner just unplugged the regulator. The Chinese one started to make loud cracking noises after a year. The replacement will come out soon and repaired OEM back in. OEM regulators go and down a lot faster.

Pain in the rear, it's probably not the actual motor but the clips, that crappy plastic that goes brittle over time.....dunno will wait and see,last fix with wire on wifes e46 i did the fix with a piece of wire drilling through the metal backing plate and threading it through and tightening, rock solid.

Here's the article on the site:

https://xoutpost.com/articles/x5/ele...nt-bmw-x5.html

This is a good article but I've found that trying to reheat the butyl rope to get the sound insulation stuck back to the door frame doesn't work very well. I recommend removing the old rope and using new rope with a heat gun. For removal I use Acry Solvent by Transtar. It takes time and patience so as to not make a mess but leaves a nice clean surface.

I also recommend replacing the sound insulation if the existing is compromised. It's more than sound insulation as It keeps rain water draining down the window in the door and out of the interior. This is also another reason to replace the butyl rope.

righto appreciate replies....butyl rope out here they will gimme finny looks, anyhow i had to replacement 'clips' i bought ages ago as plan on only replacing these if they are indeed what is at fault then again could be the 2 black clips that hold the glass to the mechanism, just curious ALAS the new clips maybe 8 years old now both have a break at point shown. Does anyone reckon they are compromised in their functionality, there is just up and down movement with this item as such ....or else i buy new ones

ok cheers found a good youtube too, don't plan on disconnecting the airbag...will get it out of the way and use a wire to tie to door top and out of way....on the ahmmm 4 times i did on the e46 was okee....

oops 2 articles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gFEwUOQSgA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwFFd7OJGaI

On my LF door it was a part on the window regulator that broke. On my RF door the same part on the regulator broke and one of the black clips that attach the glass to the regulator broke. In both cases I replaced the regulators and clips. The motors were fine. I used BMW regulators because I plan to drive the car for a long time.

While you're in the door cavity you may want to consider replacing the door handle carriers if you haven't already. I've had to replace both LF and RF. Same failure on both in the same location. I believe they are cast aluminum and will crack eventually. I recommend going with genuine BMW on these as well.

I really like the kit from regulatorfix.com . He sends you the clips for all 4 windows, which is nice since you'll need them eventually. They're inexpensive, and I think his are a little stronger than the OE clips, too.

Edit: it looks like he no longer sells them all together as before. Still would recommend. BTW, his website is wonky.... just search for BMW, not for E53.

AM.

I was going to post that I couldn't find the kit there. Doing my first fix after almost 19 years of ownership!

I ordered the front ones from his eBay store. Less expensive than the site and free shipping:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/160835445754

I also ordered the clips:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/162007802654

Two per window.

Two questions:

1. What type of grease is best?

2. Do you recommend doing the zip tie fix when using the regulatorfix clips?